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Andrew's Library

4.1
·44 reviews·Surat, India

Surat's oldest library (est. 1850), a heritage gem with mesmerizing architecture and over a lakh rare books.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, 10 AM - 6 PM

Experience history without crowds.

CrowdLow
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Andrew's Library - Image 1

Andrew's Library

Best Time

Weekdays, 10 AM - 6 PM

Experience history without crowds.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Surat's oldest library (est. 1850), a heritage gem with mesmerizing architecture and over a lakh rare books. TikTok

4.1
(44 reviews)

"The architecture of Andrews Library is mesmerizing as well. When you pass by this legendary building, you get that cool historical vibe. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the History

Shutterbugs, this is your spot! The architecture offers a cool historical vibe. :camerawithflash:

📚 For the Book Lovers

A treasure trove of over a lakh rare books, especially for students. :books:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

170+ Year Old Heritage

170+ Year Old Heritage

Explore Surat's oldest library, a testament to history with over a lakh rare books and mesmerizing architecture.

TikTok
Architectural Grandeur

Architectural Grandeur

The building itself is a sight to behold, offering a cool historical vibe perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Reddit
Rare Book Collection

Rare Book Collection

Discover a vast collection of rare books, particularly popular among students of commerce, science, engineering, and medicine.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

A Glimpse into History

Andrew's Library, established in 1850, is a heritage gem in Surat, housing over a lakh rare books. Its mesmerizing architecture offers a cool historical vibe, making it a must-visit for knowledge seekers and shutterbugs alike. TikTok

Preserving a Legacy

While a historical landmark, some visitors note maintenance could be improved. Entry is free, but access might be limited to older members. Check timings as it's closed on Sundays. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, 10 AM - 6 PM
Why
Experience history without crowds.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📚 Surat’s 170+ Year Old Library! Established in 1850, Andrews Library is a heritage gem with 1 lakh+ rare books. A must-visit for every knowledge lover in Surat! #AndrewsLibrary #SuratHeritage #LibraryGem #since1850
surties
615 likes • 33.7K views

📸 Capture the History

Shutterbugs, this is your spot! The architecture offers a cool historical vibe. Reddit :camerawithflash:

📚 For the Book Lovers

A treasure trove of over a lakh rare books, especially for students. TikTok :books:

The lovely staff at St Andrews Library can't stop raving about how good their #solar panels are for the planet! You should give them a visit to hear all about it! Thanks @maxprice3 for the audio! #Accessibility video description: #Librarian Christine can be seen talking non-stop and making up figures about the solar panels at St Andrews Library. #hamiltoncitylibraries
hamiltoncitylibraries
42 likes • 1.7K views
Check it out! Head over to the Hurd/St. Andrews Library throughout the month of October to experience the Touch and See Tactile Art Exhibit. We talked with artists about their work that people of all ages can experience through touch. The artwork includes titles in Braille and a QR code to scan and listen to the artists’ inspiration for their work. Thank you to the artists, community, and Charl...
chascolibrary
92 likes • 1.9K views

⏳ Check Opening Hours

Open 10 AM to 6 PM, but closed on Sundays. Reddit :clock1:

💰 Free Entry

Enjoy this historical gem without any admission fee. Reddit :moneywithwings:

Bike Bus Schedule 🚲 7:40 Perkins Playground 7:42 Emma Andrews Library 7:46 Atwood Park (School St) 7:51 Brown Square 7:53 Immaculate Conception 7:56 Cushing Park 8:01 Jackson at Woodland 8:10 Arrive Bresnahan
nbpt.bikebus
15 likes • 430 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the History

Shutterbugs, this is your spot! The architecture offers a cool historical vibe. Reddit :camerawithflash:

📚 For the Book Lovers

A treasure trove of over a lakh rare books, especially for students. TikTok :books:

⏳ Check Opening Hours

Open 10 AM to 6 PM, but closed on Sundays. Reddit :clock1:

💰 Free Entry

Enjoy this historical gem without any admission fee. Reddit :moneywithwings:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(44 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Andrew's Library is celebrated for its rich historical heritage and mesmerizing architecture, offering a glimpse into Surat's past. While entry is free and the rare book collection is impressive, some visitors note potential maintenance issues and limited access for new members. Reddit+1

"The atmosphere here gives you an experience of historical heritage and grandeur.

The architecture of Andrews Library is mesmerizing as well. When you pass by this legendary building, you get that cool historical vibe. So, shutterbugs if you happen to be in Surat, then go for a heritage walk one day and make sure to capture Andrews Library!"

