Libraries in Chandigarh have been developed in phases. The first phase T. S. Central State Library in Sector-17 was established to cater to the reading needs of the residents of 30 sectors. With the development of more sectors, towards the South of Dakshin–Marg, it was felt that the T. S. Central State Library was not enough to meet with the reading requirements of all the residents of Chandigarh. Furthermore with the development of the third-phase of Chandigarh and, the coming up of satellite town Mohali, it was felt, all the more necessary to set up another big public library in the south Chandigarh. With the idea of fulfilling this need, State Library in the sub-city center in Sector-34 was conceived, as a hub of creative activities.

State Library – 34, was Inaugurated on 14th August 1995 by H.E. Lt. Gen. Sh. B. K. N. Chibber retired, Administrator Chandigarh and Governor of Punjab. It was initially started with collections of 5000 books of which about 2000 were gifted from T. S. Central State Library, Sector-17 and rests were received as donation from the general public.

With the coming up of State Library in Sector-34, which is being developed as city sub-center, holds promise for lots of cultural and intellectual activities. This library has in its premises, the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi, Chandigarh, Lalit Kala Akademi and Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi. The activities of these Akademi make the environment of the library all the more lively. The library has developed as the hub of cultural and intellectual activities of Chandigarh.

State Library is an organ of social democracy and an instrument of self-realization. Library has been characterized, from the beginning, by its commitment to the goals of promoting and enlightened citizenry; providing the opportunity, materials, encouragement and stimulation for continuing self education and serving the community inside and outside the walls.

The library in Sector-34 is housed in a large building spread over an area of more than 2400 Square Yards  in the form of four floors. The layout of its sections is under

• The basement houses Acquisition Section, Binding Section, a Large Reading Room, and various other Stores.
• The ground floor contains a Newspaper and Magazine Section along with a Reading–Room, Lobby, and the Office.
• The first-floor has the Children Section, Technical Section, and the Reading hall beside the area vacated by the various academies of the Chandigarh Art Council.
• The second-floor has the Circulation Section and Seminar Hall. The circulation section with its integrated architecture is extended up to the third floor of the building.
• The third-floor has the Reference Section and the extension of the Circulation Section on it.
• The fourth-floor may be utilized for the readers soon.