American Library, Public library in New Delhi, India

The American Library is a publicly accessible facility within the American Center in New Delhi, India, offering English-language books, periodicals, and digital media. The building includes reading areas, study spaces, and rooms used for events and community activities.

The library began as a reading room at 54 Queensway (now Janpath) with 3,000 books, 2,000 pamphlets, 80 periodical subscriptions and 24 seats. A lending system and free membership followed in 1951, when holdings reached 6,000, and mail loans began two years later. It moved to 24 Curzon Road (now Kasturba Gandhi Marg) in 1952 with 10,000 books, occupied Bahawalpur House from 1969 to February 1974, and marked 25 years in November 1971 under Vice President Gopal Swarup Pathak.

The library is part of the American Center in New Delhi and draws students, researchers, and curious visitors looking for English-language books, journals, and digital resources. It works as a meeting point for people interested in American society and culture.

Access to the library usually requires registration at the American Center reception, so it helps to plan ahead before your visit. Some areas may be open only to registered members, so checking what is available to first-time visitors can save time.

At any given time, about half of the library's 70,000 books are in the homes of more than 76,000 registered patrons. The library also runs a bi-monthly book post listing upcoming events, and its weekly Friday Flicks screening shows a Hollywood film in the American Center auditorium.