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National Library of India

The National Library of India is the largest library in the country, serving as the primary repository for India's printed, visual, and digital heritage materials, with a collection exceeding 2.6 million printed books, bound periodicals, manuscripts, maps, and microfilms (as of 2017).^[1] Located in the historic Belvedere Estate at Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, it functions under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and is designated as one of four legal deposit libraries entitled to receive a complimentary copy of every book, newspaper, and periodical published in the country under the Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1954.^[1] Established formally as the National Library in 1948 following India's independence, it originated from the merger of the Calcutta Public Library—founded in March 1836 as a proprietary institution open to the public—and the Imperial Library, which was created in 1891 and opened to the public on 30 January 1903.^[1] The library's current premises, a neoclassical building originally constructed in 1879 as the residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, were inaugurated for public use on 1 February 1953 by India's first Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.^[1] This institution plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting India's cultural and intellectual legacy, housing rare manuscripts, ancient texts in various Indian languages, and international publications through exchange programs with over 200 global libraries.^[1] It supports extensive research by scholars, students, and the public via reading rooms, reference services, and digital initiatives, including the digitization of approximately 8 million pages from rare and brittle documents as of 2023–24 to enhance accessibility.^[2] As a center for bibliographic control, the library maintains the Indian National Bibliography and facilitates inter-library loans, underscoring its status as a cornerstone of India's knowledge infrastructure.^[1]

History

Origins as the Imperial Library

The Calcutta Public Library was established in 1836 by J. H. Stoqueler, the editor of the Englishman newspaper, as a non-governmental subscription-based institution aimed at providing access to books for the public in Calcutta.^[3] It operated on a proprietary model where subscribers paying Rs. 300 became proprietors, while free access was extended to poor students for limited periods, marking it as one of the earliest public libraries in India open to diverse users without formal distinctions of rank or class.^[4] The library began with donations, including 4,675 volumes from the College of Fort William, and focused on acquiring both Indian and foreign publications, particularly from Britain.^[4] In 1903, under the initiative of Viceroy Lord Curzon, the Calcutta Public Library was merged with the Imperial Library—formed in 1891 by combining various government secretariat libraries, including those of the Home Department—to create a centralized public institution.^[4] The new Imperial Library was formally opened to the public on 30 January 1903 at Metcalfe Hall in Kolkata, with the objective of serving as a reference resource for students, scholars, and historians across the empire.^[4] This amalgamation significantly expanded the collection and transformed the library into a government-managed entity, free of charge for reference use, though it retained some subscription elements from its predecessor for borrowing privileges.^[5] A major boost to the library's holdings came in 1910 when Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, upon his appointment as president of the Imperial Library Council, donated his personal collection of 80,000 books, which formed a cornerstone of its early scholarly resources. Under British administration, the Imperial Library's operations emphasized reference services, with the reading room accessible to the public after 1903, welcoming native readers from across India.^[5] However, access remained restricted for Indians, particularly regarding borrowing privileges, which were limited to government officers and select groups, with additional barriers such as age limits and requirements for introductions or permits; these limitations persisted until reforms in the late 1920s, including the 1929 Richey Committee recommendations for enhanced lending and provincial reading rooms.^[5] This Imperial Library was redesignated as the National Library of India in 1948.^[4]

