Kerala State Central Library
A historic gem in Thiruvananthapuram, offering a vast collection of books and a serene atmosphere for readers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful reading.
Kerala State Central Library
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful reading.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic gem in Thiruvananthapuram, offering a vast collection of books and a serene atmosphere for readers.
"A well-maintained library with an extensive collection of books and periodicals."
🎯 Get Your Membership
Ask the police personnel at the main entrance for a membership form and details. :admission_tickets:
🤫 Respect the Quiet
It's a library! Keep noise to a minimum for a peaceful reading experience. :speakerwiththree_speakers:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Architecture
Main Building
Admire the Gothic-style building, a commemoration of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, established in 1829.
Extensive Book Collection
Various Sections
Explore a vast range of books, including rare manuscripts, Malayalam literature, and competitive exam resources.
Braille Section
Dedicated Area
An inclusive space offering resources for the visually impaired, showcasing the library's commitment to accessibility.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Membership & Borrowing
Study Room Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Get Your Membership
Ask the police personnel at the main entrance for a membership form and details. :admission_tickets:
🤫 Respect the Quiet
It's a library! Keep noise to a minimum for a peaceful reading experience. :speakerwiththree_speakers:
📚 Borrowing Limits
Membership tiers dictate how many books you can borrow at once (e.g., 'D' for 1, 'C' for 2). :books:
📝 Study Room Rules
Only notebooks allowed in the study room; no external books. :memo:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Get Your Membership
Ask the police personnel at the main entrance for a membership form and details. :admission_tickets:
🤫 Respect the Quiet
It's a library! Keep noise to a minimum for a peaceful reading experience. :speakerwiththree_speakers:
📚 Borrowing Limits
Membership tiers dictate how many books you can borrow at once (e.g., 'D' for 1, 'C' for 2). :books:
📝 Study Room Rules
Only notebooks allowed in the study room; no external books. :memo:
📸 Capture the Ambiance
The architecture is stunning; great for photos, but be mindful of others reading.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Kerala State Central Library is a beloved spot for book lovers, praised for its extensive collection and historic, peaceful ambiance. While the architecture is a highlight, some visitors note strict rules in the study room. The affordable membership makes borrowing books accessible to many.
"Perfect Spot for Book Lovers!
State Central Library, Thiruvananthapuram, is a well-maintained library with an extensive collection of books and periodicals. The quiet and peaceful environment is ideal for reading and studying. There are separate sections for children and differently-abled readers. The staff are friendly and helpful. It’s better to reserve popular books in advance if you plan to borrow them."
L I N
"Has a good collection of books but no proper reading room . There is a study room . However we can only bring a notebook for writing and no other books are allowed. We cannot even bring the library books inside . If we want we will have to take books available in the study room itself . I thin there are a number of competitive books inside , i dont know if its diverse because have not entered inside even after visiting library multiple times.v"
Snowman
"The State Central Library in Thiruvananthapuram, also known as the Trivandrum Public Library, has a rich history dating back to 1829. Initially established during the reign of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal of Travancore, it was initially a library for a select few, then opened to the public and eventually became the State Central Library in 1958.
Here's a more detailed timeline:
1829:
Established by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal of Travancore, initially restricted to a privileged class.
1898:
Transferred to government control and opened to the public as "Thiruvananthapuram People's Library".
1900:
Shifted to its current building, a structure of architectural beauty in the Gothic style, built in commemoration of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.
1948:
Taken over by the government after a resolution passed by the State Legislature.
1958:
Renamed the State Central Library.
1988:
Granted the status of a minor department under the Higher Education Department.
The library has played a significant role in Kerala's literary and cultural landscape, and is known for its extensive collection, including rare books and historical documents. It also houses a Braille section to serve the visually impaired community."
GEORGIAN MEDIA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kerala State Central Library is located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city, specifically in Palayam. It's easily accessible by local buses and auto-rickshaws. Many visitors arrive by taxi or personal vehicle, with parking available nearby.
While specific details on dedicated parking are scarce, the library is in a central area, suggesting that public parking facilities or street parking might be available nearby. It's advisable to check local parking regulations upon arrival.
The library is centrally located in Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram, which is a major hub for local buses. You should be able to find numerous bus routes that stop in or near the Palayam area.
