Batticaloa Public Library
Serving the Eastern Province since 1855. Browse over 50,000 books, use our digital resources, and take part in community programs.
Search and discover books across the library collection. → Advanced Search
What We Offer
Services for students, researchers, families and the general public.
Join the Library
Register online for membership. Annual renewal is supported. Student membership is free.
Lending Facilities
Borrow up to 3 books for 14 days, renewable once. Fines and replacement charges apply for overdue or damaged items.
Document Delivery
Request scanned articles or chapters by email or secure download. Copyright-compliant service.
Internet & Computers
Free high-speed Wi-Fi and 20+ public-access workstations throughout the library. Booking recommended.
Maker Space
3D printers, electronics workstations, and project kits. Workshops held every Saturday at 10 AM.
Print, Copy & Scan
Printing, photocopying, and scanning available. LKR 5/page black and white, LKR 15/page colour.
Workshops & Training
Digital literacy, language classes, and skills programs for adults and children. Most are free to attend.
Volunteer Programs
Support community outreach, children's programs, and digitization projects as a library volunteer.
Become a Member Today
Annual membership is LKR 500 for adults, free for students and seniors. Members can borrow books, attend events, use computers and access the digital library.
Stay Informed
Latest notices, service updates and community programs.
Programs & Events
Upcoming events, workshops and a look back at our 2025 community programmes — free and open to all.
History of Batticaloa
Public Library
One of the oldest libraries in Sri Lanka, established in 1855 as a modest reading centre and grown over 170 years into the premier public library of the Eastern Province.
Through colonial administration, independence, cyclone, and reconstruction, the library has remained a steadfast centre of knowledge for readers, researchers and students across the region.
Read More
The Reading Centre
Originally housed in a former salt store, the facility provided newspapers and reading materials to a small number of community readers during the early colonial era.
Formal Library & Local Government
Formally developed into a library in 1884 and incorporated into the local government system in 1932. On 25 November 1950, with 825 books and 16 members, it officially opened as a public library under Mayor A.S. Selvanayagam.
Growth & Adversity
Came under the Batticaloa Municipal Council in 1967 and moved to a new building. A Children's Section was added in 1972. The devastating 1978 cyclone damaged the building and destroyed many rare books — but staff rebuilt it with tireless dedication.
A Modern New Home
The foundation stone for a new two-storey complex was laid on 23 December 2010. After administrative pauses, construction resumed in 2019. The new building — the leading library of the Eastern Province — is set to open on 20 May 2026.