Establishment as the National Library

Following India's independence in 1947, the Imperial Library underwent a significant transformation through the Imperial Library (Change of Name) Act, 1948, which officially renamed it the National Library and designated it as the country's premier repository of knowledge.^[4] This legislative change marked the institution's shift from a colonial-era entity to a national asset, emphasizing its role in preserving India's intellectual heritage amid the nation's newly sovereign status.^[6] The transition involved relocating the library's extensive collection from its Esplanade premises to the Belvedere Estate in Alipore, Kolkata, a process that began shortly after 1948 and posed logistical hurdles due to the sheer volume of materials—reported book stocks varied inconsistently from around 100,000 volumes in 1947 to 541,259 by 1951.^[7] Setup challenges included inadequate funding, substandard facilities, and a lack of specialized staff for processing and integrating new acquisitions, which delayed efficient organization and limited the library's immediate accessibility.^[7] These issues were highlighted by prominent librarian S. R. Ranganathan, who critiqued the institution's underdeveloped infrastructure in 1948, underscoring the broader post-independence struggles in modernizing public libraries.^[7] On February 1, 1953, the National Library was formally opened to the public at the Belvedere site by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Union Minister of Education, symbolizing its democratization and commitment to serving scholars and citizens alike.^[4] B. S. Kesavan was appointed as the first National Librarian to oversee operations during this pivotal phase.^[4] To bolster its repository function, the Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1954, required publishers to deposit copies of all publications, facilitating the integration of contemporary Indian materials despite ongoing organizational constraints.^[6] Further consolidation came with the National Library of India Act, 1976, which renamed the institution the National Library of India, established a governing National Library Board, and explicitly outlined its mandate as the nation's legal deposit and central reference library.^[8] This act addressed earlier limitations by providing a structured framework for expansion and administration, ensuring sustained growth in collecting and preserving diverse resources.^[9]

Key Developments and Events

In the post-establishment era, the National Library of India has undergone significant infrastructure expansions to accommodate its growing collections and enhance operational efficiency. The construction of Bhasha Bhawan, a five-storied modern facility spanning 40,000 square meters, was completed as part of these efforts, allowing the relocation of major collections from older structures by the mid-2010s.^[1] Complementing this, the Annexe Building, covering 10,000 square meters across nine stories, was developed to support additional administrative and storage functions.^[1] These expansions were integral to a broader renovation project initiated in 2010, which included restoration work on its heritage buildings, with conservation and retrofitting of Belvedere House beginning in 2022.^[10] In 2023, Bhasha Bhawan was renamed after Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee by the Ministry of Culture, recognizing its role in national cultural heritage.^[11] The library's international outreach expanded notably through its book exchange program, formally sanctioned by the Government of India on April 1, 1961, to foster global scholarly collaboration.^[1] This initiative has since grown to include exchange relations with 178 institutions across 81 countries as of 2017, facilitating the acquisition of diverse publications and promoting Indian materials abroad.^[1] The 2010s presented operational challenges, particularly acute staff shortages that hampered services and collection management. By 2016, more than 53 percent of sanctioned posts remained vacant, delaying appointments and affecting departments like foreign language sections, which had lacked dedicated staff for nearly a decade by 2017.^[12]^[13] In response, the library pursued modernization, including digitization projects under the National Mission on Libraries, which aimed to preserve rare documents and improve access through digital infrastructure like library management systems and smart card issuance.^[14] Preservation and cultural initiatives have further strengthened the library's global standing, with active participation in international networks such as the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) to share best practices in conservation and resource sharing. These efforts underscore the library's commitment to safeguarding India's intellectual heritage amid evolving technological and institutional demands.

Location and Architecture

Site and Location

The National Library of India is located at the Belvedere Estate on Belvedere Road in Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, at coordinates 22°32′00″N 88°20′00″E.^[15]^[16] The Belvedere Estate possesses notable historical significance as a former British colonial residence, originally built in the late 18th century and initially occupied by Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of Bengal Presidency.^[1] From 1854 to 1911, it served as the official home for successive Lieutenant-Governors of Bengal until the capital shifted to Delhi.^[1]^[17] The site lies in the upscale Alipore neighborhood, in close proximity to key cultural landmarks including the Alipore Zoological Gardens and the Agri Horticultural Society's gardens.^[15] Accessibility is facilitated by public transport options such as local buses serving nearby stops like Ekbalpur and Kothari Hospital, with the estate approximately 4 km from central Esplanade, 10 km from Howrah Railway Station, and 20 km from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.^[15] Environmentally, the Belvedere Estate spans about 30 acres of verdant grounds and manicured gardens, offering a tranquil green oasis that integrates with Kolkata's urban fabric and enhances the area's biodiversity amid the surrounding metropolitan development.^[1]