Yes, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are widely available in Thiruvananthapuram and can be used to easily reach the Kerala State Central Library.
The library has a dedicated Braille section, indicating an effort towards accessibility. While specific ramp or elevator details aren't widely publicized, the presence of specialized sections suggests some level of accommodation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the library itself is generally free. However, to borrow books, you will need to obtain a membership, which involves a nominal fee.
To get a membership, approach the police personnel stationed at the main library entrance. They will provide you with a form to fill out and guide you on the necessary documents to submit.
There are different membership tiers, such as 'D' membership which allows you to borrow one book at a time for approximately ₹100, and 'C' membership for two books at around ₹200.
The specific documents required for membership are usually provided by the personnel at the library when you collect the application form. Typically, proof of identity and address are needed.
No, there are no entry fees for visitors who wish to enter and read within the library premises. Fees are only applicable for borrowing books.
🎫 📖 Onsite Experience
The library offers a quiet and peaceful environment, ideal for reading and studying. Its grand architecture with high ceilings contributes to a serene ambiance. +1
Yes, there is a study room available. However, strict rules apply: only notebooks are permitted, and no other books, including library books, can be brought into this space.
Photography is generally allowed, and many visitors share photos of the library's architecture and interiors on social media. However, be respectful of other patrons and avoid flash photography in quiet areas.
The library boasts an extensive collection, including rare manuscripts, historical documents, modern literature in various languages, and a strong collection of Malayalam literature.
Yes, the library has a dedicated section for children, making it a welcoming space for younger readers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food or dining facilities directly within the Kerala State Central Library. Visitors are expected to consume food outside the premises.
Being in a central area like Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram, you'll find numerous eateries, cafes, and restaurants nearby offering a variety of cuisines.
It's generally not advisable to bring outside food into libraries. To maintain the quiet and clean environment, it's best to consume snacks outside the library.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand colonial-era architecture, high ceilings, and the vast bookshelves offer excellent photographic opportunities. The main entrance and reading halls are particularly picturesque.
While generally permitted, it's important to be discreet and avoid disturbing other patrons. Flash photography might be discouraged in quiet reading areas.
Many visitors capture the architectural beauty of the library, the rows of books, and the serene reading atmosphere. Reels showcasing the library's ambiance are common on social media.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main library is for quiet study, the children's section provides a more relaxed environment for younger visitors. Parents can also benefit from the library's extensive collection for their own reading or research needs. Remember the study room rules if you plan to use it for focused study with older children.
📚 Avid Readers & Researchers
The membership options are quite affordable, allowing frequent borrowing. The peaceful ambiance is perfect for extended reading sessions. While the study room has specific restrictions, the overall environment is conducive to deep dives into any subject.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1While capturing the essence of the library, remember to be respectful of the quiet environment. Avoid disruptive flash photography and be mindful of other patrons. The library offers a unique blend of history and literature, making it a visually rich subject.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
After India's independence, the library was taken over by the government in 1948 and officially renamed the State Central Library in 1958. It was later granted the status of a minor department under the Higher Education Department in 1988. This long history underscores its significant role in Kerala's literary and cultural development, housing not only a vast collection of books but also rare documents.
Social media content often highlights the library's historical architecture, with users sharing reels that showcase its grandeur and timeless appeal. This blend of historical significance and architectural beauty makes it a unique destination for both book lovers and history enthusiasts.
+3Navigating Membership and Borrowing
There are different membership tiers available, catering to varying borrowing needs. For instance, the 'D' membership typically allows you to borrow one book at a time for a nominal fee of around ₹100, while the 'C' membership permits borrowing two books for approximately ₹200. These affordable options make the library accessible to a wide range of patrons.
It's important to note the specific rules for study rooms. While the library offers a study space, you are only allowed to bring a notebook. No other books, including those borrowed from the library, can be taken into the study room. You must utilize the books available within the study room itself.
The Reading Experience
Beyond the general reading areas, the library offers specialized sections. There's a dedicated children's section designed to engage young readers, and importantly, a Braille section that caters to the visually impaired community, demonstrating the library's commitment to inclusivity.
While the library is a haven for book lovers, some users have noted that the study room has strict regulations. You can only bring a notebook, and no other books are allowed inside. This means you must use the books available within the study room itself. Despite this, the overall experience is highly regarded for its collection and peaceful setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit