State Central Library, Hyderabad

The State Central Library Hyderabad, (Telugu: స్టేట్ సెంట్రల్ లైబ్రరీ) (Urdu: کتب خانہ آصفیہ) known as the State Central Library (SCL) earlier known as Asafia Library, is a public library in Hyderabad, Telangana. The building was constructed in 1891. It is one of the most imposing structures in the city and was granted heritage status in 1998 by INTACH, Hyderabad.[1]

State Central Library Hyderabad
17.3742°N 78.4783°E / 17.3742; 78.4783
LocationAfzal Gunj, Hyderabad, India
TypeState library
Established1891
Collection
Items collectedbooks, journals, newspapers, magazines, and manuscripts
Size~ 5,00,000 books/magazines
~17,000 manuscripts
Legal depositYes
Access and use
Access requirementsOpen
Other information
Websitesclhyd.telangana.gov.in

The library is located at Afzal Gunj on the bank of the River Musi. It houses 500,000 books and magazines including some rare Palm-leaf manuscripts. This library is the apex of the state's library system.[2]

History

The State Central Library began in 1891 due to the efforts of Syed Hussain Bilgrami, whose personal library formed the institution's initial core.

The library building has an area of 72,247 square yards and was built under the supervision of the architect, Aziz Ali. The foundation was laid in January 1932 by Prince Mir Osman Ali Khan. At the construction's completion, the Asafia Library shifted to the new building in 1936 to mark Nizam VII's Silver jubilee.

In 1941, the Asafia State Library celebrated its Golden Jubilee. When the Hyderabad Public Libraries Act became law in 1955, Asafia State Library was declared as the State Central library for the Hyderabad State.[3]

Collection

The Library has a collection of around five hundred thousand books published since the early 19th century, and Hyderabad Samachara, a monthly newspaper published by HEH Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII in 1941.

Digitalisation

The first phase of computerisation and networking in libraries through e-Grandhalaya software developed by National Informatics Centre has begun. The project will begin on an experimental basis in Warangal and Hyderabad. Over 40,000 books have already been digitized at SCL with the help of Carnegie Mellon University's Universal Online Library Projects. The digitised works include titles in Hindi, English, Telugu, Urdu and Persian languages. Carnegie Mellon University provides the funding for this project.

Restoration

The library, which has been crying out for attention for many years, will finally be restored at an estimated cost of ₹7.35 crores. The restoration work is expected to be completed in 18 months,[4] will have digital portal where about 45,550 rare books, including Urdu, Persian, and Arabic as well as English.[5]

See also

References
  1. "State Central Library calls for uplift". The Hindu. 5 July 2009. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
  2. "Public Library Services in India: Systems and Deficiencies" Archived 12 July 2012 at archive.today, R. Bhattacharjee, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, 19 September 20o2.
  3. "State Government - Oriental Manuscripts Library and Research Institute (OMLRI) - Osmania University Campus, Hyderabad 500 007", accessed 17 December 2009.
  4. Today, Telangana (14 September 2022). "Hyderabad: State Central Library in for massive revival". Telangana Today. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  5. "Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority to restore iconic State Central Library". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
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