5 historic libraries in India that are still open to the public

Libraries are often seen as a microcosm of culture, offering a wonderland of stories, ideas, and knowledge for bibliophiles. But some libraries hold far more than books. Their corridors, reading rooms, and carefully preserved collections open a window into centuries of history.

Walking through these institutions can feel almost like stepping back in time. Beyond the shelves lie fascinating stories of royal patrons, scholars, collectors and communities that helped shape India's intellectual heritage.

Rich in history and still welcoming visitors today, these historic libraries continue to stand as living reminders of the past.

Here are five historic libraries in India that are still open to the public.

1. Sarasvati Mahal Library, Thanjavur (1535)

Located in the historic city of Thanjavur, the Sarasvati Mahal Library is considered one of the oldest libraries in Asia. Its origins can be traced back to the reign of Raghunatha Nayak, when it was known as the "Saraswati Bhandar". Over time, it evolved into the Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvati Mahal Library and Research Centre.

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The library reflects the cultural contributions of the Cholas, Nayaks, and Marathas, all of whom played a role in enriching the region's heritage. It is especially associated with Maharaja Serfoji II, a scholar, art patron, and avid collector who significantly expanded the library's holdings.

Today, the institution houses an impressive collection of manuscripts, maps, paintings, and rare books. Its palm-leaf and paper manuscripts, written in languages such as Sanskrit, Telugu, Marathi, and Tamil, cover subjects ranging from philosophy and medicine to astrology, folklore, grammar, and mythology.

Timings: 10 am to 1 pm and 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm. Closed on Wednesdays and government holidays.

2. Rampur Raza Library, Rampur (1774)

The Rampur Raza Library in Uttar Pradesh is one of India's most important repositories of Indo-Islamic heritage. Established by Nawab Faizullah Khan in 1774 from his personal collection, the library was gradually expanded by successive Nawabs of Rampur. It is now managed by the Government of India and named after Nawab Raza Ali Khan Bahadur.

The collection includes rare manuscripts, historical records, Islamic calligraphy, miniature paintings, astronomical instruments, and illustrated works in Arabic and Persian. Visitors can also find printed books and documents in Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, Pashto, Tamil, Turkish and several other languages.

Timings: 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday to Thursday. Closed on Fridays and public holidays.

3. Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, Patna (1891)

Situated within the Patna University campus, the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library is one of India's most celebrated manuscript libraries. Although its foundation predates 1891, it was formally opened to the public that year by Khan Bahadur Khuda Bakhsh, who donated his personal collection for public use.

The library began with around 4,000 manuscripts, including 1,400 inherited from his father. Today, the collection has grown to more than 21,000 manuscripts. Recognising its immense historical and scholarly significance, the Government of India declared it an Institution of National Importance in 1969.

The collection includes manuscripts written on paper, palm leaves, cloth, deer skin, and other materials. Alongside these treasures, the library also houses a large collection of printed books in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, English, Hindi, and several other languages.

Timings: 9.30 am to 5 pm. Closed on Fridays. Entry is free.

6. National Library, Kolkata (1836)

The National Library in Kolkata traces its roots to the Calcutta Public Library, established on March 21, 1836. Its present form emerged through the merger of the Calcutta Public Library and the Imperial Secretariat Library, eventually becoming the Imperial Library under Lord Curzon. Following India's independence, it was renamed the National Library in 1948 and opened to the public in 1953.

Today, it serves as the country's largest library and acts as a permanent repository for books, newspapers, periodicals, and other publications produced in India.

Millions of pages from rare and fragile books have been digitised, allowing readers to access valuable historical material online. In addition, the library runs internship programmes for students of Library and Information Science.

Timings: Reading rooms remain open from 8 am to 8 pm on working days and 9.30 am to 6 pm on holidays. Closed on public holidays.

5. Thrissur Public Library, Kerala (1872)

Founded in 1872 by Diwan A. Sankara Iyer, the Thrissur Public Library is among Kerala's oldest public libraries. It initially operated from St. Mary's College before moving to the first floor of the Thrissur Town Hall in 1939.

Over the decades, the library has adapted to changing times while retaining its historic character. It achieved a notable milestone in 1996 when it became Kerala's first computerised public library.

The institution continues to serve readers with a wide range of books and resources, making it an important cultural landmark in the city of Thrissur.

Timings: 9 am to 7 pm. Closed on Sundays.