The Jaffna Public Library is a prominent public library in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, and a significant cultural landmark with a turbulent history.

Here is a summary of its history, significance, and current status:

History and Significance

• Establishment and Early Glory: The library began in 1933 as a private collection and rapidly grew. The main Indo-Saracenic style building was officially opened in 1959. By the early 1980s, it was considered one of the largest libraries in Asia, housing over 97,000 volumes of books and irreplaceable manuscripts. It served as a vital repository of Tamil literature, culture, and history, making it a symbol of the intellectual and cultural identity of the Tamil people.
• The 1981 Arson Attack: On the night of May 31, 1981, the library was deliberately burned down by an organized mob, which included police and government-sponsored paramilitias. This act of “biblioclasm” resulted in the devastating loss of nearly 100,000 volumes, including rare and ancient manuscripts, texts on herbal medicine, and the only copy of the “Yalpana Vaipava Malai” (a history of Jaffna). The destruction is widely remembered as a significant attack on Tamil cultural heritage and is considered a precursor to the Sri Lankan Civil War.

Rebuilding and Current Status

• Reconstruction: Efforts to rebuild the library began in the late 1990s. The full reconstruction and renovation of the building were completed in 2001, and it was officially reopened in 2003.
• A Symbol of Resilience: Today, the Jaffna Public Library stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and renewal in the wake of the civil conflict. While the irreplaceable original texts are permanently lost, the library has since amassed a new collection of books and materials, continuing to serve the community.
• The Library Today:
  • It is run by the Jaffna Municipal Council and is considered Sri Lanka’s second main public library, after the Colombo Public Library.
  • The architecturally significant building is surrounded by gardens and features modernized facilities, including free Wi-Fi added in 2016.
  • It offers various services, including a reference section, a lending section for members, an archives section, and a mobile library service to reach surrounding communities. It also provides Braille and audio books for visually impaired users.
  • The library remains a notable tourist attraction and a key cultural center in Jaffna.