National Library of India

The National Library of India, often regarded as the grand dame of Indian libraries, holds a distinguished position. It stands as the largest authorized repository of public records in India, with an impressive collection of around 2.2 million volumes.

The materials within the National Library are incredibly diverse, including 86,000 maps, 3,200 manuscripts, and an astonishing forty-five kilometers of shelf space. This library is an invaluable resource for the study of public documents, colonial records, and a wide range of research topics. Navigating the bureaucratic process to access these materials can be an adventure in itself.

To gain entry to the Bhasha Bhavan, the main reading rooms, you need to follow a specific process. You must submit an online form to obtain a Reader's Pass, which must then be certified by a Gazetted Officer. Passes are issued during specific hours, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., from Monday to Friday. The National Library of India opens its doors on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ratings: 4.5 stars (from 1149 reviews)

Address: G8MM+6CF, Belvedere Rd, Block A, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027, India

Website: https://www.nationallibrary.gov.in/

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