Kolkata, fondly known by its former name Calcutta, was once the political and intellectual capital of the British empire in India. While this vibrant city in West Bengal may not enjoy the same level of affluence, its effervescence remains the same. Kolkata is strongly connected to arts and literature and prides itself on its people’s firm nationalism and progressiveness of thought. While there are many reasons for this, exposure to education and a libertarian school of thought can be considered the prime ones. No wonder it is home to National Library Of India, the country’s largest library and repository of public records, touted to hold more than 21,00,000 books, e-books, periodicals, maps, public data records and more. It was opened for public use in 1953 and has since been a treasure trove of literature in various regional and foreign languages. Check out our guide to National Library Of India, Kolkata, to further understand why you must visit this mammoth institution.
Things to do / Highlights
Head to the reading room for a few hours
National Library Of India has a reading room, but is more like a large reading hall housed across the first and second floors of Bhasha Bhawan building. You can access the contents of the reading room and even borrow them, provided you are a permanent member of the library. The library authorities also grant temporary memberships. Remember that a formal procedure needs to be followed for being granted either of these memberships (details in ‘Traveller’s tips’ section). There’s also a Children’s Library, on the ground floor that holds an extensive book collection suitable for children below the age of 14. Admission here is free of cost.
Access the electronic resources
The library boasts an excellent E-resource Centre, equipped with 50 computers that can be accessed by registered members. The registration for this is open to students and researchers if they should agree to follow a strict set of dos and don'ts. The facility remains open from 10am - 7pm from Monday - Friday and 10am - 5pm on weekends.
Check out the exhibitions
National Library Of India also hosts exhibitions in its Exhibition Section. Rare publications, valuable manuscripts, important documents, photographs, and facsimile reproductions are put up on public display. These exhibitions are periodically hosted, so you can check the official website to figure out if one is being held around the time of your visit.
Explore the estate
The library is housed within the Belvedere Estate that once served as a royal palace for the Viceroy of India, followed by the Governor of Bengal as his official quarters. The estate consists of sprawling lawns, with the Belvedere House in the middle. Two buildings were added to this complex later, one which now houses the National Library of India. The Belvedere House, in particular, boasts stunning Italian Renaissance-style architecture that you can admire. The tall ceiling, Roman beams, and rich embellishing of various parts of the building are a real delight for architecture enthusiasts. The expansive and manicured lawns of the Belvedere Estate flaunt a plethora of flowering plants and subtropical trees, making it a fantastic spot to soak in some Bengali sun or take a relaxing stroll.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
For a book lover like me, this place is a real treat as it boasts a great collection. I have visited the library numerous times, especially during college. The peaceful ambiance lets you spend a tranquil time amidst books. It will seldom happen that you won't find the book you are looking for. Apart from reading, I also loved to take a stroll in the vast expanse of open areas. The best part about the library is that it has kept up with the changing times and you will find digitized resources here that are also available online.
What to eat
In case you feel peckish during your visit to the library, a small canteen located on-site is accessible to visitors. It is quite a humble canteen, so don’t expect any restaurant-like frills. It runs from 9am to 6pm daily and is a good spot for refreshments, such as light snacks, tea, and coffee. The canteen also entertains requests for preparing brunch or lunch meals at a nominal cost.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
For whatever reason, I used to feel hungry after spending some time in the reading room! The canteen serves tea, coffee, and light snacks that I liked to munch on before getting back to the books. While being in college and away from family, I was on a budget and availed of the lunch in the canteen, which is served at a reasonable rate.
Travellers tips
Obtaining library membership
Those willing to obtain a membership need to fill out an application form available on the library’s official website. A hard copy of the duly filled form then needs to be attested by a gazetted officer of the Indian Government. Once this formality is done, forms are to be submitted to the library office and passes are issued between 11am - 1pm and 3pm - 4pm from Monday to Friday. Remember that the office is shut on national and state holidays.
Maintain care
If you are accessing the library’s collection, remember that you need to handle all items with utmost care. All the dos and don'ts are mentioned on the library website and posted on the library premises as well. Go through them carefully and diligently follow all the instructions.
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How to get there
Metro
The library enjoys connectivity via Metro, with the Netaji Bhawan Metro Station being the closest station. It is at a distance of approximately 2 km (1.2 mi) that can be easily covered via taxi or on foot.
Bus
You can consider boarding any bus with Ekbalpur, Kothari Hospital or Jali Gate as one of the stops on its route. Ekbalpur bus station is at a short walking distance from National Library Of India.
Taxi
You can also hire a taxi to get to the destination. Taxis can be easily hired from anywhere in the city to reach National Library Of India.
Private vehicle
You can head to the library in a private or rented vehicle as well. Belvedere Road is quite centrally located within Kolkata city, so driving directions are easily available.
Kolkata Tour Guide
Nibedita Sen
A hearty WELCOME to our page Happiness Activist. We are here to solve the problems of foreigners who come to explore India. Firstly, we suggest them to stop visiting the wonders and mundanes of social media advertisements about overrated traveling. We provide them the basic needs and guidelines that the audience requires when they first step into an unknown land which we have already explored. Secondly, we are not like any other travel guides. If you are here to explore the museum, zoo, or places that you can easily google about Kolkata then Sorry, we are not the right one to help you. Our USP is to guide those travellers who are offbeat and craze for the undiscovered and less travelled places in India, Egypt and Israel. Through our eyes, 'WE WILL MAKE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH YOURSELF'
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National Library Of India information
National Library Of India
Address: Belvedere Road, Block A, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 9:30am - 6pm (closed on National Holidays)
Official website: National Library Of India
Department of tourism: Visit West Bengal
History
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