Building Description

The National Library of India was historically housed in the Belvedere House, an 18th-century structure originally built in the 1760s by Mir Jafar, the Nawab of Bengal, and later acquired by the British East India Company, but current primary operations are in modern facilities including Bhasha Bhawan and the Annexe Building while Belvedere House undergoes renovation. This heritage building exemplifies a free Italian Renaissance architectural style overlaid on Anglo-Indian design, characterized by Corinthian pillars, grand columns, circular arches, glazed windows, and high double-height ceilings that originally served as a banquet hall and residence for colonial officials like Warren Hastings.^[10]^[18]^[1] Constructed using lime-surkhi mortar, terracotta tiles, and lime-surkhi concrete slabs, the asymmetrical design reflects additions over time, including varied flooring in marble, mosaic, tile, and red oxide, along with features like a marble fireplace and a royal sandstone staircase.^[10] Complementing the heritage structure are modern additions, including the Bhasha Bhawan (renamed Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Bhasha Bhavan in 2023), a five-story building with approximately 40,000 square meters of carpet area, designed to accommodate language-specific collections and expanded operations since its completion in the late 20th century.^[19]^[20] The Annexe Building supports administrative functions and houses specialized divisions, such as those for rare collections, with dedicated spaces for processing and management.^[21] Inside these facilities, the library features extensive interior amenities tailored for preservation and access. The Belvedere House includes basement-level movable stack rooms for secure book storage, while renovated upper levels now incorporate airtight glazing on windows, air conditioning, and a barrier-free visitors' lift to enhance usability.^[22] Bhasha Bhawan provides multiple reading rooms, including a main reference area with seating for over 150 users and display spaces for new acquisitions.^[23] Additionally, a dedicated Conservation Laboratory, established in 1995, equips the library with tools for restoration, lamination, and preventive measures to protect materials from deterioration.^[24] Since the 2010s, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in collaboration with the Central Public Works Department, has undertaken ongoing holistic renovations of Belvedere House, focusing on structural retrofitting, crack repairs, and heritage conservation to preserve its Grade I status while adapting it for future use, including potential exhibition spaces. During these works, a hidden chamber was briefly noted but not explored in detail.^[10]^[17]

Hidden Chamber Discovery

During the restoration of Belvedere House in 2010, part of a larger effort to preserve the National Library of India's heritage structure, conservation engineers from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) detected a hidden chamber on the ground floor.^[25] The room measured approximately 1,000 square feet but had no visible entry, door, or trapdoor, only a walled-up archway that hinted at its sealed nature.^[25] This unexpected find immediately generated widespread curiosity and speculation about its original purpose, with theories suggesting it could have served as a torture chamber, a sealed tomb, or even a repository for hidden treasures, drawing on historical accounts of British colonial practices in India.^[25] The discovery fueled rumors of hauntings and secret passages within the 250-year-old building, which had long been associated with paranormal lore among staff and visitors.^[26] ASI officials sought permission from the Ministry of Culture to investigate further by drilling a small hole, emphasizing the need to avoid damaging the heritage site.^[27] These speculations captured public imagination, briefly overshadowing the routine aspects of the restoration work. By 2011, after a six-month investigation, the chamber was confirmed to be an architectural void intentionally filled with mud to bolster structural support and reinforce the building's foundations, a common technique employed by British architects during the colonial era.^[28] No artifacts, remains, or other contents were found, dispelling the more sensational theories.^[28] The revelation had negligible impact on the overall restoration project, which continued under ASI oversight, allowing the library to maintain its operations by shifting to the Bhasha Bhawan facility, where activities continue as of 2025.^[28]^[29]

Collections

Overview and Size

The National Library of India maintains an extensive repository of printed and archival materials, serving as the country's premier institution for preserving knowledge. Its total holdings exceed 4 million books and bound periodicals (as of 2024), supplemented by approximately 88,162 maps, over 3,231 manuscripts, more than 11,000 volumes of newspapers, and nearly 104,388 microfilm rolls. These figures underscore the library's role as a comprehensive archive, with notable subsets like the Asutosh Collection contributing significantly to its depth.^[30] The scope of the collection spans materials in over 15 Indian languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, and others, alongside English and various foreign languages. It also incorporates international publications focused on India, covering subjects from history and literature to science and culture, ensuring a broad representation of global scholarship on the subcontinent.^[31]^[32] Acquisitions occur through multiple channels, primarily via legal deposit under the Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1954, which mandates that publishers deliver one copy of every book and newspaper printed in India to the library. Additional materials are obtained through direct purchases, private donations, and international exchanges, fostering steady expansion.^[3]^[33] This multifaceted approach drives ongoing growth, with annual additions numbering in the tens of thousands, reflecting India's prolific publishing output and the library's mandate to document national intellectual heritage.^[30]

