Are you looking for best libraries in India? Imagine a treasure trove of knowledge, a sanctuary of learning, a haven for seekers of information. This is what a library is – a collection of books, periodicals, newspapers, and other materials that are carefully curated and made available for anyone to borrow, read, and use for educational or research purposes.
Libraries come in different shapes and sizes, some are public, some are private, but they all have one thing in common – they are run by dedicated staff who are trained to assist users in finding the materials they need. In addition to books, many libraries provide computer and internet access, as well as other resources that support learning and research.
What makes libraries truly special are their rare and historical collections – manuscripts, maps, photographs, and other priceless artifacts that are often inaccessible to the general public. These materials offer glimpses into the past, enriching our understanding of history, culture, and the human experience.
Libraries are not just buildings filled with books, they are cultural institutions that reflect the values and interests of their communities. They play a vital role in promoting literacy and education, and they provide a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore, learn, and grow. In short, libraries are a beacon of hope, a gateway to knowledge, and a cornerstone of civilization.
So here is the list of 15 best libraries in India that you must visit for sure –
- The National Library of India, Kolkata
- British Council Library, New Delhi
- British Council Library, Pune
- Sarasvathi Mahal Library
- Connemara Public Library
- State Central Library, Hyderabad
- Trivandrum Public Library
- Asiatic Society of Mumbai Library
- Allahabad Public Library
- The David Sassoon Library and Reading Room, Mumbai
- Nehru Memorial Museum And Library
- Delhi Public Library
- Anna Centenary Library, Chennai
- Smt. Hansa Mehta Library, Baroda, Gujarat
- State Central Library, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
The National Library of India, located in Kolkata, is one of the largest libraries in India and the largest library in the country by volume and shelf space. Established in 1836, the library’s history dates back to the early 19th century when it was known as the Calcutta Public Library.
The library was founded by the Governor-General of India, Lord Metcalfe, who realized the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of India. It was established to collect, preserve, and make available the printed heritage of the country. Over the years, the library has expanded its collections, which now include more than 2.2 million books, journals, manuscripts, and other materials.
The National Library of India has a vast collection of books in English, Hindi, Bengali, and other Indian languages. It also houses a large number of rare and valuable manuscripts, some of which are centuries old. The library has a rich collection of books on history, philosophy, literature, science, and technology, as well as books on art, music, and culture.
The library has a number of special collections, including the Children’s Literature Collection, the Rabindranath Tagore Collection, and the Indian Public Library Movement Collection. The library also has a Braille section, which provides books and other reading materials for the visually impaired.
The National Library of India is housed in a beautiful colonial building that was designed by the architect Belcher. The building is spread over 30 acres of land and has several reading rooms, exhibition halls, and seminar rooms. The library has modern facilities, including computerized cataloging, internet access, and digital scanning of materials
Where – 1, VIP Road, 17, CIT Rd, Scheme VI-M, Ultadanga, Kolkata, West Bengal 700054
The National Library of India, Kolkata - Best Libraries in India, Kolkata
The British Council Library in New Delhi is a renowned institution that offers a wide range of resources and services related to British culture, education, and language. It is located in the heart of the city and has been serving as a cultural hub for over 70 years.
The library’s collection includes over 80,000 books, 1,500 DVDs, 600 journals, and a large collection of digital resources, including e-books and audiobooks. It also has an extensive collection of British newspapers, magazines, and reference materials.
The British Council Library in New Delhi is not only a place to read and borrow books, but also a hub for various cultural activities and events. The library hosts regular workshops, seminars, and talks by prominent authors, educators, and artists from around the world.
Moreover, the library also offers English language courses for students and professionals who wish to improve their language skills. The library’s language center has experienced and qualified trainers who provide personalized attention to each student.
In addition to its collection and services, the British Council Library in New Delhi also boasts of its beautiful and modern infrastructure. The library has comfortable reading areas, study rooms, and a café that serves refreshments and snacks.
Where – 17, KG Marg, Atul Grove Road, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
British Council Library, New Delhi - Best Libraries in India
The British Council Library in Pune is a popular destination for book lovers and language learners in the city. The library is located in the heart of Pune city and offers access to a wide range of books, magazines, and other resources.
The library has a collection of over 20,000 books, including fiction, non-fiction, and reference books. It also has a large collection of English language learning resources, including textbooks, workbooks, and audiovisual materials. In addition to books, the library also provides access to online resources such as e-books, e-magazines, and e-newspapers.
One of the unique features of the British Council Library in Pune is its dedicated children’s section. The library has a wide range of books and resources for children of all ages, including picture books, storybooks, and educational materials.
It also hosts regular events and activities for children, such as storytelling sessions and craft workshops.
