Library Hours in Bangladesh — Opening Times for 108+ Public Libraries
Most public libraries in Bangladesh are open Sunday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and completely CLOSED on Friday and Saturday. This includes the Bangladesh National Library in Agargaon, all eight Divisional Government Libraries (Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Barisal, Rangpur, Mymensingh), and 64+ district-level branches. The British Council Library in Dhaka operates on a private schedule, open Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Friday: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Hours may shorten during Ramadan and close on national holidays. Use this directory to check the exact opening times for the library closest to you — filtered by division, district, or library name.
What are library hours in Bangladesh?
Government public libraries in Bangladesh are open Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. All libraries (including the Sufia Kamal National Public Library in Shahbagh) are completely closed on Friday and Saturday. Hours are reduced during Ramadan and libraries are closed on public holidays.
Standard Government Library Hours in Bangladesh
Below is the official opening schedule for standard public, divisional, and national libraries. Use this table as a quick reference before planning your study sessions or research visits.
| Library / Type | Open Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Central Public Library, Shahbagh, Dhaka | Sun–Thu | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Bangladesh National Library, Agargaon | Sun–Thu | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Divisional Government Library (all 8) | Sun–Thu | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| District Public Library (64 districts) | Sun–Thu | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Upazila Branch Libraries | Sun–Thu | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| British Council Library, Dhaka | Sat–Thu & Fri | Sat–Thu: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Fri: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (members) |
| Bangla Academy Library, Dhaka | Sat–Thu | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| All Government Libraries | Friday & Saturday | CLOSED |
| All Government Libraries | National Holidays | CLOSED |
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Library Hours by Division — Find Libraries Near You
Choose your division below to see the specific schedules for major local libraries. We have mapped out the most prominent institutions in each region so you can quickly find opening hours near you.
Dhaka Division Library Hours
- Central Public Library (Sufia Kamal National Library), Shahbagh — Sun–Thu, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Bangladesh National Library, Agargaon — Sun–Thu, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- British Council Library, Dhaka — Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Friday: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
- Bangla Academy Library, Dhaka — Sat–Thu, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
- Riddhi Library, Mirpur 11 — Sat–Thu, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Popular community library).
Note: Other district libraries in Gazipur, Narayanganj, Tangail, and Kishoreganj follow standard Sunday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM government schedules.
→ See all 43 libraries in Dhaka DivisionChattogram Division Library Hours
- Chattogram Laldighee City Corporation Library — Sun–Thu, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Brahmanbaria District Government Library, Kautali — Sun–Thu, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Cox's Bazar District Library — Sun–Thu, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Note: District public libraries in Feni, Comilla, Chandpur, and Noakhali operate on standard schedules and are closed on Fridays and Saturdays.
→ See all Chattogram librariesRajshahi Division Library Hours
- Divisional Library Rajshahi, Laxmipur — Sun–Thu, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Woodburn Government Public Library, Bogura Edward Park — Sun–Thu, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Note: Woodburn Library in Bogura is one of the oldest libraries in Bangladesh (170+ years). District libraries in Pabna, Sirajganj, and Naogaon follow standard hours.
→ See all Rajshahi librariesKhulna Division Library Hours
- Divisional Library Khulna, Baikali, Boyra — Sun–Thu, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Umesh Chandra Public Library, Khulna Sadar — Sun–Thu, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Note: Standard hours are followed by district branches in Jashore, Jhenaidah, Bagerhat, and Satkhira.
→ See all Khulna librariesSylhet Division Library Hours
- Sylhet Divisional Government Library — Sun–Thu, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Sylhet Mushtak Chowdhury Public Library — Sun–Thu, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Note: District-level public libraries in Habiganj, Sunamganj, and Moulvibazar share standard timetables.
→ See all Sylhet librariesBarisal Division
Divisional Library Barisal is open Sun–Thu, 9 AM–5 PM. Other district libraries follow standard hours.
Rangpur Division
Rangpur Town Hall Library and Nilphamari District Library run on standard government hours (9 AM–5 PM, Sun–Thu).
Mymensingh Division
Mymensingh Town Hall Library follows standard government hours. Branch libraries follow the same schedule.
Are Libraries Open on Friday in Bangladesh?
Government public libraries — including the Bangladesh National Library, all eight Divisional Libraries, and all 64 district branches — are completely CLOSED on Friday and Saturday. A small number of private and community libraries may operate on Fridays with reduced hours. Always call ahead or check the specific library's page before visiting on a Friday.
Libraries with Friday Availability:
- British Council Library, Dhaka: Open for members on Friday evenings from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, making it a key weekend study haven (confirm details via their portal).
- Drik Library & Resource Centre, Dhaka: Usually open on Fridays with custom community hours.
- Batighar Reading Sanctuary: Often open on Fridays (check branches in Dhaka/Chattogram for confirmation).
- Riddhi Library, Mirpur: Community members may coordinate Friday reading access.
Library Hours During Ramadan and Public Holidays
Operating schedules shift significantly during holy months and state holidays. Here is what to keep in mind:
- Ramadan Shift: During the month of Ramadan, government libraries change to shortened hours, typically opening at 9:00 AM and closing early at 3:30 PM (reduced by approximately 90 minutes).
- Closed Holidays: All public libraries are fully closed on national holidays including Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha, Shab-e-Barat, Victory Day, Independence Day, and Language Martyr's Day.
- NGO & Private Schedules: Community and NGO libraries set their own holiday guidelines — we recommend visiting their Facebook pages for the fastest updates.
- Pro-tip: Check individual profiles in this directory to get direct phone numbers of librarians. Call ahead if visiting during a festival period.
FAQ — Library Hours in Bangladesh
Are public libraries open on Friday in Bangladesh?
What time do libraries close in Bangladesh?
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Check Today's Library Status
Use this directory to check live opening hours for any of the 108+ public libraries in Bangladesh. Each library profile lists the address, phone number, and standard hours — with notes on any known exceptions. Filter by division or district below to find the library nearest to you.