National Library Kolkata West Bengal India

Since British rule, the National Library Kolkata has witnessed India’s freedom. It’s the first public Library in India.

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

National Library Kolkata
National Library Kolkata

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 civilization, and it’s the most powerful medium of expression. The language gets perfection on the pages of the book. Libraries are the centres of books and the life of bookmakers.

Calcutta is the only city in India where we celebrate a book fair, a festival that happens every year. 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 Bus No.1. Also, you can get an Auto for Alipore from Hazra crossing. Come to the Alipore Zoo and arrive at the national library by a 1-minute walk.

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National Library of Kolkata address

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

National Library Kolkata map
National Library Kolkata map

Inside the National Library Kolkata – Bhasha Bhavan

The library building adjoining the area’s name is 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 one hundred thirty 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. Currently, the library 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 Digitized Books, and other rare documents.

Besides, many ancient documents have been preserved through micro-filming. 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 of the year. However, the doors of the National Library are closed only on Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti.

Inside of national library Kolkata
Inside of National Library Kolkata

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National Library Kolkata’s new timings

The good news is that the national library has reopened, and they started advance booking to enter here. 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

National Library Kolkata Membership

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

It’s mandatory to sign the form filled out by the Councillor/ Gazetted Officer to make a permanent card.

The validity of the Temporary card is one day only. This card is issued if you have an identity card. Get to read all kinds of books from 8 am to 9 pm. The entry fee is Nil.

You will get all the information if you go to the Bhasha Bhavan Building reception in the National Library of Kolkata. Also, when you enter the library, an identity card is required.

Please note that no printed or Xerox copy is allowed inside the Bhasha Bhavan building. Photography is prohibited here; you will keep the bags on luggage counters. You can keep the phone in Silent mode. The age should be 18 years plus.

National Library Museum India

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

National Library Museum Timings

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

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National library museum
National library museum

National Library Canteen

The National Library of India has two canteens. One is in front of the Bhasha Bhavan, and the old one is outside the museum. Tea 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 am to 6 pm.

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How can I get a membership in the National Library in Kolkata?

Take a membership application from the Bhasha Bhawan security counter. Two types of memberships are available 1. Temporary 2. Permanent.

Where is our national library located?

Indian National Library is located in the city of joy, Kolkata. 1-minute walking distance from Alipur Zoo main gate.

How many books are in the National Library?

2.2 million books are in the National Library. It is the most extensive library in India, where 2.2 million books are present.

Places you can visit in Alipore

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

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 happen.

One Comment

  1. Bhagwan prasad sahu says:

    I want to know about the deputy collector of puruliya w b in the period of 1930 to 1950

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