Thornhill Mayne Memorial Patna
A magnificent architectural marvel housing a vast library, reminiscent of a medieval castle, offering a unique blend of history and literature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Thornhill Mayne Memorial Patna
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent architectural marvel housing a vast library, reminiscent of a medieval castle, offering a unique blend of history and literature.
"The architecture is mind blowing from inside out, a true gem for book lovers and history buffs."
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
Capture the stunning architecture from inside and out. The building's grandeur is a photographer's dream!
📚 Bookworm's Paradise
Membership is incredibly affordable at ₹100/year. A must for serious readers and researchers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Thornhill Mayne Memorial Architecture
Main Building
Admire the Scottish Baronial Revival style with granite pillars, turrets, and stained-glass windows.
Grand Reading Hall
Inside the Library
Experience a Harry Potter-esque dining hall vibe with a high-ceilinged, medieval English-inspired reading space.
Vast Book Collection
Library Shelves
Explore over 125,000 books, newspapers, and magazines in multiple languages, a treasure for any bibliophile.
Chandrashekhar Azad Park Setting
Surrounding Park
Enjoy the lush green surroundings and peaceful atmosphere of the historic park where the library is situated.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Architectural Marvel & Book Haven
Best Time for Photos & Peace
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Governement Public Library (Azad park)
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
Capture the stunning architecture from inside and out. The building's grandeur is a photographer's dream!
📚 Bookworm's Paradise
Membership is incredibly affordable at ₹100/year. A must for serious readers and researchers.
Any place in Allahabad where I can go and chill alone without being started at[uncomfortably]?
⚠️ Be Prepared for Staff
Some visitors report rude staff. Visit for the architecture and books, but manage expectations regarding service.
🚶♀️ Explore Azad Park
The library is within Chandrashekhar Azad Park (formerly Company Bagh), offering a pleasant green space to wander.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
Capture the stunning architecture from inside and out. The building's grandeur is a photographer's dream!
📚 Bookworm's Paradise
Membership is incredibly affordable at ₹100/year. A must for serious readers and researchers.
⚠️ Be Prepared for Staff
Some visitors report rude staff. Visit for the architecture and books, but manage expectations regarding service.
🚶♀️ Explore Azad Park
The library is within Chandrashekhar Azad Park (formerly Company Bagh), offering a pleasant green space to wander.
📜 Historical Significance
This library hosted the first Legislature of the United Province, adding to its rich historical tapestry.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the Thornhill Mayne Memorial's breathtaking architecture, often comparing it to medieval castles and Harry Potter's Hogwarts. The library's extensive book collection and incredibly affordable membership are major draws for book lovers. However, a recurring concern is the reported rudeness and unhelpful attitude of some library staff, which can detract from an otherwise magnificent experience.
"The architecture is mind blowing from inside out. The reading area will remind you of the dinning hall of the harry potter movie. They have a very large collection of books and it is nice place for a book lover with just 100/-rs per year membership fees.
I am also a member of this library, I was extremely excited when I first visited as every single thing was extremely beautiful, the outer building, intricate stone carvings on the top of pillers, sky rocketing towers, very clean and vast reading hall with a medieval English touch of stain glassed windows and doors and high pointed ceiling.
There are catalogue by which you can find the book of you interest.
Everything seems good until it came to staff of the library, some of the staff's was very rude and insulting. It seemed to me that they don't want to issue any book beacuse they would have to maintain the record of it. They will even humiliate you if you will visit the library with a opposite gender friend even if you want to do focused study they would disturb you continuously. One they shouted on me and showed the door to go outside just because I was sitting with a friend (male) as we went there to note down some raw material for eassy writing for the upcoming UPPSC mains examination. That day I brust in tears and decided that I will never come to the library, it was a very horrible experience of mine because she (a female staff) was continuously targeting me just because I was with a male person.
So I would suggest, go there, take a couple of photos, enjoy the view, and come back. Only take a membership if you are a research scholar and you have no other options than this beautiful library with कामचोर and बदतमीज staff ."
Sweta patel
"The design of library like a historical palace and it's biggest library when i was visit then it's work are under construction and my personally experience was fantastic to visit this place. Library keeps our historical, cultural and ancient knowledge."
laxman yaduwanshi
"The Government Public Library located within Chandrashekhar Azad Park in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) is one of India’s oldest and most significant public libraries. Established in 1864, it was relocated to its current premises in 1879. The library is housed in the Thornhill Mayne Memorial building, an architectural marvel designed by Richard Roskell Bayne in the Scottish Baronial Revival style, featuring sharp pillars and turrets made of granite and sandstone.
The library boasts a vast collection of approximately 125,000 books, including newspapers and magazines in multiple languages such as Hindi, English, Urdu, and Bangla. It also houses 21 Arabic manuscripts and a collection of old government publications, parliamentary papers, and journals dating back to the 19th century.
Situated within the historic Chandrashekhar Azad Park, the library is not only a center for knowledge but also a significant tourist attraction due to its rich history and architectural grandeur."
Ayush Verma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Thornhill Mayne Memorial Library is located within Chandrashekhar Azad Park (formerly Company Bagh) in Patna. You can reach the park via local buses, auto-rickshaws, or taxis. The library is a prominent landmark within the park.
Parking is generally available within Chandrashekhar Azad Park, though it can get busy. It's advisable to arrive early if you are driving.
Local buses and auto-rickshaws are the most common modes of public transport to reach Chandrashekhar Azad Park. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
While the park grounds are relatively flat, the library building itself has stairs and may present challenges for individuals with significant mobility issues. It's best to inquire directly about accessibility features.
Yes, you can use GPS or map applications by searching for 'Thornhill Mayne Memorial Library' or 'Chandrashekhar Azad Park, Patna'.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the library building itself might require a nominal fee or a library membership. However, exploring Chandrashekhar Azad Park is generally free.
Library hours can vary. It's recommended to check the official timings before your visit, as they might differ on weekends or holidays.
A library membership is very affordable, reportedly around ₹100 per year, making it an excellent option for avid readers.
Yes, you can often visit the library premises to admire the architecture and take photos, especially during visiting hours, even if you are not a member.
While photography is generally encouraged for the architecture, there might be restrictions on photographing inside the reading areas or of specific collections. It's best to ask for permission if unsure.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The library is housed in the Thornhill Mayne Memorial building, designed in the Scottish Baronial Revival style, featuring granite pillars, turrets, and a medieval English-inspired interior.
The library boasts a vast collection of approximately 125,000 books, including newspapers and magazines in Hindi, English, Urdu, and Bangla, along with old government publications and journals.
The reading hall is described as vast and beautiful with a medieval English touch, offering a conducive environment for focused study for members.
The atmosphere is generally peaceful and conducive to reading and study, though some visitors have noted issues with staff interactions.
Official guided tours are not widely advertised. However, you can explore the building and its surroundings independently to appreciate its grandeur.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior with its turrets and pillars, the grand reading hall with its high ceiling and stained-glass windows, and the intricate carvings are prime photography locations.
Yes, the interior, especially the reading hall, offers stunning photographic opportunities. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific photography rules.
Weekday mornings or late afternoons during the 'golden hour' provide the best natural light for capturing the building's architectural details.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public areas and historical sites. It's highly unlikely to be permitted without special authorization.
Casual photos with friends and family are usually acceptable, but avoid disruptive behavior. Some staff might have strict interpretations of rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the library itself is a place for quiet study, the surrounding Chandrashekhar Azad Park provides ample space for children to run and play. Consider visiting the library for a visual tour and some photos, then spending the rest of your time enjoying the park's green spaces. Be mindful that the library's primary purpose is reading, so maintaining a quiet demeanor inside is essential.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for visits during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) to capture the building in the best light. The surrounding Chandrashekhar Azad Park also offers picturesque views and a peaceful environment, allowing for a variety of shots. Remember to be respectful of library patrons and inquire about any specific photography guidelines within the reading areas.
📚 Budget Travelers & Book Lovers
Even if you're not a member, the architectural splendor of the building alone is worth the visit. You can explore the grounds and admire the exterior, and often gain access to the main hall to appreciate its grandeur without needing a membership. It’s a fantastic way to experience a significant cultural and historical site without a hefty price tag.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Grandeur: A Scottish Baronial Revival Gem
The interior complements the exterior's magnificence. The main reading hall is a breathtaking space with a high, pointed ceiling and large, stained-glass windows that cast colorful patterns across the room. This design creates an atmosphere that is both serene and inspiring, perfect for quiet study and contemplation. The library also boasts a comprehensive cataloging system, aiding visitors in navigating its extensive collection.
While the architectural beauty is universally praised, it's important to note that the experience can be tempered by interactions with some staff members. Despite this, the sheer visual splendor of the Thornhill Mayne Memorial makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking a unique and memorable experience in Patna.
A Treasure Trove for Book Lovers
Adding to its historical value, the library also preserves 21 Arabic manuscripts and a substantial collection of old government publications, parliamentary papers, and journals dating back to the 19th century. This makes it an invaluable resource for researchers, historians, and anyone interested in delving into the past. The presence of a catalog system further enhances the user experience, allowing for efficient retrieval of desired materials.
The library's commitment to knowledge is further underscored by its incredibly affordable membership fee of just ₹100 per year. This makes access to its vast resources available to a broad spectrum of the community, solidifying its role as a vital center for learning and cultural preservation.
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