arkano is one of the oldest cities of Sindh. Its history goes back to the Kalhora period, when the area was known as Chandka. The city gradually developed around the Ghar Wah canal and became an important centre for agriculture and trade.

During the British rule, Larkano gained further importance as an administrative and commercial centre. In 1901, it was made a district, bringing it into a new phase of development.

The area around Larkano is also home to one of the world’s oldest known civilisations. Mohenjo-Daro, the famous archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilisation, is located a short distance from the city. Over the years, Larkano has been known for politics, literature and education.

Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Memorial Library has a significant place among the city’s institutions. The facility has quietly served readers for decades, particularly students who come here to prepare for examinations.

The history of the library goes back to the 1970s. The first phase of the building was completed in 1976. It was formally established as a library in 1984 through the efforts of Mohammad Hashim Memon, the then deputy commissioner of Larkano. The second phase of the building was completed in 1993-94.

The library was named after Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto. In its early years, local lawyers, professors, writers and other residents contributed to its development by donating books and supporting the idea of having a public library in the city.

Over time, the library developed into an important reading place for people from Larkano and nearby areas. It has several sections for readers, including a reference section, newspaper and periodical section, children’s section and ladies’ section. There are also areas for students preparing for CSS, PCS and other competitive examinations.

The building has changed, its readers have changed and the way people access information has changed. Yet the basic purpose of the Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Memorial Library remains the same: to provide people with a place to read, study and learn. After decades, Larkano’s house of books continues to keep its doors open to readers.

For many students, the reading hall has become part of their daily routine. They arrive with books and notebooks, find a seat and spend several hours studying. Some are preparing for recruitment examinations, while others are working towards university admissions or professional qualifications.

According to the Sindh Archives, around 600 students visit the library every day. Over the years, many readers have also passed the competitive examinations after using its facilities.

The growing number of visitors, however, has brought new challenges. More readers mean greater demand for seats, study space and latest editions of books. Reports in the past have pointed out shortages of seating and reference material, particularly for students preparing for competitive examinations.

Despite these difficulties, the library continues to attract readers. This is notable at a time when information is available through mobile phones and the internet. Students can now access books, lectures and study material online, but many still prefer to sit in the library and study in a quiet environment.

The library has recently received renewed attention from the Culture Department. MPA Jameel Ahmed Soomro has been involved in efforts concerning the library and its improvement. During a recent visit to the library, the Sindh culture minister, accompanied by MPA Jameel Ahmed Soomro and officials, reviewed its condition and discussed the needs of readers.

Following the visit, directions were issued for improving the library’s facilities, including new furniture, books, computers and laptops, clean drinking water and other basic amenities. The digitisation of the library’s resources was also discussed. These measures can help bring the library closer to the needs of today’s students while preserving its role as a public reading place.

The involvement of the Culture Department is important because maintaining a library is not only about keeping books on shelves. The building, reading halls, furniture, technology and availability of updated material all affect the experience of readers. Regular attention and resource provision can help an old institution remain useful for a new generation.

For some visitors, the library is simply a place to spend a few hours with a book. For students preparing for examinations, it can become part of their daily lives for months. Older readers have their memories of the library; the younger visitors are creating some.

The building has changed, its readers have changed and the way people access information has changed. Yet the basic purpose of the Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Memorial Library remains the same: to provide people with a place to read, study and learn. Larkano’s house of books continues to welcome readers.

The contributor is an assistant director in the Election Commission of Pakistan