Open-source library software for small and community libraries.

A small library usually has a few thousand books, a handful of volunteers, no budget for software and a loan register that only one person can read. Khulla is open-source library software for exactly that library. It runs on a computer or tablet you already have, keeps everything on that device and needs no internet, server or subscription.

Who it's for

• Community, village and public libraries run from one desk.
• Reading rooms and youth clubs lending books to members.
• NGO, office and resource-centre collections.
• Libraries at temples, churches, mosques and gurdwaras.
• Anyone replacing a paper register or a spreadsheet of loans. See when a spreadsheet stops being enough.
• A large home or family library that lends books: see home library catalog software.

From the paper register to a real catalogue

Add each title once and a copy for every book on the shelf. Khulla numbers the copies and prints barcode labels for them. Lending is then a scan and a name: the due date is set for you, returns close the loan, and anything late shows up on the dashboard the next morning. Search finds a book from three letters of its title, author or publisher.

Made for volunteers who change every year

• Easy to learn. One screen per job, and an in-app guide that works offline.
• Their own sign-in. Every volunteer has an account with one of four permission levels.
• Nothing to lose when people leave. The library, not a person, owns the data, and one backup file moves it to a new computer.

Members, fees and fines, only if you want them

Keep one member register with your own categories, such as adults, children and life members, each with its own loan limits and membership length. Charge overdue fines, membership fees and lost-book charges in your own currency, or set the fine to zero and just lend. The reports show the committee who borrowed what, and export to CSV.

What it costs to run

Nothing. Khulla is open source under the AGPL-3.0, with no paid tier, and because it keeps the catalogue on the library's own device, there's no hosting bill either. It runs on Windows, Linux and Android. For what it doesn't do yet, such as an online catalogue for members, see how it compares with other open-source library software.

Questions

What is the best software for a small library?

A small library needs software that volunteers can learn quickly and that costs nothing to keep running. Khulla is open source, installs like any app, works offline and handles the catalogue, loans, members, fines and reports. If members need to search the catalogue online, a web-based system such as SLiMS or OpenBiblio fits better.

Is there a library system for a community library with no budget?

Yes. Khulla has no price, no paid tier and no hosting to pay for. It runs on a computer the library already has, even an old one, or on an Android tablet.

Can volunteers share the work safely?

Yes. Each volunteer signs in with their own account, and one of four permission levels decides what they can change. An in-app guide explains each job, and it works offline too.

Can we charge membership fees and fines?

Yes, or neither. Overdue fines are worked out on return from a daily rate you set, which can be zero. Membership fees and lost or damaged-book charges are added by hand when you need them. Everything is in the currency you choose, and waivers are recorded alongside payments.

Try Khulla in two minutes

Open the demo in a browser: nothing to install, no account to create. When it fits, download Khulla for Windows, Linux or Android.