The library also offers a range of services to its members, including free Wi-Fi, computer access, and printing facilities. Members can also attend language learning classes, workshops, and cultural events hosted by the British Council.
British Council Library, Pune - Best Libraries in India
Sarasvathi Mahal Library is a historic library located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the oldest libraries in Asia, and it is renowned for its vast collection of ancient manuscripts and books.
The library was established during the reign of the Nayak dynasty in the 16th century, and it was expanded by the Maratha rulers of Thanjavur in the 18th century. The library was originally known as the “Royal Palace Library,” and it was later renamed as Sarasvathi Mahal Library in the 19th century. The library was opened to the public in 1918.
The library houses over 60,000 palm leaf and paper manuscripts, as well as more than 10,000 printed books in various languages, including Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Marathi, Hindi, and English. The manuscripts and books cover a wide range of topics, including literature, astrology, medicine, astronomy, and music.
The library’s collection is considered to be a treasure trove of knowledge about South Indian culture and history. The manuscripts and books in the library are written in different scripts, including Grantha, Devanagari, Tamil, and Telugu.
Sarasvathi Mahal Library is a popular destination for researchers, scholars, and students who visit to study and explore the library’s vast collection. The library has a reading room where visitors can read and study the manuscripts and books.
Where – Q4RP+MJX, E Main St, Rajakrisnapuram, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001
Saraswathi Mahal Library - Best Libraries in India
Connemara Public Library is a public library located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the four National Depository Libraries which receive a copy of all books, newspapers and periodicals published in India.
The library was established in 1896 and was named after Lord Connemara, who served as the Governor of Madras from 1880 to 1885. It is one of the oldest libraries in India, and its collection of books and manuscripts is vast and diverse, covering a range of subjects including art, literature, history, science, and technology.
The library has a collection of over 600,000 books and 1,200 manuscripts. It also has a collection of rare books, including a copy of Dante’s Divine Comedy, published in 1564. The library also has a children’s section, a Braille section for the visually impaired, and a digital section with access to online databases and e-books.
In addition to its vast collection, the library is also known for its beautiful architecture. The building was designed by the British architect H. Irwin and is a fine example of colonial architecture. It has a central hall with a high dome and a series of alcoves housing the different sections of the library.
Today, the library is a popular destination for book lovers, researchers, and scholars. It also hosts a range of cultural events and activities, including lectures, book launches, and exhibitions. The Connemara Public Library is a significant cultural landmark in Chennai, and it continues to play an important role in promoting reading and learning in the city.
Where – 37C4+5PC, ., Pantheon Rd, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008
Connemara Public Library - Best Libraries in India
The State Central Library of Hyderabad, also known as the Telangana State Central Library, is a major public library located in the heart of the city. It was established in 1891 and has since become a prominent cultural institution of the state of Telangana.
The library houses a vast collection of books, periodicals, manuscripts, and other reference materials in a variety of languages including Telugu, Hindi, English, and Urdu. In addition to its extensive book collection, the library also has a number of rare and ancient manuscripts, some of which date back to the 16th century.
The State Central Library of Hyderabad is a multi-story building with several reading rooms, reference sections, and computer labs. It also has a separate children’s section and a Braille library for visually impaired users. The library has a spacious auditorium where literary events, seminars, and book launches are conducted regularly.
The library also offers various services to its users such as inter-library loan, photocopying, and internet access. The library has a user-friendly online catalog system that enables users to search for books and other materials in the library’s collection.
The library also has a mobile app that allows users to access their accounts, renew books, and search the library’s collection on the go.
The National Library of India, Kolkata - Best Libraries in India, Kolkata
Trivandrum Public Library is a public library situated in the heart of Trivandrum city in Kerala, India. It is also known as the Thiruvananthapuram Public Library and Research Centre. The library was established in 1829 by the erstwhile Travancore state and is one of the oldest public libraries in India.
The library has a vast collection of books, periodicals, manuscripts, and other publications in various languages, including English, Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Sanskrit. It has a collection of over 3 lakh books and is renowned for its collection of rare and valuable manuscripts, including palm leaf manuscripts, copper plates, and historical documents.
The library is housed in a beautiful building with a traditional Kerala architecture style. The building was designed by the famous architect, Sri. K. M. Cherian, and was inaugurated in 1936. It is spread over an area of 2.5 acres and has a reading room, reference section, and lending section. The library also has a children’s section, a rare book section, and a periodical section.
The library has played a significant role in the cultural and intellectual development of the state. It has been a center for research, education, and intellectual exchange for over a century. The library has hosted several national and international conferences and seminars, and it has also been a center for the promotion of arts and literature.
