Baroda Central Library

Serving the people of Baroda for over a century, the Central Library was established in 1906 under the visionary leadership of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. His initiative to introduce compulsory and free primary education placed Baroda ahead of its time in British India, marking the beginning of the Library Movement across the nation.

A Visionary Ruler

Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III was not only a ruler dedicated to his subjects’ prosperity but also a catalyst for the growth of libraries throughout India. When he ascended the throne, Baroda had just one library. By the time of his passing, this number had skyrocketed to over 1,500, with his personal collection from the Lukshmi Vilas Palace, forming the foundation of the Central Library of Baroda.

The Birth of the Library

Originally housed in the Lukshmi Vilas Palace, the library was later relocated to Sarkarwada and eventually to its own specially constructed building. It began with a collection of 20,000 books, generously donated by the Maharaja as a ‘seed’ collection, making it one of the first public libraries in India.

Architectural Influence

The architectural design of the library was influenced by Maharaja Gaekwad III’s visit to the United States, where he met William Alanson Borden, the Librarian of the Young Men’s Institute of New Haven. Impressed by Borden’s expertise, the Maharaja invited him to Baroda to help plan the ambitious library project. By 1910, Borden, along with other architects, had laid the groundwork for what would become a remarkable structure, completed in 1931 at a cost of Rs. 4 lakh, plus an additional Rs. 2 lakh for furniture and books.

Innovative Design Features

The library was one of the first to incorporate advanced fire protection systems, designed specifically to create a book-friendly environment. The stack area features long glass-paned windows, maximizing natural light while maintaining a safe and efficient space for the library’s extensive collection. Unique features include floors made of 2-inch thick glass slabs imported from Belgium and steel construction to protect against fire and pests.

Treasured Collections

The Central Library of Baroda is home to an invaluable collection, including a copy of the Indian Constitution with the original signatures of its framers and a special cabinet housing 70+ miniature books. Among its treasures is the largest book in the library, the Indian Princes’ Edition of Empress of India Memorial Volumes, measuring approximately 2 feet by 1.5 feet, which was donated by the Maharaja.

Travelling Libraries

The pioneering efforts of the Baroda State extended beyond the Central Library with the introduction of travelling libraries in May 1911. Prepared by the Library Department, these travelling libraries consisted of sturdy wooden boxes, each equipped with a shelf for holding a suggestion book, issue register, and various forms. Designed for easy handling, the boxes featured handles and locking mechanisms, with keys sent separately by post.

The travelling library section boasted over 400 boxes containing more than 18,500 books, including 15,000 in Gujarati, 2,100 in English, 1,300 in Marathi, and the remainder in Hindi and Urdu. Between 1914 and 1928, an impressive 138,670 books were circulated through this initiative. Importantly, no fees were charged for the boxes or railway freight, making access to literature simple and cost-effective. The success of this system lay in its affordability, simplicity, and flexibility, demonstrating Baroda’s commitment to promoting literacy across its towns and villages.

Modernization and Community Impact

Today, the library has embraced modernization with computerized cataloging systems and a dedicated video facility in the children’s section. It continues to thrive under the management of the Directorate of Libraries, Government of Gujarat, attracting book lovers and scholars alike.

With a total of 289,966 books, including 115,649 in Gujarati, and serving approximately 8,000 active members, the Central Library of Baroda remains a living testament to the rich heritage and vision of the city. It also operates a ‘Library on Wheels’ program, bringing books to 90 villages, furthering its mission to promote literacy and knowledge throughout the region.