British Council Marks a Decade of Library Services in Karachi and Lahore

The British Council has celebrated ten years of its libraries serving communities in Karachi and Lahore, marking a decade of promoting reading, education, creativity and cultural exchange. The libraries provide welcoming spaces where people can develop new skills, explore ideas and connect with different cultures.

Anniversary event in Karachi

The anniversary was commemorated at an event in Karachi on October 8. It brought together representatives from Pakistan's cultural, educational, public and creative sectors, including senior British Council officials, government representatives, industry leaders, educationists, authors, artists, social advocates, influencers and long-standing library members.

The gathering recognised the role the libraries have played in bringing communities together and creating opportunities for people of different ages and backgrounds to participate in educational and cultural activities.

Ten years of community programmes

Over the past decade, British Council libraries in Karachi and Lahore have welcomed more than 50,000 members and hosted over 600 events. These included book launches, author discussions, workshops, public talks and cultural programmes.

Their activities have also reached more than 20,000 children and young learners, helping encourage reading habits, support educational development and introduce younger audiences to the value of lifelong learning.

James Hampson, Country Director of the British Council Pakistan, said the libraries had developed into community spaces where people could learn, exchange ideas, discover culture and establish connections with one another and with the United Kingdom.

He expressed appreciation for the communities that had embraced the libraries and highlighted the organisation's commitment to building on this progress through further opportunities for learning, creativity and engagement.

Cultural links between Pakistan and the UK

The ten-year milestone reflects the British Council's wider efforts to strengthen connections between Pakistan and the United Kingdom through education, arts and culture. Its programmes create opportunities for people to share experiences, understand different perspectives and participate in activities that encourage meaningful interaction.

The libraries continue to provide an environment where reading and creative exploration can bring people together beyond traditional classroom and institutional settings.

The anniversary celebration placed particular emphasis on accessible community spaces in Pakistan, where children, young people, families and adult learners can engage with books, take part in educational programmes and explore new interests.

As the libraries enter their next decade, the focus remains on expanding opportunities for community participation and keeping learning, cultural discovery and creative expression within reach of a wider audience.

Membership and digital access

People interested in joining the British Council libraries in Karachi and Lahore can arrange a free tour and explore individual, family and quarterly membership options. Members can use the library spaces, access collections and participate in available programmes and activities.

Digital Library Membership provides round-the-clock access to online learning and entertainment resources. Further information about membership and library services is available through the British Council's official website.

The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It works to build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and communities around the world through programmes in arts and culture, education and the English language.