In a significant move to revive the region's literary heritage and foster a culture of reading, the 90-year-old historic Lajpat Rai Public Library in Jhelum has been officially restored and reopened to the public. The newly renovated library was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Finance and Railways, Bilal Azhar Kayani. He was accompanied by Gagan Shahid, a prominent literary figure from Jhelum, alongside local scholars, writers, and notable personalities. During the event, the Minister toured various sections of the library, highly praising the exceptional quality of the restoration work.
Speaking at a press conference held within the library premises, Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani expressed his profound joy at reinstating Jhelum's magnificent historical and intellectual landmark after nine decades. He extended his deep gratitude and paid tribute to Jhelum Deputy Commissioner Meer Reza Ozgen, as well as Gagan Shahid and Amar Shahid of Book Corner Jhelum, along with all the individuals who contributed to this noble cause.
Detailing the history of the landmark, the Minister shared that the library was originally established in 1936. It was built by Lala Goranditta Mal, a forest department officer at the time, in memory of his father, Lala Ladha Shah Bindra. Later, the institution was named after Lala Lajpat Rai, a celebrated hero of the subcontinent’s independence movement. The historical records note that the library's original inauguration took place on May 3, 1936, led by Dr. Gopi Chand Bhargava, a renowned figure of that era.
The extensive renovation has successfully preserved the building's ancient cultural beauty and historic charm while upgrading it into a modern learning hub. The library has been stocked with 500 new books, neatly arranged by subject on beautifully crafted wooden bookshelves. To ensure smooth operations, a full-time librarian will be appointed for the first time. Furthermore, the space has been furnished with new seating to provide an ideal, comfortable environment for readers.
Minister Kayani emphasized that the building is not just a library but an architectural monument that attracts visitors from far and wide. Characterizing the library as a special gift for the youth and citizens of Jhelum, he noted that intellectual growth is just as vital as material progress, with books playing a foundational role in that development. Moving forward, the government plans to invite renowned literary and academic figures from across Pakistan to host regular intellectual seminars and literary gatherings at the Lajpat Rai Library.
