Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Panjab University Extension Library faces underutilization
The Panjab University Extension Library in Ludhiana has a lot of books and resources, but not many people are using it.
This is because it's only open from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, and it's closed on weekends and holidays.
Also, the membership fees are quite high, which makes it hard for some people to use the library.
People who use the library say it should be open every day and for more hours, and the fees should be lower.
They also say the library needs more staff and better facilities.
The library was started in 1960 and has a lot of books, but many of its resources are not being used because of these problems.
Panjab University Extension Library (PUEL) in Ludhiana is underutilized due to limited operating hours and high membership fees.
The library operates only from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, and is closed on weekends and holidays.
Membership fees include a security deposit of ₹3,500 and an annual subscription of ₹750 plus 18% GST, totaling ₹885.
The library houses nearly 1.78 lakh publications, including rare books, government documents, and Braille books.
Readers and former officials argue for extended hours, lower fees, and improved facilities to enhance the library's utilization.
- Who
- Panjab University Extension Library (PUEL), Ludhiana
- What
- Underutilization due to limited hours, weekend closure, and high fees
- When
- Current issues; founded in July 1960
- Where
- Ludhiana, Punjab
- Why
- Restricted access and high membership fees
- Founded
- July 1960
- Initial Collection
- 43,000 books
- Current Collection
- 1,78,559 publications
- Membership Fee
- ₹885 (including GST)
- Operating Hours
- 9 am to 5 pm (Mon-Fri)
- Seating Capacity
- 200 readers
- Auditorium Capacity
- 250 seats
- Newspaper Subscriptions
- 16
- Magazine Subscriptions
- 60