GUJRANWALA: Jinnah Library, having more than 4000 registered members, has been closed due to nonpayment of employee`s salaries, utility and internet bills.

The library was established in June 1988 and inaugurated by then chief minister Nawaz Sharif.

Chief Librarian Khurshid Ahmed told Dawn that some 32 employees were working in the library.

Educationist Prof Shahzad Lawrence said he had been visiting thelibrary for years. `It was shocking for me like other members when administration said the library had been closed due to nonpayment of salaries for several months.

Students computer café at the library was providing free internet facility to students to obtain their examination roll number slips, information about online admissions, online lectures etc.

Sources said 400 members visited the library daily which housed 26,000 books besides international, national and local newspapers.