History of the library

The Jaffna Public Library, a cornerstone of Tamil cultural heritage in Sri Lanka, was officially placed under the administration of the Jaffna Town Development Board on 1 January 1935.\nBefore this, the library began as a modest initiative in August 1934, housed in a small rented room on Hospital Road, Jaffna, with a collection of 844 books and approximately 30 newspapers and magazines. As the collection expanded, necessitating more space, the library was relocated in January 1935 to a rented building on Main Street, Jaffna.\nMr. Sam A. Sabapathy, who served as the first Mayor of Jaffna, demonstrated remarkable dedication in modernizing the Jaffna Public Library. Under his leadership, the library evolved from its humble origins into a thriving centre of learning, setting the stage for its emergence as one of South Asia’s most distinguished institutions.

In 1952, Mr. Sam A. Sabapathy founded the Jaffna Central Library Association, and Reverend Father Long, then Principal (Rector) of St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna, was appointed Vice-Chairman, solidifying their visionary partnership in advancing the library’s growth.\nRev. Father Timothy M.F. Long journeyed across numerous countries, tirelessly soliciting donations to build a permanent home for the Jaffna Public Library. His persuasive efforts secured generous support from dignitaries such as the American Ambassador Philip K. Crowe and the British High Commissioner Sir Cecil Sayers, laying the financial foundation for the library’s enduring legacy.\nUpon completion of the first phase of construction, the new library building was ceremoniously inaugurated on 11 October 1959 by Mr. Alfred Duraiyappa, then serving as Mayor of Jaffna, marking a proud moment in the city’s cultural heritage.\nNumerous distinguished scholars and generous well-wishers contributed their invaluable books and manuscripts to the library, enriching it with a wealth of knowledge and securing its status as a hallowed repository of Tamil cultural heritage.