Special and Rare Collections

The National Library of India maintains a distinguished Rare Books Division, which preserves 12,132 volumes encompassing early printed materials, manuscripts, and historically significant publications dating back to the 15th century, such as the 1481 edition of works by ancient authors and the inaugural issue of Hicky’s Bengal Gazette from 1780-81.^[1] This collection highlights 18th- and 19th-century prints that offer invaluable insights into colonial-era printing techniques and intellectual discourse in India.^[1] Housed in climate-controlled facilities in the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Bhasha Bhavan basement, these items underscore the library's role in safeguarding cultural heritage against degradation.^[21]^[11] One of the library's premier endowments is the Asutosh Collection, comprising approximately 87,000 volumes donated in 1949 by the family of Sir Asutosh Mukhopadhyay, a pioneering educator, mathematician, and vice-chancellor of the University of Calcutta.^[1] This "library within a library," located on the fourth floor of the Annexe Building, emphasizes Indian philosophy, sciences, law, history, and European literature, reflecting Mukhopadhyay's scholarly interests in advancing scientific and philosophical thought in colonial India.^[1] The collection includes rare periodicals and legal documents, providing a critical resource for researchers studying the intellectual foundations of modern Indian academia.^[34] The Buhar Collection, acquired in 1904 and founded by Munshi Sayyid Sadr-ud-Din, forms another cornerstone with about 950 manuscripts and 1,450 printed books in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, covering topics in arts, sciences, religion, history, and literature, often featuring exquisite calligraphy and illustrations.^[1] Its historical significance is amplified by connections to figures like Mir Jafar and Warren Hastings, offering a window into Indo-Islamic scholarly traditions.^[35] Complementing this are specialized holdings such as 274 Arabic books, 269 Persian books, and 211 Urdu books, alongside 72 Arabic and 68 Persian manuscripts from the integrated Imambara Collection deposited in 1956, which enrich the library's documentation of Islamic jurisprudence and cultural exchanges.^[35] Beyond printed volumes, the library curates unique non-book materials integral to Indian history, including the Maps and Prints Division's 88,162 maps and atlases—India's only comprehensive map library—spanning colonial surveys and regional cartography.^[1] The Reprography Division preserves over 104,388 microfilm rolls and microfiches, capturing irreplaceable records like the Census of India from 1872 to 1951, ensuring accessibility for historical analysis without risking originals.^[1] These elements collectively position the National Library as a vital repository for rare artifacts that illuminate India's multifaceted past.^[21]

Functions and Services

Legal Mandate and Duties

The National Library of India operates under the legal framework established by the Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1954, which mandates that every publisher in India deliver, at their own expense, one copy of every book, newspaper, or serial publication to the library within one month of its publication.^[36] This statutory requirement ensures the library's role as a comprehensive national archive, originally extending to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir, but extended to the entire territory following the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, serving as a key mechanism for cultural documentation.^[36]^[37] The library's designation as such stems from its evolution under the Imperial Library (Change of Name) Act, 1948, granting it special status in the Union List of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution.^[3] As a permanent depository, the National Library is duty-bound to collect, preserve, and provide access to all printed materials produced in India, as well as works on India authored by foreigners regardless of publication location or language.^[3] This includes a wide array of reading and information materials, serving as the country's primary repository for safeguarding intellectual output and historical records.^[6] These mandates have contributed to steady collection growth, positioning the library as a vital resource for scholarly research on Indian heritage. In fulfilling its bibliographical duties, the library compiles and publishes national bibliographies and catalogs to facilitate access to India's publishing landscape. The Central Reference Library, a key division, produces the Indian National Bibliography (INB), an annual authoritative record of current publications in 14 major Indian languages, based on legal deposit receipts.^[38] Additionally, it issues author and subject catalogs in languages such as Bengali, English, Hindi, Tamil, and classical languages like Sanskrit, Pali, and Prakrit, supporting researchers in locating materials systematically.^[39] The library's mandate extends to cultural preservation through proactive international cooperation, acting as a center for book exchange and loans with institutions worldwide. It maintains exchange relations with 179 institutions across 86 countries, fostering global dissemination of Indian knowledge while acquiring foreign publications on India.^[1] This role underscores its commitment to promoting India's cultural heritage on an international stage, with documented exchanges dating back to early 20th-century agreements, such as with the Library of Congress.^[3]

