Looking for Best Libraries in Kolkata? Since ancient times, Kolkata has been known for owning and fostering information, as well as housing people who are highly educated. Because British rule flourished in the nooks and crannies of Bengal, it is often associated with a wealth of literary insight and expertise. The majority of White people’s heritage exists in the form of works such as epics, novels, manuscripts, and so on.
Kolkata will now be a haven for literary wisdom. In addition to westernised literature and culture, Kolkata has knowledge as an indigenous artefact, which includes ‘Bengali’ books, novels, scriptures, and so on. So here is the list of 10 best libraries of Kolkata for your next visit:
1. National Library
Address: Belvedere Road, Block A
The National Library of India ranks first on this list, with over two million books, 86,000 maps, 3,200 manuscripts, and a history dating back to the British Raj. It first opened to the public in January 1903, on a 30-acre estate. Their collection now includes digitised copies, books in 18 Indian languages, six foreign language departments, Indian and foreign official documents, newspapers, periodicals, and microforms. Their extensive collection includes rare works written prior to 1860. Borrowing and research memberships are separate. The main reading room requires a reader’s pass to enter.
national library Kolkata - Best Libraries in Kolkata
Address: 16 Camac Street
The Elgin Public Library, located on Camac Street, houses over 20,000 books, DVDs, periodicals, and newspapers. The library proudly promotes British culture. From life events to everything else, the UK is only a phone call away! Their world-class library, which is open to British Council library members, contains everything from audiobooks to online learning materials. This library network is located in nine different countries. Kolkata’s library was founded in 1950. The library as a whole supports British history and culture, therefore living up to its name!
British Council Library - Best Libraries in Kolkata
Address: Saktigar, Jadavpur,, Kolkata, West Bengal
It is the only Town Library in the Jadavpur area of Kolkata. Over fourteen thousand English and Bengali books are available, including novels, stories, and articles of adventure for both children and adults. In 1919, some young social activists and independence fighters created the Basanta Memorial Library in memory of their late comrade, Basanta Mitra, at Sharat Chandra Banerjee’s house. In 1941, the Library was permanently relocated to its current location. To commemorate Rabindranath’s birth centenary, it was renamed Basanta Smriti Pathagar in 1961. And it has been a government-sponsored town library since 1982.
Vivekananda Pathagar library Kolkata - Best Libraries in Kolkata
Address: 1, VIP Road, 17, CIT Rd, Scheme VI-M, Ultadanga, Kolkata, West Bengal 700054
The State Central Library is the apex body of library activities, located in a densely populated area of Kolkata. It was founded in 1956 at Emerald Tower and now has a six-story, fully-equipped building in Ultadanga, Kolkata. The location offers a variety of amenities to readers, including book lending, a reading room, and bibliographical and reference services. It also contributes to society by providing services to children and visually impaired readers, as well as other public libraries, with support from the state and federal governments. With so many private libraries springing up throughout the city, this one remains at the grassroots level of society and is a must-see!
State Central Library - Best Libraries in Kolkata
Address: 38-A, American Center, J. L. Nehru Road, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
It was formerly known as the United States Information Service (USIS) library and is now managed by the Public Affairs Office of the American Consulate General in Kolkata. Its main goal is to give people a better understanding of the United States’ history, culture, values, institutions, politics, and day-to-day operations. It keeps 15,000 books, 162 American periodicals, and 3 newspapers on hand to keep a constant focus on the United States. It also has a virtual library called e Library USA, which provides online access to millions of books and audio-video content. It contains content from databases such as Gale, Britannica, and CQ to assist high school and university students with research. The books are also available online through the Online Public Access catalogue, which is accessible via the internet.
American Library Kolkata - Best Libraries in Kolkata
Address: 23, Gariahat Rd, Dhakuria, South End Park, Gariahat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019
It is located in Golpark, Kolkata, and has a general collection of approximately 2,03,766 books, 5 rare articles, and 424 journals from India and abroad. The Ramakrishna Mission Institute owns this library, but it is also open to the public. The focus on ‘Indology’ – the study of Indian history, culture, and values – is the highlight of this place, and it has exclusive titles on Vivekananda, making it a hotspot for philosophical readings and mind nurturing. The library is divided into three wings: the General, Children’s, and Junior. Aside from these numerous books, it also has a large database of musical recitals that have been archived over the years. Visit this location for a relaxed, peaceful evening filled with philosophy and lectures that will open your mind.
RamaKrishna Mission Institute of Cultural Library - Best Libraries in Kolkata
Address: C8W2+437, IIM Calcutta, Diamond Harbour Rd, Joka, Kolkata, West Bengal 700104
The institute library was established in 1962 and named the B.C. Roy Memorial library in honour of Dr. B. C. Roy, the institute’s first chairman. It was created primarily to meet the academic programme requirements of the institute. The library has over 1.6 lakh books and bound journals in its collection. It subscribes to 500 journals and has access to over 40,000 full-text journals online. It is regarded as one of Asia’s best management libraries. The entire transaction is computerised, making it a much more efficient process for everyone. It is very convenient to read and take books from a library that is so meticulously managed and lavishly constructed!
IIM Library Kolkata - Best Libraries in Kolkata
Address: P-29, C I T Scheme, Beadon Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700006
The Boy’s Own Library and Young Men’s Institute, located at 2 Boys Own Library Row in Kolkata, has emerged as the city’s preeminent library. It was founded in 1909 by three schools with the sole purpose of fostering camaraderie among fellow boys in terms of reading, education, and knowledge, as well as promoting morality alongside intellect. The library’s antiquity and heritage are reflected in its 45,000 books and membership of approximately 900 people involved in various types of social activities. It is a non-political and non-communal organisation dedicated to cultural interaction, including the development of the library movement in West Bengal as a whole.
Maa Khodiyaar Student Library and Reading Hall, Best Libraries in Bangalore
Address: H9R6+7PH, Abhedananda Rd, Shobhabazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700006
The Boy’s Own Library and Young Men’s Institute, located at 2 Boys Own Library Row in Kolkata, has emerged as the city’s preeminent library. It was founded in 1909 by three schools with the sole purpose of fostering camaraderie among fellow boys in terms of reading, education, and knowledge, as well as promoting morality alongside intellect. The library’s antiquity and heritage are reflected in its 45,000 books and membership of approximately 900 people involved in various types of social activities. It is a non-political and non-communal organisation dedicated to cultural interaction, including the development of the library movement in West Bengal as a whole.
Chaitanya Library Kolkata - Best Libraries in Kolkata
Address: CL-24, CL Block, Block CL, Sector II, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700091
The library is a wide collection of rare and unique books, built with donations from members. Henri Richardson, for example, presented seven Persian manuscripts in 1784. There is an illuminated manuscript of the Quran, an antique text of Gulistan, Tibetan xylographs, and manuscripts of Badshanamah with Shahjahan’s signature. The old and modern buildings house volumes in over 28 languages on art and architecture, history, literature, archaeology, Ayurveda, medicine, folklore, biographies, travel, and more. The Metcalfe Hall library houses rare bound publications, the oldest of which is the Philosophical Transactions of 1669.
Asiatic Society Library - Best Libraries in Kolkata
So now you know what are your next steps going to be after eating the delicious food and aesthetic sightseeing – libraries. Let us know your experience if you have ever been to these libraries.
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We also have taken out the best libraries around Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, and many more cities that you can check out to add to your bucket list.
