Explore the top 10 libraries in India, known for their vast collections, architectural beauty, and historical significance. Discover what makes these libraries stand out as hubs of knowledge and culture.
India, a land of rich cultural and educational heritage, is home to some of the most remarkable libraries in the world. These libraries not only house vast collections of books and manuscripts but also serve as important centers for research and learning. This article provides an in-depth look at the top 10 libraries in India, highlighting their unique features, collections, and contributions to the world of knowledge.
Table of Contents
1. National Library of India, Kolkata
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Collection | Over 2.2 million books, 86,000 maps, 3,200 manuscripts |
| Established | 1836 |
| Special Collections | Rare books, personal papers of notable figures, government publications |
| Facilities | Reading rooms, digital archives, research support services, multimedia rooms |
| Technology | Online catalog, digital library, Wi-Fi access |
| Services | Interlibrary loan, photocopying, binding, document delivery |
| Membership | Open to public, researchers, and students |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible, special services for the visually impaired |
| Events | Book launches, literary festivals, academic conferences |
| Website | nationallibrary.gov.in |
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The National Library of India, located in Kolkata, is the largest library in the country and serves as a repository of information for the nation. It holds a vast collection of books, periodicals, and manuscripts in various languages.
Features:
- Collection: Over 2.2 million books, 86,000 maps, and 3,200 manuscripts.
- Established: 1836.
- Special Collections: Rare books, personal papers of notable figures, government publications.
- Facilities: Reading rooms, digital archives, research support services.
- Website: nationallibrary.gov.in
2. Delhi Public Library, New Delhi
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Collection | Over 1.8 million books, audio-visual materials, periodicals |
| Established | 1951 |
| Special Collections | Rare manuscripts, children’s books, government documents |
| Facilities | Mobile library services, digital library, community programs, reading halls |
| Technology | Online catalog, digital archives, computer labs |
| Services | Book lending, reference services, story-telling sessions |
| Membership | Free for residents, nominal fee for others |
| Accessibility | Accessible to differently-abled individuals |
| Events | Workshops, book fairs, cultural events |
| Website | dpl.gov.in |
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The Delhi Public Library is one of the most significant public libraries in India, catering to the needs of students, researchers, and the general public.
Features:
- Collection: Over 1.8 million books, audio-visual materials, and periodicals.
- Established: 1951.
- Special Collections: Rare manuscripts, children’s books, government documents.
- Facilities: Mobile library services, digital library, community programs.
- Website: dpl.gov.in
3. Connemara Public Library, Chennai
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Collection | Over 600,000 books, newspapers, periodicals |
| Established | 1896 |
| Special Collections | Ancient manuscripts, Indian publications, British-era documents |
| Facilities | Reading halls, reference services, digital access, research rooms |
| Technology | Digital library, online catalog, computer terminals |
| Services | Book lending, interlibrary loan, research assistance |
| Membership | Open to all with a nominal fee |
| Accessibility | Facilities for physically challenged individuals |
| Events | Literary discussions, exhibitions, author meet-and-greets |
| Website | connemarapubliclibrarychennai.com |
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Connemara Public Library is a part of the Madras Museum complex and is one of the four National Depository Libraries in India.
Features:
- Collection: Over 600,000 books, newspapers, and periodicals.
- Established: 1896.
- Special Collections: Ancient manuscripts, Indian publications, British-era documents.
- Facilities: Reading halls, reference services, digital access.
- Website: connemarapubliclibrarychennai.com
4. State Central Library, Hyderabad
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Collection | Over 500,000 books, 17,000 manuscripts |
| Established | 1891 |
| Special Collections | Rare books, Persian and Urdu manuscripts, government records |
| Facilities | Research rooms, digitization services, public access, reading rooms |
| Technology | Digital library, online catalog, multimedia access |
| Services | Reference services, book lending, manuscript preservation |
| Membership | Open to the public with a nominal fee |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible, special services for elderly |
| Events | Book exhibitions, literary festivals, workshops |
| Website | telanganastatelibrary.in |
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Also known as the Asafia Library, this is one of the oldest libraries in India, renowned for its vast collection and historical significance.