In recent years, the library has modernized its facilities by introducing computers, internet access, and other modern amenities. It has also started a digital library that allows users to access a vast collection of e-books, e-journals, and other digital resources.
Where – HW7M+7CR, Keraladityapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695587
Trivandrum Public Library - Best Libraries in India
The Asiatic Society of Mumbai Library is a research library located in Mumbai, India. It was founded in 1804 as the Literary Society of Bombay, and later became the Royal Asiatic Society of Bombay in 1830. The library was opened to the public in 1841, and it is currently housed in a historic building in the Fort area of Mumbai.
The library has a vast collection of books and manuscripts on a variety of subjects, with a focus on the history, culture, and languages of India, as well as the history and culture of other countries in Asia. The collection includes rare books and manuscripts, some of which date back to the 13th century.
One of the most notable features of the library is its collection of oriental manuscripts. This collection includes over 14,000 manuscripts in various languages, including Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, and Urdu. The manuscripts cover a wide range of subjects, such as literature, history, religion, philosophy, science, and medicine.
The library also has a collection of over 100,000 books, journals, and other materials, including many rare and valuable items. In addition to its extensive collection, the library also offers research facilities, including reading rooms, reference services, and access to online databases.
Where – WRJP+P8M, Town Hall, Shahid Bhagat Singh Rd, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400023
Asiatic Society of Mumbai Library - Best Libraries in India
The Allahabad Public Library is a historic library located in Allahabad, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Established in 1864, it is one of the oldest public libraries in India.
The library was founded by Raja Sir Mohd. Yusuf Ali Khan Bahadur, who was a philanthropist and a member of the Allahabad Municipal Board. He donated his personal collection of books to start the library. Over the years, the library has grown in size and today it has a vast collection of books, periodicals, manuscripts, and rare documents.
The Allahabad Public Library is housed in a beautiful colonial-era building located in the heart of the city. The building was constructed in 1870 and has a distinctive architectural style that is a blend of European and Indian elements. The library has several reading rooms, a reference section, and a children’s section.
The library has played a significant role in promoting education and culture in the region. It has been a hub of intellectual activity and has attracted scholars, academics, and students from all over India. The library has organized several lectures, seminars, and cultural events over the years.
Today, the Allahabad Public Library continues to be an important cultural institution in the city of Allahabad. It is open to the public and is a popular destination for book lovers and researchers. The library also has a digital collection of books and documents that is accessible online, making it a valuable resource for scholars and researchers around the world.
Where – FR4X+4MH, Chandra Sekhar Azad Park, Uttar Pradesh 211002
Allahabad Public Library - Best Libraries in India, Allahabad
The David Sassoon Library and Reading Room is a famous library in Mumbai, India, located in the historic Fort area of the city. The library was founded in 1847 by the prominent Jewish businessman and philanthropist David Sassoon, who was a key figure in the development of Mumbai’s textile industry.
The library’s collection includes over 30,000 books, including a rare collection of books on Jewish history, culture, and religion. The library also has a large collection of books on English literature, Indian history and culture, and other subjects.
The reading room is an impressive space with high ceilings and large windows that let in natural light. It has a peaceful and serene atmosphere that is perfect for reading, studying, or working. The reading room also features a collection of old newspapers and magazines, which adds to its historical charm.
Over the years, the library has hosted a number of famous visitors, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Rabindranath Tagore. Today, it continues to be a popular destination for book lovers and researchers, as well as a cultural hub for the city of Mumbai.
The David Sassoon Library and Reading Room, Mumbai - Best Libraries in India
The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) is located in New Delhi, India. It is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The museum and library were established in 1964 in the memory of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
The Nehru Memorial Museum has a collection of over 2,00,000 photographs, 80,000 archival records, and more than 2,500 oral history recordings, all of which offer insights into the life and times of Nehru, as well as the history of modern India. The museum is also home to a range of personal items belonging to Nehru, including his books, personal papers, and speeches.
The Nehru Memorial Library has an extensive collection of books and other documents, including more than 2,50,000 books, 18,000 microfilms, and 10,000 maps. The library’s collection is focused on Indian history, politics, economics, and culture, with a particular emphasis on the Nehruvian era.
The NMML is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in the history of India. It organizes regular exhibitions, lectures, and seminars on a variety of topics related to Indian history, culture, and politics. The museum also houses a large auditorium, which hosts cultural events and conferences.
Where – Teen Murti Bhavan, Teen Murti Marg, Teen Murti Marg Area, New Delhi, Delhi 110011
Nehru Memorial Museum And Library - Best Libraries in India
The Delhi Public Library (DPL) is one of the largest public libraries in India. It was established in 1951 by the Indian government to promote literacy, education, and culture. The library is situated in the heart of Delhi and is easily accessible to the public.
