By EFTeam A library is indeed a treasure trove of knowledge and a haven for those who are on a constant hunt for information. India has a number of libraries that has a vast collection of books, periodicals and newspapers. These materials are available for anyone to borrow and to use for educational and research purposes. Apart from books, most of the libraries now have computers and internet access to help support people in their learning and research. They are also the storehouses of historical collections such as maps, manuscripts, photographs and other priceless artifacts. Here are the top ten famous libraries in India that offers us the glimpses of the past, present and the future.
1. The National Library of India, Kolkata:
The National library of India, located in Kolkata is one of the largest libraries in India. It was established in the year 1863 and was founded by Lord Metcalfe, the then Governor General of India. The purpose of this library is to collect, preserve and maintain the printed heritage of our country. The library now has over 2.2 million books, manuscripts, journals and other materials. The library has a vast collection of books in Hindi, Bengali, English and other Indian languages. It has also valuated and rare manuscripts that are over a century old.
2. British Council Library, New Delhi:
This is a renowned library in India that renders a range of services and resources related to the British culture and education. This library also serves as center of cultural hub, and is over 70 years old. The library has a vast collection of over 80,000 books, over 1500 DVDs, hundredths of journals and a vast collection of e-books and audio books. The library also has a vast collection of British newspapers, magazines and other reference materials. The library also hosts regular seminars, workshops and talks mediated by educators and authors from all over the world.
3. Saraswathi Mahal Library:
This library is indeed a historical place that is located in Thanjavur, Tamilnadu. It is one of the oldest libraries in Asia and is famous for the unique and vast collection of ancient books and manuscripts. It was during the Nayak reign in the 16th century that this library was established and it was later expanded by the Marathas of Thanjavur in the 18th century. It was originally named as the Royal Palace Library and houses over 60,000 palm leaf and paper manuscripts. It also houses more than 10,000 books in different languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi and English.
4. Connemara Public library:
This library in Chennai, Tamilnadu is one of the four national depositories that receive a copy of all the books, newspapers and periodicals that are published in India. The library was established in the year 1896 and was named after Lord Connemara, the then governor of Madras. It is one of the oldest libraries and has a vast collection of books in diverse subjects like art, history, literature, science and technology. There are over 600,000 books and 1200 manuscripts in this library. It also has a dedicated Braille section with books for the visually impaired.
5. State Central Library, Hyderabad:
The State Central Library in Hyderabad is known as the Telangana State Central Library. It is a major public library that is located in the heart of the city. It was established in the year 1891 and has become a prominent cultural institution of the Telangana state. The library houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, periodicals and other reference materials in a range of languages such as Hindi, English, Telugu and Urdu. The library is a multi-storey building with diverse reading rooms, computer labs and reference sections.
6. Trivandrum Public Library:
The Trivandrum Public Library is situated in the heart of Trivandrum city in Kerala. It is also known as Thiruvananthapuram Public Library and Research Centre. The library has a vast collection of books, manuscripts, periodicals and other publications. It has over 3 lakh books and is known for its rare collection of manuscripts, palm leaf manuscripts, historical documents and copper plates.
7. Asiatic Society of Mumbai Library:
This is a research library located in Mumbai, and was founded in the eyar 1804. It later became the Royal Asiatic Society of Bombay and was opened to the public in 1841 and is currently present in the Fort area of Mumbai. The library has a vast collection of books and manuscripts on diverse subjects, with focus on history, culture and languages of India. The library also has a vast collection of oriental manuscripts in languages like Arabic, Sanskrit, Urdu and Persian.
8. Allahabad Public Library:
The Allahabad Public library is a historic library in Allahabad and is one of the oldest public libraries in India. It was founded by Raja Sir Mohd. Yusuf Khan Bahadur. He is a philanthropist who has donated his personal collection of books to start the library. This library is home for a vast collection of books, manuscripts, periodicals and many rare documents.
9. Nehru Memorial Museum and Library:
This library is located in New Delhi and is an autonomous institution operating under the Ministry of Culture. It has a collection of over 2, 00,000 photographs, 80,000 archival records and over 2,500 oral history of recordings. The library has an extensive collection of books and other documents that is focused on politics, economics, history and culture.
10. Anna Centenary Library:
This is the state of the art library located in Kotturpuram, Chennai. It was opened to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of C.N. Annadurai, the former CM of Tamilnadu. It is spread over 9 acres of land and is one of the largest libraries in Asia. It has a collection of over 1.2 million books in many languages and has several reading halls and study areas.
There are a number of beautiful and historically significant libraries in India that attracts book lovers, scholars and researchers from all over the world. Apart from being a source of interesting and intellectual books, the libraries also render a serene atmosphere that is perfect for reading and working.