Being a die-hard bookworm, there is no better place, according to me, than a library.
Having browsed through a multitude of photos and videos of must visit libraries from around the world, I have always been envious of the history, the culture and the books that those libraries held.
Recently I had the pleasure of visiting the New York Public Library and the grandeur and history within those walls was just something else.
But what it did make me realise was how little I knew of such well-known libraries in India itself.
So here are 5 libraries in India that every bookworm must visit at least once:
1. Delhi Public Library:
I agree that it is an easy and obvious one, but it is surprising of how many people choose to overlook the Delhi Public Library.
It has over 30 branches in Delhi, has books in a varied range of languages from Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and other regional languages too.
The library also has a braille library for the visually impaired, along with that it boasts of about 17 lakh books in its records.
Delhi people, give it a visit, it just might surprise you.
2. State Central Library of Hyderabad:
The library looks like a monument instead of the former and has a pretty rich history to boast of.
The State Central Library of Hyderabad has existed since 1891 when it was built by Nawab Imad-ul-Mulk and houses a wide range of rare books and leaf manuscripts.
Some of these manuscripts date as far back as the 5th or 6th century, so they are pretty old.
The architecture of the library is another plus point.
Read More: Peculiar Traits Of Every Bookworm Which One Will Definitely Relate To
3. Raza Libary in Rampur:
The Raza Library is perhaps one of the most beautiful libraries in India with its old world ambience and feel, but it doesn’t stop there.
To count it down, Raza Library has a decent collection of 205 handwritten palm leaves, approximately 5,000 miniature paintings and rare manuscripts about 17,000 of them.
4. The Asiatic Society in Mumbai:
This building has appeared in the background of numerous Bollywood movies, but aside from that, the Asiatic Society in Mumbai is also one of the most well-known libraries in India.
The building has a strong resemblance to Roman and Greek style and even from the outside looks grand and historic. Inside, the library holds about 15,000 rare books. And if you are a Dante lover then you would be glad to know that Asiatic Society library has one of the only 2 remaining original copies to Dante’s Divine Comedy.
5. Seshadri Memorial Hall Library in Bengaluru:
The building that is a bright red and circular in shape is sure to grab your attention when walking through the Cubbon Park towards the memorial hall of the same name. The library holds more than 2.5 lakh books and the outside views is just cherry on top.
Image Credits: Google Images
Other Recommendations:
http://edtimes.in/2014/05/library-the-most-lively-place-on-earth/