Access and Lending Services

The National Library of India provides public access to its collections following its opening to the general public on February 1, 1953, transforming it from the restricted Imperial Library into a key resource for scholars and citizens.^[4] This access is facilitated through dedicated reading room facilities designed for on-site consultation, accommodating both researchers and the broader public. The library maintains multiple specialized reading rooms across its buildings, including the Main Reading Room, Annexe Reading Room, and division-specific areas for rare books, science, and technology, with seating arrangements that prioritize scholars through reserved seats.^[40] As of 2017, these facilities support an annual footfall exceeding 150,000 visitors and sustain approximately 18,000 active reading room members.^[1] Lending services enable members to borrow materials under structured rules, issuing an average of 300 books per day to individual borrowers and institutions, excluding rare manuscripts and reference works. Local members may borrow up to two books for 14 days (extendable), while outstation members receive 21 days, with a refundable deposit of 1.5 times the book's price required for lending privileges.^[1] Inter-library loan options further extend access, allowing selected Indian and foreign libraries to borrow up to four books for 21 days or two months respectively, with the borrowing institution covering postage costs.^[40] Membership for these services is open to Indian citizens aged 18 and above, requiring a free annual registration form along with a recommendation for reading room access, or a daily card for short visits; lending membership similarly demands a caution deposit but no fee. Membership registration is now available online via the library's website. Photocopying services are available to members for non-rare materials, adhering to the International Copyright Act and fair use limits, while reference assistance is provided through the Reference Division and Main Reading Room, offering bibliographic support, custom research aids, and access to a 6,000-volume open reference collection for scholars and institutions.^[40]^[1]

Digital Initiatives and Preservation

The National Library of India has undertaken significant digitization efforts to modernize access to its collections, notably through the "Down the Memory Lane" program initiated in the late 1990s. This initiative focuses on converting rare books, manuscripts, and other fragile materials into digital formats to ensure their long-term availability and prevent physical deterioration.^[41] Special collections, including historical manuscripts, are prioritized for this digitization to safeguard cultural heritage.^[42] Members of the library gain access to extensive e-resources, including approximately 125,000 online books as of 2017, primarily early English titles in digital facsimile from 1475 to 1700, and a range of online journals. These resources support research and education by providing remote access to scholarly materials without the need for physical handling of originals.^[1] The library integrates its digitized content with national projects such as the National Digital Library of India (NDLI), contributing to a broader virtual repository that aggregates millions of educational resources across disciplines.^[43] Preservation efforts at the National Library emphasize both active conservation and reprographic techniques to protect its holdings. The Laboratory Division, established in 1968, handles chemical conservation, including the restoration of brittle or insect-damaged books, maps, manuscripts, and paintings, while offering training to other institutions.^[44] The Binding Division, operational since 1959, focuses on mending and binding damaged documents to extend their usability. Reprographic preservation includes microfilming, with 6,801 rolls produced for 19th-century newspapers, Arabic, Persian, and Sanskrit manuscripts, creating durable copies for archival purposes.^[44] These measures, supported by controlled environmental conditions, help mitigate risks from environmental factors and usage. To enhance outreach, the National Library maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram, where it shares updates on events, digitized content previews, and preservation activities to engage a wider audience.^[45]

