All about Visiting the National Library Kolkata, West Bengal

The National Library Kolkata is a proud emblem of India’s literary legacy, offering a timeless journey through rare manuscripts, historic archives, and scholarly resources. A visit here is not just about books—it’s about experiencing the cultural soul of Kolkata.

Whether you’re a history lover, student, or curious traveller, the grandeur and knowledge preserved within these walls will inspire you. Embrace the charm of this iconic institution and uncover stories that shaped a nation.

The National Library of Kolkata, the first public library in India, has witnessed India’s freedom since the end of British rule.

The library started in Metcalfe Hall in 1953 on Strand Road, Kolkata, after moving to Belvedere Estate in Alipore.

পড়ুন :- কলকাতা জাতীয় গ্রন্থাগার মেম্বারশিপ পশ্চিমবঙ্গ [ ন্যাশনাল লাইব্রেরি ]

National Library Kolkata, West Bengal

Since ancient times, language has played a unique role in the history of human civilisation. It’s the most powerful medium of expression. Language is perfected on the pages of books. Libraries are the centres of books and the lives of bookmakers.

Calcutta is the only city in India where we celebrate a book fair, an annual festival. Last year, the Kolkata book fair was held in Salt Lake Central Park.

How to reach the National Library in Kolkata?

The easiest way to reach the National Library is to take any bus from Exide or Rabindra Sadan metro station to Alipore Zoo, such as bus no. 260, 230, etc. It takes 15-20 minutes. 

We can also reach the zoo directly from Ballygunge on Bus No. 1. You can also get an auto to Alipore from Hazra Crossing. Come to the Alipore Zoo and arrive at the National Library within a one-minute walk.

Address: Belvedere Road, Block A, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027

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Inside the National Library, Kolkata – Bhasha Bhavan

The library building in the area is called Belvedere Estate. Belvedere House is a heritage building with many historical and romantic stories involved! India’s largest and official library has been built on 130 acres.

At the entrance of the National Library, which is the most extensive library in India, you will see a post office. Take the right-side corner road to reach the destination. It is presently under the Archaeological Survey of India.

On 21 March 1836, the first library in Calcutta, West Bengal, was established in Metcalfe Hall at the junction of Hair Street and Strand Road, known as the ”Calcutta Public Library”. On 1 February 1953, the Metcalfe Hall Kolkata library shifted to the Belvedere Estate in Alipore.

Since the library moved from the old building to the “Bhasha Bhavan” building, it has 26,41,615 books, 88,162 maps, 3,231 manuscripts, 1,47,331 magazines, and daily editions of the most famous daily newspaper published from the eighteenth century, 21,250 digitised books, and other rare documents.

Besides, many ancient documents have been preserved through microfilming. Five hundred fifty people can sit together while reading in the Bhasha Bhavan building.

The National Library is India’s only institution open 362 days a year. However, its doors are closed only on Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti.

Address: Belvedere Road, Block A, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027

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National Library Kolkata’s new timings

The good news is that the national library has reopened and is now accepting advance bookings to enter. You must book the seat before 24 hours.

• Monday to Friday from 9 am to 8 pm
• Saturday and Sunday from 9.30 am to 6 pm

Contact

• Phone – 91-33-2479 1381 to 87
• Emails [email protected]

National Library Kolkata Membership

There are two types of card arrangements in the National Library: Temporary and Permanent. There is no membership fee, but a 200 rupee security deposit and a rare book loan fee of 200 rupees; sometimes, it’s 300 rupees.

To obtain a permanent card, the councillor or gazetted officer must sign the form.

The Temporary card is valid for one day only. It is issued if you have an identity card. You can read all kinds of books from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The entry fee is Nil.

You can get all the information at the Bhasha Bhavan Building reception at the National Library of Kolkata. Also, an identity card is required when you enter the library.

Please note that no printed or photocopied copies are allowed inside the Bhasha Bhavan building. Photography is prohibited here. You will keep the bags on the luggage counters. You can keep the phone in Silent mode. The age should be 18 years or older.

National Library Museum of India

An audiovisual museum has been started in the old building of the National Library of Kolkata. The museum is divided into two parts. The first part contains many ancient stone sculptures and paintings, and the second part, which was previously called the ”ballroom,” now houses an audiovisual museum.

National Library Museum Timings

The National Library Kolkata Museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Monday.

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National Library Canteen

The National Library of India has two canteens: one in front of the Bhasha Bhavan and the old one outside the museum. Tea and Coffee Snacks are always available here. The price of tea is 1 rupee. Lunch is available on demand. The canteen opens every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Places you can visit in Alipore

• Alipore zoo
• Fish Aquarium
• National Library
• The Agri-Horticultural Society of India

The Agri Horticultural Society of India is two minutes from the Alipore Bhabani Bhaban building. It was established in 1820 by William Carey. Every year, on January 1st and February 2nd, the Winter Flower Show and Annual Flower Exhibition take place.