BANNU: The Municipal Public Library, historic Bannu library and a century-old symbol of learning and culture, is in urgent need of restoration as years of neglect have eroded its historical charm and functionality. Established in 1905 during the British era, the building was originally named the Queen Victoria Memorial Library and remains a rare example of colonial architecture in the region.
Beyond its architectural value, the library has long served as an important centre of knowledge for students, researchers and residents of the city. Generations have benefited from its academic resources, making it an integral part of Bannu’s intellectual and cultural identity.
In 1974, the building was temporarily handed over to the Pakistan National Centre, and following the centre’s closure, it returned to municipal control and was renamed the Municipal Public Library. Over time, however, limited funding and maintenance led to serious structural decay, leaving the historic building in a fragile condition.
Local residents say the decline is not limited to infrastructure alone. They point out that the library last received new books in 2001, while newspapers were last provided in 2021, creating major difficulties for regular readers and researchers seeking updated material.
Citizens have urged authorities to restore the building while preserving its original colonial design. They have suggested renovating it on the pattern of Bannu’s historic Nicholson House and equipping it with essential facilities such as a solar power system, clean drinking water and updated collections on modern and contemporary subjects.
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Librarian Akbar Ali Shah said the issues had been formally conveyed to the district administration, expressing hope that special funds would be allocated for restoration. He stressed that cosmetic repairs were no longer sufficient and warned that without comprehensive intervention, this valuable heritage site could lose its significance as a centre of learning.