10 Iconic Libraries in India That Should Be On Your Must-Visit List

Though we have today the number of resources to read a book anywhere anytime but reading a book in a place which is filled with the air of thoughts of many readers, the giant old school structures, that connection while sitting at the chair and holding the book and read, that is something a person who loves reading will always strive for.
The ambiance makes you go for staying till you satisfy your soul with this experience.
For the ones who want to live up to this thirst, here is the list of 10 iconic and must-visit libraries of India:

1. The National Library of India, Kolkata:

If there would have been any class of libraries it would be respectfully regarded as a senior most, it is one of the largest libraries in India, established in the year 1836.

It houses a collection of 2.7 million books (approx.) along with many other important manuscripts and maps. It covers an area of 30 acres and has also been ranked high in terms of cleanliness.

2. Delhi Public Library:

One of the highly visited libraries of South Asia, situated in Delhi, was started by Govt. of India as a UNESCO Project. It houses a collection of 1.8 million books and is the 4th recipient library under the provision of Delivery of Books & Newspaper (Public Libraries) Act 1954.

   3. Sarasvati Mahal Library, Tamil Nadu:

Standing within the campus of Thanjavur Palace, Saraswati Library was started exclusively for the royals of Thanjavur, and in 1918, its possession was transferred to the Govt. of Tamil Nadu. It houses a rare collection of Palm leaf Manuscripts written by Rishis and Muni's hundreds of years ago.

4. Asiatic Society, Mumbai

Inspired by Greek and Roman architecture, this iconic building was established in 1804 and contains about 15,000 rare books along with artifacts. It is dedicated to Christianity. This building is also a popular location for many Indian movies!

 5. Anna Centenary Library, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Equipped with one of the finest structures and facilities, this Air-conditioned library accommodates all the needs of blind readers. It houses more than half a million books of various topics.It is operational since 2010.

6. Krishnadas Shama Central Library, Goa

The oldest Public Library in India was established in 1832 in Panjim, Goa. This iconic library is one of its kind -it houses a vast collection of books of different languages and manuscripts. Separate sections for kids and differently-abled have been set up in this library.

7. Allahabad Public Library, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

Established in 1864, Allahabad library is one of the biggest public libraries of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated centrally in Alfred Park and has a collection of more than 1,25,000 books of utmost importance of different languages.

8. Smt. Hansa Mehta Library, Baroda, Gujarat

It is one of the ancient libraries of India established in Baroda, standing at the premises of MS University Baroda, Hansa Mehta Library houses a great collection of contemporary as well as other books of utmost importance from previous centuries.

   9. State Central Library, Hyderabad

One of the largest libraries of South India, State Central Library was established in 1891.It was accorded a heritage status in 1998 by INTACH, Hyderabad. It houses approx. half a million books and contains some rare manuscripts.

10. Connemara Public Library, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

It serves as one of four National Depository Libraries, which receive a copy of all books, newspapers , and periodicals published in India stating its importance. It houses a rare collection of books and manuscripts which are out of print now.

These iconic libraries, housing avast variety of books, provide a perfect environment to satiate our reading thirst and widen our circumference of knowledge. You should definitely plan and visit a trip to these libraries soon.