Libraries in Chandigarh have been developed in phases. In the first phase T. S. Central State Library in Sector-17 was established to cater to the reading needs of the residents of 30 sectors. With the development of more sectors, towards the south of Dakshin–Marg and the coming up of satellite town Mohali, it was felt, all the more necessary to set up another big public library in the south Chandigarh. With the idea of fulfilling this need, Divisional Library (South) in the sub-city center in Sector-34 was conceived, as a hub of creative activities.
Divisional Library (South) – 34, was inaugurated on 14th August 1995 by H.E. Lt. Gen. Sh. B. K. N. Chibber (retd.), Administrator Chandigarh and Governor of Punjab. It was initially started with collections of 5000 books of which about 2000 were gifted from T. S. Central State Library, Sector-17 and rests were received as donation from the general public.
With the coming up of Divisional Library (South) in Sector-34, which is being developed as city sub-center, holds promise for lots of cultural and intellectual activities. This library has in its premises, the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi, Chandigarh, Lalit Kala Akademi and Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi. The activities of these Akademies make the environment of the library all the more lively. The library has developed as the hub of cultural and intellectual activities of Chandigarh.
Divisional Library (South) is an organ of social democracy and an instrument of self-realization. Library has been characterized, from the beginning, by its commitment to the goals of promoting and enlightened citizenry; providing the opportunity, materials, encouragement and stimulation for continuing self education and serving the community inside and outside the walls.
Recently the name of the library has been changed from State Library to Divisional Library (South) by the Chandigarh Administration.
