If you want to get close to Britain and drown yourself in volumes of information, head straight to the British Council library in town. The British Council is Britian's international network for education, science and technology, culture and development services. This education hub provides individuals and institutions with access to contemporary British ideas and expertise. In India, the Council operates as a division of the British High Commission, with offices in the four metros and a network of twelve libraries.

The Council's library aims to promote partnership between Britain and India by providing information services of the highest British professional standards. The stock of the library includes about 60,000 books on a variety of subjects: journals, newspapers, educational videos, home videos, CD-Roms, multi-media, music CDs and spoken word audio cassettes.

The library's book collection focuses primarily on literature, management, computers, engineering, medicine, chemical technology, social science, pure sciences as well as arts, architecture, history and fiction. Over 150 British periodicals and 10 leading British newspapers are available for enthusiasts. Their home videos comprise of an interesting mix of British comedy, drama, action, wildlife, war, music, classics, documentaries, feature films, popular television productions and films for children.

Besides the borrowing facilities they offer a number of other services at the library from reference and information services to internet access, sale of withdrawn books, inhouse-video screenings, music listening sessions, photocopying and international book loans. One can even avail their education counselling services, distance learning centre for management programmes and examination service for British exams.

To access the library resources one needs to have a valid membership. Non-members can use the library only for reference by paying a daily charge of Rs 20/- from Tuesdays to Fridays and Rs 50/- on Saturdays.

Library timings: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday).
They are closed on Sundays, Mondays and selected public holidays.

Address: The British Council, Mittal Tower,
'A' Wing, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400 021
Phone: 282 3560 / 3530

e-mail: mumbai.library@in.britishcouncil.org

URL: www.britishcouncil.org

By Anupama Vinayak