Administration and Governance

Organizational Structure

The National Library of India functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, which provides oversight and funding as a subordinate body.^[46]^[47] Established as a statutory institution by the National Library of India Act, 1976, it operates with a structured governance framework designed to ensure efficient management of its national repository role. At the apex of the hierarchy is the Director General, who serves as the chief executive responsible for overall administration, policy implementation, and coordination of library activities. The position is currently held by Prof. Ajay Pratap Singh, appointed in 2022 and continuing in the role as of 2025.^[48]^[49] The Director General is assisted by principal library and information officers and deputy directors who oversee key functional areas, including collections management, user services, and administrative operations.^[1] The library's internal organization comprises specialized departments that handle core functions such as acquisitions, processing and cataloguing, reference services, and conservation. The Acquisitions Department manages the intake of books and materials under legal deposit provisions, while the Processing and Bibliography units focus on classification, cataloguing, and indexing. Reference Services provide research support through dedicated sections for lending and consultation, and the Conservation Division includes facilities for preservation, chemical treatment, and reprography to protect rare and historical collections.^[1]^[50] Advisory mechanisms include the National Library Board, constituted under the 1976 Act as a body corporate to offer policy guidance to the Central Government on matters related to the library's development, operations, and national significance. The Board comprises representatives from government, academia, and library professionals to ensure strategic alignment with national cultural objectives.

Funding and Staff

The National Library of India receives its primary funding from the Government of India via allocations from the Ministry of Culture, which oversees its financial resources as an autonomous institution. In the Union Budget for 2025-26, ₹156.55 crore has been set aside for national libraries and archives, encompassing the National Library, the National Archives of India, and the Central Reference Library to support operations, preservation, and development activities.^[51] According to the Ministry of Culture's Annual Report for 2023-24, the budget estimate for revenue expenditure under libraries and archives stood at ₹118.35 crore, with actual spending reaching ₹77.58 crore by December 2023, while capital expenditure was budgeted at ₹220.40 crore but utilized only ₹9.91 crore in the same period.^[2] Supplementary funding occasionally comes from donations targeted at specific projects, such as contributions of publications or resources for conservation efforts.^[1] The library's workforce consists of professional librarians, conservators, and administrative personnel responsible for collection management, digitization, and user services. Historical staffing challenges have been notable; in 2016, over 53 percent of sanctioned posts remained vacant, resulting in operational strains and subsequent recruitment drives to address the shortages.^[12] More recent assessments highlight persistent issues with shortages of professionally trained librarians, exacerbated by outdated recruitment policies and the need for specialized skills in digital preservation.^[52] To enhance capabilities, the library participates in staff training and professional development programs under the National Mission on Libraries scheme of the Ministry of Culture. In 2023-24, the Ministry organized 38 capacity-building initiatives that trained 1,606 library professionals nationwide, focusing on areas like ICT applications, conservation techniques, and management modernization to support institutions like the National Library.^[2]

Visiting Information

Membership and Access

The National Library of India offers free membership for reading room access to any person aged 18 years or older, enabling them to consult its vast collections on-site.^[46] Registration can be completed online through the official website from anywhere in the country, requiring applicants to submit a prescribed form with personal details such as name, date of birth, address, and educational qualifications, along with uploads of a recent color photograph (in JPEG/JPG format, up to 100 KB), proof of date of birth, valid identity proof, and a scanned signature (in JPEG/JPG or PDF format, up to 100 KB).^[53] Students seeking membership must include a stamped recommendation from the head of their educational institution.^[53] Borrowing privileges, which allow members to take select materials home, require an additional step beyond reading room registration: payment of a refundable caution deposit equivalent to 1.5 times the price of the books intended for loan.^[19] This deposit ensures compliance with lending rules, though reference books, rare items, and certain other categories remain non-circulating.^[19] Researchers and scholars, including those pursuing advanced studies, receive prioritized access to specialized divisions such as the Rare Books Section, where materials can be consulted under supervision; photocopying or digital photography is permitted subject to fair use norms and prior approval to protect fragile items.^[19] International visitors and foreign researchers are accommodated through temporary daily cards issued at the reading room counter for short-term use, or via special arrangements for distinguished scholars, including guided access to exhibitions and collections in coordination with the library's cultural exchange programs with over 80 countries.^[40]^[19] Access is restricted for children under 18 years, who are directed instead to the dedicated Children's Library without needing formal membership for reading purposes.^[19]

