Libraries

Free General Library and Reading Room

Front View of General Library

The library and the reading were functioning from the very beginning of the institution. When the Mission was shifted to its own premises, The Library and reading room were organized in the ground floor of the main to which a wing was added in 1944. However, under the leadership of Swami Ranganathanandaji the present library with an area of 2772 sq. ft. on the ground floor and an auditorium with 1000 seats in the first floor were constructed.

On November 23, 1956 the new building for Library and Auditorium of the centre was opened by Prime Minister Sri Jawaharlal Nehru. The Auditorium on the first floor is fitted with loud-speakers, concealed lighting and 730 fixed chairs with provision for another 100 folding chairs to meet the demands of special occasions. 

Swami Ranganathanandaji, in his welcome speech, traced the history and present activities of the centre and thanked the donors and friends. A separate pamphlet giving the history of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission was also distributed.

After opening the building Sri Nehru delivered his speech. He asked the youth to study the writings of Swami Vivekananda and also paid tributes to the silent work done by the Ramakrishna Mission and commended it to other bodies doing social and cultural work. He said : 

 

“The work done here is good no doubt but it is also an example to others to how such work should be done.

Swami Vivekananda molded India’s nationalism and India’s mind and became one of her greatest national leaders. There was depth in his work. A nation developed and grew only if it was moved by thought and deed which had depth in them. India has many weaknesses but there were many good points also which might not always be visible. It was for young men and women now to search out those good things and bring them to the surface. I hope that our young boys and girls will study the writings of Swami Vivekananda and benefit by them.”

 

The library is open to all for the purpose of reading and reference work except on Mondays and notified holidays. The library has a reading room facility and a lending section for the benefit of borrowers, but books are issued to the members only. The library is equipped with books on Generalities, Philosophy, Religion, Social Sciences, Languages, Pure Sciences, Technology (applied science), Arts, Literature, Rhetoric, General Geography, History, etc. with rare collection of Books covering 16 languages, including Sanskrit, French, Russian etc. The library provides journals, periodicals and dailies in English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Marathi etc. There is a separate section for the children in the library, which has been a great attraction.

The total number of books in the library at the end of the year 2004-2005 under review was 39,845. The reading room received 14 newspapers and 165 periodicals in 10 languages. On an average about 223 members used the library daily. The total number of books issued was 13,297.

Membership

Under the revised rules of the library, the refundable security deposit has been raised to Rs. 100 and admission fee to Rs. 10 per person. A membership card will be issued now for a period of 12 months only and the member will have to renew his/her card and Reader’s Ticket annually at a renewal fee of Rs. 10.

Timings: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. & 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Closed on Monday)

A View from Inside

University Students' section Library and Computer center

Opened in 1962 this section is housed in a three-storied building. It is maintained with the financial assistance provided by the University of Delhi. This library is well equipped with all kinds of textbooks and necessary facilities. The reading rooms of the library are used by the College and University Students.

The total number of books in the library at the end of the year 1999-2000 under review was 8667. On an average about 40 members used the library daily, using around 160 books for reading and taking notes. On average about 45 students, used the library daily, using around 130 books for reading and taking notes

Free Membership:

Only students of Delhi University are eligible to become members of the library after filling the necessary application form with the signature of Principal of the college. Reading rooms are  open to all, even to non-members.

Timings: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. & 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Closed on Monday)

University books for students	Students creating their future