The National Library

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. The Calcutta Public Library was established largely at the initiative of Mr. 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. F.P. Strong, Civil Surgeon.

After Independence of India, the NATIONAL LIBRARY of India came into being in place of Imperial Library by the “Imperial Library (Change of Name) Act” in 1948.

The National Library of India offers its vast treasure of books, magazines and journals published across the country and the world to researchers/scholars as well as lay readers. Publications from across the world are housed in it and are preserved and restored for the use of the readers of today and tomorrow.