Facilities and Hours

The National Library of India operates its main reading rooms from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on working days (Monday to Friday) and from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and other holidays, with book supply ceasing one hour before closing. The library remains closed on notified national holidays including Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday (October 2).^[54]^[1] Specialized sections, such as the Rare Books and Maps divisions, maintain hours of 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on working days and are closed on weekends and notified holidays. Visitors have access to a range of on-site amenities designed to support research and reading activities. These include multiple specialized reading rooms, such as the Main Reading Room accommodating up to 500 readers, the Rare Books Reading Room for historical materials, the Science & Technology Reading Room, and the Children's Library on the ground floor of Bhasha Bhawan for users aged 6 to 14. An Exhibition Gallery on the ground floor displays books, photographs, and reproductions, often tied to special collections or events. A departmental canteen provides refreshments for staff and visitors, managed by dedicated personnel.^[1] The library periodically hosts educational and cultural events to engage the public, including guided tours of its collections and facilities, lectures on literary topics, and cultural programs such as book exhibitions and seminars. These activities take place in the 545-seat auditorium on the first floor of Bhasha Bhawan or the 90-seat conference hall on the fourth floor, with examples including special lectures on notable figures and commemorative cultural events. Full participation in these events and amenities typically requires a valid membership card for individuals aged 18 and above.^[46]^[1]

