The Calcutta Public Library: Heralding a New Dawn in the History of Public Library in India

Abstract

The present article looks at how the establishment of the Calcutta public library in 1835 paved a way for a new system of library in India. The Calcutta Public Library as an institution was far ahead of its times, it was a pioneer in terms of a modern system for libraries in India. This library was the first librar opened to all ranks and classes of the society. The Calcutta public library provided the opportunity to foster a taste of the elegant literature and sound knowledge of the west. The Calcutta public library had a considerable influence and served itself as a model which was emulated by many public libraries founded in later period. The Calcutta public library went on to become the National Library of India. The library was first amalgamated to the Imperial Library in 1900 and finally transformed into the present National Library of India in 1948 after India’s independence.

Keywords: Public Library, Inhabitants, Subscribers, Proprietors, Store house.