The DPL has a vast collection of books, journals, magazines, and other reading materials in both Hindi and English.
The library is divided into various sections, including a children’s section, reference section, fiction section, and a rare books section. The rare books section has a collection of valuable books, manuscripts, and maps dating back to the 17th century.
Apart from its extensive collection of books, the DPL also offers a range of services to its users. These include book lending, inter-library loan, and photocopying facilities. The library also hosts regular events such as book launches, author talks, and reading clubs.
The Delhi Public Library has played a significant role in promoting literacy and education in Delhi and the surrounding areas. It has helped to create a reading culture in the city and has provided access to knowledge and information to people from all walks of life.
The library is a valuable resource for students, researchers, and the general public and continues to be an important institution in the city.
Where – H6MF+QW3, Fourth Avenue Road, Lodi Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Delhi Public Library - Best Libraries in Delhi, India
Anna Centenary Library is a state-of-the-art library located in Kotturpuram, Chennai. It was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi, on September 15, 2010, to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C.N. Annadurai.
Spread over an area of 9 acres, the Anna Centenary Library is one of the largest libraries in South Asia. It has a collection of over 1.2 million books, including books in English, Tamil, and other languages. The library also has a vast collection of newspapers, magazines, and journals, both in print and digital formats.
The library has several reading halls and study areas, including a children’s section and a separate section for visually challenged readers. It also has a state-of-the-art auditorium that can accommodate over 1,200 people and is equipped with the latest audio-visual facilities.
The Anna Centenary Library is known for its modern architecture and design, with a unique elliptical shape that stands out in the city’s skyline. The library has won several awards for its architecture and design, including the “Best Public Library in Asia” award at the 2011 London Book Fair.
The library is open to the public and provides a conducive environment for reading and learning. It also conducts various events, workshops, and seminars to promote reading and cultural activities.
Where – Gandhi Mandapam Rd, Surya Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600085
The National Library of India, Kolkata - Best Libraries in India, Kolkata
Smt. Hansa Mehta Library is located in the city of Baroda, Gujarat, India. It was established in 1951 and named after Smt. Hansa Mehta, an eminent Indian freedom fighter, writer, and educationist. The library is a part of the Faculty of Arts at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and serves as a central library for the university.
The library has a vast collection of books, journals, manuscripts, and other resources in various disciplines such as humanities, social sciences, science, and technology. It also houses a rare collection of books and manuscripts in Gujarati, Hindi, Sanskrit, and other languages.
The library has a modern infrastructure with state-of-the-art facilities and services like computer labs, internet, Wi-Fi, and online databases.
Apart from the regular services, the library also organizes various events, seminars, and workshops for students and researchers. The library’s reading room has a peaceful and serene ambiance, which provides an ideal environment for students and researchers to study and conduct research.
The library is not only a repository of knowledge but also a center for research and learning. It has played a vital role in promoting education and research in the region and continues to do so. The library is a must-visit place for book lovers, researchers, and students in Baroda.
Smt. Hansa Mehta Library, Baroda, Gujarat - Best Libraries in India
The State Central Library in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala is one of the oldest and largest public libraries in the state.
It was established in 1829 and was known as the Trivandrum Public Library until 1939, when it was renamed the State Central Library. The library is located in the heart of the city, near the Secretariat and the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
The library has a vast collection of over 1.5 million books in English, Malayalam and other regional languages. It also has a large collection of rare books and manuscripts, which attracts scholars and researchers from all over the world.
The library’s reading room can accommodate up to 500 readers at a time, making it a popular spot for students and book lovers.
The State Central Library has undergone several renovations and modernizations over the years, including the addition of a new building in 2016.
The new building has six floors and houses the library’s administrative offices, children’s section, digital library, and a Braille section for the visually impaired. It also has a state-of-the-art auditorium, which hosts cultural events and book launches.
The library offers various services to its members, including lending and reference services, internet access, and photocopying facilities. It also organizes book exhibitions, seminars, and other cultural events throughout the year.
State Central Library, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - Biggest Library in India, Kerala
In conclusion, India is home to some of the most beautiful and historically significant libraries in the world. From the National Library of India in Kolkata to the Tagore Memorial Library in Mumbai, each of these libraries has its unique charm and cultural significance that attracts book lovers, researchers, and scholars from all over the world.
These libraries not only offer a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials, but they also provide a peaceful and serene atmosphere that is perfect for reading, studying, or working. Whether you are a local or a tourist, visiting these libraries is a must for anyone who appreciates the power of knowledge and the beauty of literature.
These libraries represent the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India and the immense value that the country places on education and intellectual pursuits. A visit to these libraries is not just an opportunity to learn, but also a chance to connect with the past and present, and to experience the magic of the written word.
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