National Library , Kolkata

National Library of India

Overall view of National Library , Kolkata

Location :The National Library of India on the Belvedere Estate in Alipore, Kolkata, is the largest library in India by volume, and India's library of public record.

Interior of National Library , Kolkata

How to reach :

The National Library is located on Belvedere Road in Alipore, Calcutta. It is easily accessible and one can take a cab or a bus and it takes 8 minutes to reach the Library from Kolkata

Entrance of National Library , Kolkata

History:

The history of the National library began with the formation of Calcutta public library in 1836. Both Indian as well as foreign books were purchased for the library. Calcutta public library was the first public library at this part of the world. Such a well-organized and efficiently run library was rare even in Europe during the first half of the 19th century.

 The Imperial Library was formed in 1891 by combining a number of Secretariat libraries in Calcutta. After independence the Government of India changed the name of the Imperial Library to the National Library, and the collection was transferred from The Esplanade to the present Belvedere Estate. On 1 February 1953 the National Library was opened to the public by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

Old picture of National Library , Kolkata

Interesting Facts:

• It is the largest in India with a collection in excess of 2.2 million books.

• Before independence, it was the official residence of Governor-General of India.

• The National Library has over 45 kilometers of shelf space

• The Library has reading rooms can accommodate over 550 people

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