Aslam Mahmud (1940–2016) was a well-known literary figure of Lucknow and a staunch bibliophile. During his lifetime, Mahmud had built a collection of more than 15,000 books in his personal library in Lucknow. The major part of his collection comprised English, Urdu and Persian literature, Islamic calligraphy and books on Awadh. He also had an extensive stock of old postal stamps; picture postcards; and rare photos, books and movie posters. A number of celebrated scholars of India and Pakistan used to visit his library to benefit from his collection.
Mahmud did his schooling from St Francis College and La Martinière College, Lucknow. Later, he graduated in science and law from the University of Lucknow. Aslam Mahmud joined the Indian Railway Traffic Service and held various important positions all over India, including Lucknow and Delhi. He retired as Additional Member, Railway Board, in 2000.
