The David Sassoon Library a Grade I heritage building situated in the  heart of the city of Mumbai at Kala Ghoda was constructed in the Year 1870. It was the first building to come up on the Esplanade, when the walls of the Old Fort were demolished, the second building to come up being Crawford Market. David Sassoon, a Jewish philanthropist from Baghdad contributed Rs.60,000/- and the then British Government also contributed an equal sum to construct this beautiful building ( which is often referred as “ The Jewel of Kala Ghoda” ) at a total cost of Rs.1,25,000/-                      

The Library houses about 40,000 books in English, Marathi, Gujarati and Hindi and is open all 365 days a year from 8 in the morning till 9 at night. Many professional students and researchers take advantage of the precious collections in the Library. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedker and Mr. Nani Palkhiwala, amongst many others have taken advantage of the Library, during their formative years.

Presently the Library has undertaken a major restoration of the Library building and its garden and the same is a continuing process.

The Kala Ghoda Association conducts the “Kala Ghoda Festival” on a yearly basis and the Library and its Garden hosts events during the festival thereby participating actively.

The Library urges all Mumbaikar, Corporate Houses and Charitable Trust to come forward generously and contribute their mite in protecting and preserving the grand heritage which has served many generations. Donations may be sent by cheque/DD in favor of “David Sassoon Library & Reading Room” and the same are exempt under Section 80 G of the Income Tax Act.

With Kind Regards,                                       

                                                                                                               Yours Sincerely,

                                            

                                                                                                     (VIVEKANAND  AJGAONKAR)
                                                                                                               President Emeritus