No overseas holiday is possible without a visit to a library – or photos. However, I must admit that this has not been easy.

When in Jaipur we followed our guides advice that the library was open at 4pm… and presto went back and it wasn’t open on the day we were there (more on this guide later). However I did take a photo of a shut door – that that the sign age is helpful to anyone.

Next we visited the David Sassoon Library in Mumbai… unfortunately I was not allowed to take any photos. We also visited the Asiatic Society of Bombay Library, and Mumbai’s State Central Library (again no photos -darn!). Which is really disappointing as they still use the old subscriber system, and card catalogues. All the books are kept in glass wooden cabinets, and magazines are often pilled on the floor. Buildings are dusty, and not in the best condition – which is really depressing. If you are expecting to see a computer in these institutions… forget it!

The picture here is taken at the Library in the Mani Bhavan, the building where the Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Bombay. Grace – many thanks for the recommendation it was great! Like the other libraries visited.. lots of card catalogues – and don’t expect them to comply to cataloging standards. Your basic title, author and if you are lucky year of publication and location. Visiting these places really makes you appreciate the libraries in which we work.

(Helen edited this text)