Features:
- Collection: Over 500,000 books, 17,000 manuscripts.
- Established: 1891.
- Special Collections: Rare books, Persian and Urdu manuscripts, government records.
- Facilities: Research rooms, digitization services, public access.
- Website: telanganastatelibrary.in
5. Saraswathi Mahal Library, Thanjavur
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Collection | Over 60,000 volumes, including palm leaf manuscripts |
| Established | 1700 |
| Special Collections | Manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tamil, Marathi, and Telugu |
| Facilities | Manuscript preservation, digital library, research facilities, reading rooms |
| Technology | Digitization of manuscripts, online catalog |
| Services | Research assistance, manuscript conservation |
| Membership | Open to researchers and scholars |
| Accessibility | Facilities for disabled individuals |
| Events | Manuscript exhibitions, cultural programs |
| Website | tn.gov.in/sarashal |
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Saraswathi Mahal Library is one of the oldest libraries in Asia, known for its ancient manuscripts and rare collections.
Features:
- Collection: Over 60,000 volumes, including palm leaf manuscripts.
- Established: 1700.
- Special Collections: Manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tamil, Marathi, and Telugu.
- Facilities: Manuscript preservation, digital library, research facilities.
- Website: tn.gov.in/sarashal
6. Asiatic Society Library, Mumbai
| ategory | Details |
|---|---|
| Collection | Over 100,000 books, 3,000 ancient manuscripts |
| Established | 1804 |
| Special Collections | First edition books, ancient manuscripts, artifacts |
| Facilities | Reading rooms, research assistance, exhibitions, archival storage |
| Technology | Online catalog, digital archives, computer access |
| Services | Reference services, book lending, archival research |
| Membership | Open to public and researchers with membership |
| Accessibility | Accessible facilities for differently-abled individuals |
| Events | Lectures, book launches, historical exhibitions |
| Website | asiaticsociety.org.in |
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The Asiatic Society Library is a treasure trove of rare books, manuscripts, and artworks, reflecting the rich history and culture of India.
Features:
- Collection: Over 100,000 books, 3,000 ancient manuscripts.
- Established: 1804.
- Special Collections: First edition books, ancient manuscripts, artifacts.
- Facilities: Reading rooms, research assistance, exhibitions.
- Website: asiaticsociety.org.in
7. Krishnadas Shama Central Library, Goa
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Collection | Over 150,000 books, including rare manuscripts |
| Established | 1832 |
| Special Collections | Portuguese literature, Goan history, rare manuscripts |
| Facilities | Children’s section, digital resources, cultural events, reading halls |
| Technology | Digital library, online catalog, computer terminals |
| Services | Book lending, story-telling sessions, community programs |
| Membership | Free for residents, nominal fee for others |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible, facilities for elderly |
| Events | Literary festivals, workshops, children’s events |
| Website | centrallibrary.goa.gov.in |
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The Krishnadas Shama Central Library is the oldest public library in India, offering a diverse collection of books and resources.
Features:
- Collection: Over 150,000 books, including rare manuscripts.
- Established: 1832.
- Special Collections: Portuguese literature, Goan history, rare manuscripts.
- Facilities: Children’s section, digital resources, cultural events.
- Website: centrallibrary.goa.gov.in
8. Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Collection | Over 250,000 printed books and 100,000 photographs |
| Established | 1964 |
| Special Collections | Personal papers of Jawaharlal Nehru, rare photographs, audio archives |
| Facilities | Reading rooms, archival research, public programs, multimedia rooms |
| Technology | Digital archives, online catalog, audiovisual equipment |
| Services | Research assistance, document digitization, public exhibitions |
| Membership | Open to researchers, students, and public with membership |
| Accessibility | Facilities for physically challenged individuals |
| Events | Academic conferences, exhibitions, lectures |
| Website | nehrumemorial.nic.in |
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Located in the Teen Murti House, this library is dedicated to the study of modern Indian history with a special focus on the Nehruvian era.
Features:
- Collection: Over 250,000 printed books and 100,000 photographs.
- Established: 1964.
- Special Collections: Personal papers of Jawaharlal Nehru, rare photographs, audio archives.
- Facilities: Reading rooms, archival research, public programs.
- Website: nehrumemorial.nic.in
9. David Sassoon Library, Mumbai
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Collection | Over 70,000 books |
| Established | 1870 |
| Special Collections | Old periodicals, rare books, archives |
| Facilities | Reading rooms, event spaces, public access, garden area |
| Technology | Online catalog, digital access, Wi-Fi |
| Services | Book lending, reference services, community events |
| Membership | Open to public with a membership fee |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible, facilities for elderly |
| Events | Literary events, book launches, art exhibitions |
| Website | davidsassoonlibrary.com |
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A heritage library situated in the heart of Mumbai, known for its beautiful architecture and extensive collections.
Features:
- Collection: Over 70,000 books.
- Established: 1870.
- Special Collections: Old periodicals, rare books, archives.
- Facilities: Reading rooms, event spaces, public access.
- Website: davidsassoonlibrary.com
10. Anna Centenary Library, Chennai
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Collection | Over 1 million books, digital resources |
| Established | 2010 |
| Special Collections | Rare books, Tamil literature, children’s books |
| Facilities | Digital library, conference halls, special collections, reading rooms |
| Technology | State-of-the-art digital systems, online catalog, computer labs |
| Services | Book lending, research assistance, community programs |
| Membership | Open to public with membership options |
| Accessibility | Fully accessible for disabled individuals |
| Events | Workshops, seminars, cultural events |
| Website | annacentenarylibrary.org |
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Anna Centenary Library is one of the largest libraries in Asia, offering extensive resources for research and public reading.
Features:
- Collection: Over 1 million books, digital resources.
- Established: 2010.
- Special Collections: Rare books, Tamil literature, children’s books.
- Facilities: Digital library, conference halls, special collections.
- Website: annacentenarylibrary.org
India’s top libraries are not only repositories of books and manuscripts but also centers of learning, research, and cultural preservation. These libraries play a crucial role in promoting literacy, supporting education, and preserving the rich heritage of India.
FAQs on libraries in India :
1. Which is the No 1 library in India?
The No. 1 library in India is the National Library of India, located in Kolkata.
2. Which state has the most libraries in India?
Tamil Nadu has the most libraries in India, with an extensive network of public and private libraries.
3. Which is the first library in India?
The first library in India is the Government Public Library in Thanjavur, also known as the Saraswathi Mahal Library, established in 1700.
4. Which is the smallest library in India?
The smallest library in India is the “Aapni Baat” library in Rajasthan, which is a mobile library housed in a single autorickshaw.
5. Which is Asia’s biggest library?
Asia’s biggest library is the Anna Centenary Library in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
6. Where is the second largest library in India?
The second largest library in India is the Delhi Public Library, located in New Delhi.
7. What is the world’s largest library?
The world’s largest library is the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., USA.
8. Who invented library in India?
Libraries in India were established by various rulers and scholars over centuries, but the concept of a public library system was notably advanced by the British colonial administration.
9. What is the oldest library in the world?
The oldest library in the world is the Library of Ashurbanipal in Nineveh, Assyria (modern-day Iraq), established in the 7th century BCE.
10. Which IIT has the biggest library?
IIT Kharagpur has the biggest library among the Indian Institutes of Technology, known as the Central Library.
11. Which library was burned in India?
The library that was burned in India is the Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur, which suffered partial damage due to a fire in 1916.
12. Which city has the most libraries in India?
Chennai has the most libraries in India, including numerous public, private, and special libraries.
13. Which is the most beautiful library in India?
The most beautiful library in India is considered to be the Asiatic Society Library in Mumbai, known for its stunning neoclassical architecture.
14. Which was the first library act in India?
The first library act in India was the Madras Public Libraries Act, passed in 1948.
