Most often, while listing the landmarks that distinguish Bengaluru, the city's libraries hardly find a mention. No discussion on what sets Bengaluru apart from other cities is complete without a mention of The State Central Library located in the historical building, the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, as it is considered a treasure for its stunning architecture and collection of books. As per the official report of the State Central Library (obtained with official permission from Dr. Satishkumar S. Hosamani, Director, Department of Public Libraries, Karnataka State): “Lord Curzon impressed with Shri Seshadri Iyer’s dedication and service to the British Raj (Seshadri Iyer's most remarkable achievement was the Shivanasamudra Hydro- Electric Station) wrote to the then British Resident, Sir Donald Robertson. It was then agreed upon to honour the erstwhile diwan's relentless services by building a posthumous Memorial Hall in his name. The British Resident of Mysore State, Donald Robertson laid the foundation stone for the building on October 15, 1903, and built in the year 1908. Erected by Public Subscription Unveiled by his Excellence.”
A statue of Shri Seshadri Iyer, unveiled by Viceroy Lord Hardings of Penhurst on November 20, 1913, is situated in front of the building. The report further states: “A memorial committee consisting of prominent citizens decided that the memorial should be a public hall and a library. In 1914, Diwan Sir M Visveswaraiah donated the building to State Public Library and accordingly on May 1, 1915 the public library was opened. It is said that the library building was built with public subscriptions of over a lakh rupees. Initially, membership was on payment, then it was converted into an aided library in 1920. It had 4,750 books and 215 members to start with. By 1943, it started receiving grants from the government, municipality and civil and military station municipalities.” On April 1, 1986, the library was changed into a reference library, which means there is no membership, anyone can come in with permission and access the books for research. There is also a children’s library, started on April 24, 1994, that is named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as Indira Priyadarshini Children’s Library.
In 1999, the Library was awarded the Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation Award for the best State library in the country. The majestic Pompeian red building is nestled in the heart of Cubbon Park. The building overlooks a rose garden and the entrance has two porticoes. A sound of silence descends on the building as you enter the central hall, which is breathtaking for its high ceiling in light yellow tones and barrel vaulted roof. Sturdy and long dome-shaped lamps hang from the ceilings, lending a stately look to the library. The library houses rare classics, books in different regional languages and of every conceivable topic, from science to management, from history to religion. As per the report, the library has a total of 3,14,848 books and a copy of every book published in the state after 1970. There is a separate section for those who want to prepare for competitive exams, a section for periodicals and newspapers which contains about 296 periodicals and a Braille section that has approximately 802 books.
The State Central Library is a 100-year old pride for Bengaluru and continues to attract for its fine collection. The library is open every day, except Monday, from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm.
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