References

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[PDF] information brochure the national library of india Kolkata
The Library started its journey with the opening of the Calcu a Public Library in March 1836 at 13 Esplanade Row, a portion of the house of Dr Francis Pemble ...
[2]
BRIEF ABOUT NATIONAL LIBRARY of India
J. H. Stoqueler, the Editor of the Englishman. The library was opened to the public on the 21st March, 1836 on the ground floor in the residence of Dr ...
[3]
History - National Library of India
Calcutta Public Library(CPL). Calcutta Public Library was established in 1836. It was not a Government institution. It ran on a proprietary basis.Missing: size | Show results with:size
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A document repository where all types of the documents of the organization can be searched and located in the shortest possible time. About Us.
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National Library revamp nearly done, to open next year | Kolkata News
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Delay in appointments hits National Library - The Hindu
Oct 7, 2016 · Delay in appointments hits National Library. More than 53 per cent of the sanctioned posts are lying vacant at the Kolkata institution. Updated ...
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The National Library of India is a library located in the Belvedere Estate, Alipore, Kolkata, India ... Longitude. 88.33348° or 88° 20′ 1″ east. Open ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[16]
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[17]
Conservation & Restoration Starts For 250-year-old Belvedere House
Apr 25, 2022 · The building that once housed the National Library, till it was shifted to Bhasha Bhavan on the same premises, is one of the oldest ...Missing: major expansions Annexe
[18]
The enigmatic Warren Hastings and his Calcutta properties
Dec 22, 2014 · ... Belvedere House. Its architecture is of a free Italian renaissance style developed of an ordinary Anglo-Indian building. Its terrace ...
[19]
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[20]
Rare & Other Collections - National Library of India
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Jun 9, 2025 · ... Conservation Laboratory in 1995 for restoration and preservation efforts. ... National Library of India, Kolkata, 1836. Image may contain ...
[23]
Secret chamber in National Library | Kolkata News - Times of India
Nov 20, 2010 · A mysterious room has been discovered in the 250-year-old building a room that no one knew about and no one can enter because it seems to have no opening of ...
[24]
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Nov 27, 2010 · A hidden chamber discovered in the ground floor of the National ... Belvedere House as a gift to Governor General of India, Lord Warren Hastings.
[25]
Secret sealed room found in India's National Library - The History Blog
Nov 20, 2010 · Then in 1953, 3 years after Independence, the Imperial Library was renamed the National Library and the collection moved to Belvedere House.Missing: 1948-1953 | Show results with:1948-1953
[26]
Room with no view - Business Standard
May 22, 2011 · The “secret room” turned out to be “a block stuffed with mud, perhaps constructed by the British architects to strengthen the base of the ...Missing: investigation | Show results with:investigation
[27]
[PDF] National Library of India: History
The collection consists of 274 Arabic books, 269 Persian books, 211 Urdu books, 72 Arabic manuscripts and 68 Persian manuscripts, making a total of. 754 books ...Missing: website | Show results with:website
[28]
Indian Languages Collection - National Library of India
The Sindhi Section of the Indian Language establish in the year 1957. The National Library has inherited records of availability of Sindhi language is 2,100 ( ...
[29]
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g304558-d2461909-Reviews-National_Library-Kolkata_Calcutta_Kolkata_District_West_Bengal.html
[30]
For Publishers - National Library of India
Collection · Collection Development · Collection Organisation · English ... (9) the size;. (10) the first, second or other number of the edition;. (11) ...
[31]
Nat'l Library Plans Revival Of Rare Asutosh Collection | Kolkata News
Nov 6, 2022 · “The collection, with about 170 rare periodicals, specialises in legal documents. There are original as well as reproductions of paintings, ...
[32]
None
### Summary of Collection Size of National Library of India
[33]
[PDF] The Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1954
An Act to provide for delivery of books to the National Library and other public libraries. ... (2) It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and ...Missing: mandate (Preservation Disposal)
[34]
About INB - Indian National Bibliography - Central Reference Library
The Indian National Bibliography (INB) has been conceived as an authoritative bibliographical record of current publications in the 14 major languages of India.Missing: services | Show results with:services
[35]
Publications - National Library of India
The National Library of India publishes author catalogs in Bengali, English, European, Hindi, and Tamil, as well as catalogs for Sanskrit, Pali, and Prakrit ...
[36]
services & memberships - National Library of India
Digitized Documents of National Library · Electronic Resources · Contact Us. ☰. NATIONAL LIBRARY · Ministry of Culture Government of India. First slide ...
[37]
https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/1558?sam_handle=123456789/1362
[38]
Digital Library Initiatives: A Boon for Preservation of Information ...
Aug 8, 2025 · ... Down the Memory Lane. The National Library of India has initiated in late 1990s a. digitization programme, known as 'Down the Memory Lane',. to ...
[39]
National Digital Library of India (NDLI)
National Digital Library of India (NDLI) is a virtual repository of learning resources which is not just a repository with search/browse facilities but ...
[40]
Preservation Activities - National Library of India
Reprographic Preservation. Most of the 19th century newspapers, Arabic, Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts have already been microfilmed 6801 rolls of microfilms ...
[41]
National Library of India
The origin of the National Library of India is traced to the former Calcutta Public Library, established in the first half of the 19th century. ... National ...Missing: size | Show results with:size
[42]
National Library of India
अपडेट · Brief about national... · Contact Us · Recruitment RulesMissing: architecture | Show results with:architecture<|control11|><|separator|>
[43]
[PDF] National Library of India - Ministry of Culture
To be a centre for international book exchange and international loan. Purpose of the MOU. To achieve the organizational goals by optimum use of the funds ...Missing: 86 | Show results with:86
[44]
Administration - National Library of India
The National Library of India has a separate administrative wing. The ... The Director General is the head of the institution. Prof. Ajay Pratap Singh ...
[45]
Capacity Building Programme of National Mission on Libraries ... - PIB
Mar 24, 2025 · Prof. Ajay Pratap Singh, Director General, The National Library of India and Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF) and also Additional ...
[46]
Governance of Public Libraries in India: National to Village-Level ...
Apr 12, 2024 · The Director General is supported by a hierarchy of specialized departments handling acquisitions, conservation, reference services, and ...
[47]
Centre Increases Culture Budget To Rs 3360 Crore To Promote Arts ...
Feb 1, 2025 · Rs 156.55 crore has been set aside for national libraries and archives. New Delhi: The government has increased the budgetary allocation for the ...
[48]
[PDF] annual report 2023-24 - Ministry of Culture
The Ministry is the custodian of libraries of national importance in the country. It frames policies and provides grant-in-aid for library development. Through ...
[49]
Analysis Of India's National Mission On Libraries, 2012
Oct 2, 2024 · Additionally, a shortage of professionally trained librarians and library management staff exacerbated by outdated recruitment policies and ...
[50]
Registration — Update - National Library
Recommended portrait ratio ~3:4. * Required Fields. राष्ट्रीय पुस्तकालय, कोलकाता. NATIONAL LIBRARY, KOLKATA. प्रवेश टिकट के लिए आवेदन ...Missing: lending | Show results with:lending<|control11|><|separator|>
[51]
Useful Information - National Library of India
All Reading Rooms remain open between 08.00 am to 08.00 pm on working days, and 9.30 am to 6 pm on other holidays.Missing: lending | Show results with:lending