Ashish Chaugule

"Visited Aug 2019. Pics attached.
Might be (have been ?) a nice library. There's not much to see here. When I visited this place it was empty save for a librarian or two. They also would not allow me to take any pics for some strange reason, first library where I was not allowed to take pics. I was allowed to see just one (the first) room, not any of the other rooms inside."

Gajanan Rao

"A very old and beautiful historical landmark of our city but they haven’t maintain it well and there is a library here now only open and usable for the very old members of the library, no new members are admitted."

Taher Solanki

What People Like

Historical heritage
Mesmerizing architecture
Rare book collection

What People Dislike

Maintenance could improve
Limited new memberships

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Andrew's Library is located in the heart of Surat. You can reach it by local buses, auto-rickshaws, or taxis. It's a well-known landmark, so most drivers will know the way. TikTok

Parking availability can be limited in the city center. It's advisable to use public transport or drop-off services if possible. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Andrew's Library is typically open from 10 AM to 6 PM. However, it is closed on Sundays. It's always a good idea to confirm hours before your visit. Reddit

No, entry to Andrew's Library is free. You can explore this historical landmark without any cost. Reddit

Some reviews suggest that new memberships might not be admitted, and access could be limited to existing or older members. It's best to inquire on-site for current membership policies. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. One visitor mentioned being disallowed from taking pictures, while others suggest it's a great spot for shutterbugs. It's advisable to check with the staff upon arrival. Reddit

The mesmerizing architecture and the historical vibe make the exterior and the first room (if accessible) great for photos. Focus on capturing the grandeur of the building. Reddit

🎫 📚 Onsite Experience

Andrew's Library boasts over a lakh rare books, with a strong collection in arts and history, making it popular among students from various fields. TikTokReddit

Established in 1850, it's Surat's oldest library, co-founded by Rao Bahadur Naginchand Jhaveri and named after magistrate Mr. Andrews. It's a significant heritage landmark. Reddit

Yes, in 2006, Surat experienced devastating floods that caused the loss of a significant number of books from the library's collection. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

📚 For the Avid Readers & Students

Andrew's Library is a dream destination for book lovers and students alike. With over a lakh rare books, it offers a vast collection, especially strong in arts and history. This makes it an invaluable resource for students in commerce, science, engineering, and medical fields looking for supplementary reading materials. TikTokReddit

While entry is free, it's worth noting that some reviews suggest access might be prioritized for existing members. If you're a student seeking specific academic resources, it's advisable to check the current membership and access policies beforehand. Reddit

📸 For Photography Enthusiasts

The mesmerizing architecture of Andrew's Library makes it a prime spot for photographers. The building's historical facade and the overall grandeur offer a unique backdrop for capturing stunning shots. Reddit

While the interior might have restrictions on photography, the exterior and the general historical vibe provide ample opportunities for creative shots. Remember to respect any on-site rules regarding cameras. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through Time: The History of Andrew's Library

Andrew's Library stands as a proud testament to Surat's rich past, having been established in the year 1850. It was co-founded by Rao Bahadur Naginchand Jhaveri, a prominent pearl dealer, and was named in honor of the then retired magistrate, Mr. Andrews. This makes it the oldest library in Surat, a true heritage gem. Reddit

The library's historical significance is further amplified by its mesmerizing architecture, which evokes a strong sense of grandeur and a cool historical vibe. It has long been a sanctuary for knowledge, particularly popular among students pursuing commerce, science, engineering, and medical fields due to its extensive collection of rare works in arts and history. TikTokReddit

Despite facing challenges, such as the devastating floods of 2006 that led to the loss of a substantial portion of its book collection, Andrew's Library continues to attract visitors. It remains a key historical landmark in Surat, offering a unique glimpse into the city's intellectual and architectural heritage. Reddit

Exploring the Architecture and Atmosphere

The architecture of Andrew's Library is frequently highlighted as a major draw for visitors. Its design contributes significantly to the 'historical vibe' that many experience upon arrival. For photography enthusiasts, the building's facade and any accessible interior spaces offer excellent opportunities to capture its grandeur. Reddit

While the library is a place of quiet study and historical reflection, the atmosphere can be described as one of historical heritage and grandeur. However, some visitors have noted that the maintenance of the building could be improved, suggesting that while the historical essence is present, its upkeep might not be at its peak. Reddit

Despite potential maintenance concerns, the library's legacy and architectural beauty continue to draw people. It's a place where one can step back in time and appreciate the enduring presence of a significant historical institution. Reddit

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