State Central Library
Introduction to State Central Library: The State Central Library in Shillong is more than just a repository of books; it is a historical, cultural, and intellectual landmark located in the quiet surroundings of Secretariat Hills. It was originally constructed by the erstwhile government of Assam in the early 1950s and was later handed over to the government of Meghalaya in January 1974 after the formation of the new state. It quickly developed into a fully-fledged State Library, serving as a vital center for research, study, and general reading for all citizens. The library boasts an extensive collection of nearly 200,000 volumes, including a significant number of books received as free gifts and from foundations like the Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation. Its collection is diverse, featuring major works in English, as well as in local languages like Khasi, Garo, Assamese, and Bengali, catering to the varied linguistic needs of the region's readers. Beyond the lending and reference sections, the library's key feature is its large Auditorium, which has a seating capacity of around 890 people. This auditorium is a major venue for government functions, public events, cultural programs, and literary festivals throughout the year, establishing the library as a central point for public discourse and community gatherings. The serene location, away from the hustle of Police Bazar, provides a conducive atmosphere for serious study and relaxation, appealing to students, scholars, researchers, and general readers alike. It represents a pillar of education and intellectual life in Meghalaya.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 3 Hours (For quiet reading or reference) or Full Day (If attending an event):Place Type:
Intellectual & Cultural Hub: Public Library, ResEntry Fees:
Entry and Reference: There is generally No Entry Fee for the public to enter the library compound, access the reference section, or use the reading rooms for on-site reading, affirming its purpose as a public institution.
Membership Fee: To ...Entry and Reference: There is generally No Entry Fee for the public to enter the library compound, access the reference section, or use the reading rooms for on-site reading, affirming its purpose as a public institution.
Membership Fee: To avail of the book-lending facility and become a registered member (currently over 24,000 members), there is a nominal, usually annual, membership fee, which is highly affordable and encourages long-term patronage.
Auditorium/Event Charges: If you are attending an event, there may be a separate ticket or entrance fee set by the event organizer, but this charge is for the event itself and not for the library's use.
Internet/Photocopy Charges: Small, service-based fees may apply for amenities like photocopying a reference document, utilizing public computer terminals for internet access, or printing a research paper, which are standard for such institutions. :Timing:
Regular Timings: The library typically operates from around 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday, with variations on public holidays and potentially different hours for the auditorium events. It is often Closed on Sundays and major state holidays, making it essenti...Regular Timings: The library typically operates from around 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday, with variations on public holidays and potentially different hours for the auditorium events. It is often Closed on Sundays and major state holidays, making it essential to check ahead.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time for quiet reading is the mid-week morning, between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, when the facility is least crowded with students and researchers. Midday and late afternoons can be busier, especially if an event is scheduled.
Auditorium Hours: Auditorium events often take place in the late afternoon or evening, so visitors attending an event should check the specific timings for that program, as they may fall outside the regular library hours. :Special Events:
Local Author Book Launches: The library is a frequent and important venue for book launches, literary discussions, and poetry readings by emerging and established Khasi and Northeast Indian authors, attracting the local literati and students.
Go...Local Author Book Launches: The library is a frequent and important venue for book launches, literary discussions, and poetry readings by emerging and established Khasi and Northeast Indian authors, attracting the local literati and students.
Government and Educational Seminars: Due to the size of its auditorium, it is constantly utilized for major governmental seminars, educational conferences, and public awareness campaigns, particularly those related to the state's culture and education policy.
Cultural Competitions: Local schools and colleges often use the library's facilities to host intellectual and cultural competitions, such as debates, quizzes, and traditional music or dance performances, especially during the academic season, creating a lively, youthful energy. :Best Photo Spots:
The Grand Auditorium Facade: The exterior of the auditorium, particularly its entrance and the main structural face, is the most photogenic spot, offering a sense of scale and the classic public building architecture of the mid-20th century.
The...The Grand Auditorium Facade: The exterior of the auditorium, particularly its entrance and the main structural face, is the most photogenic spot, offering a sense of scale and the classic public building architecture of the mid-20th century.
The Reading Room Interior: A tasteful photo of the main reading room, with its long tables and shelves full of books, can capture the intellectual ambiance and the quiet, focused energy of the library's users, creating an atmospheric shot (always seek permission first).
The Historical Plaque: The plaque or foundation stone detailing the history of the library's construction and its handover to the Meghalaya government is a simple yet powerful spot for a history-themed picture.
The Garden Pathway: The tree-lined pathway leading up to the main entrance offers a tranquil, green-framed view of the building, often used to capture the serene atmosphere of the entire compound. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Reference and Research: Utilize the extensive book collection, especially the local language and history sections, for quiet reference and scholarly work, taking advantage of the large, quiet reading rooms, a core activity for students and researchers.
Newspaper and Magazine Reading: Spend time catching up on current events by reading the wide array of national and local newspapers and magazines available in the designated periodicals section, a popular activity for general readers and retired personnel.
Attending Events: Check the local schedule and attend a public event, lecture, or cultural program held in the massive 890-seat auditorium. This provides an opportunity to engage with the city's intellectual and cultural life and witness local performances.
Membersh...
Information
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Why Famous:
Repository of Regional Knowledge: It is famous for being the main state-level library for Meghalaya, housing nearly 200,000 volumes, with a significant collection of books in indigenous languages, making it a critical resource for scholars of Northeast Indian and Khasi cultu...Repository of Regional Knowledge: It is famous for being the main state-level library for Meghalaya, housing nearly 200,000 volumes, with a significant collection of books in indigenous languages, making it a critical resource for scholars of Northeast Indian and Khasi culture and history.
The Central Auditorium: The library is renowned for its large, approximately 890-seat auditorium, which is a primary venue for major governmental, educational, and cultural events in Shillong, establishing it as a key public gathering and intellectual center in the city.
Historical Significance: As a major public asset handed over from Assam during the formation of Meghalaya, the library symbolizes the state's cultural and administrative independence, giving it an important historical place in the city's narrative. The peaceful, academic atmosphere it provides is also a major draw, contrasting sharply with the commercial hustle of the nearby city center. : -
Architecture:
Functionalist Public Building Design: The architecture of the State Central Library is characteristic of early post-independence public utility buildings in India and the region, prioritizing functionality, space, and simple aesthetics. The main structure, built in the earl...Functionalist Public Building Design: The architecture of the State Central Library is characteristic of early post-independence public utility buildings in India and the region, prioritizing functionality, space, and simple aesthetics. The main structure, built in the early 1950s, adheres to a functionalist design—a large, relatively unadorned structure, typically multi-story, built with sturdy materials like concrete and local stone masonry. The focus is on maximizing natural light and ventilation, crucial for a library's reading rooms and book storage.
Dimensions: The most prominent feature is the large Auditorium, which can seat approximately 890 people, giving the building its significant footprint. The library section itself contains extensive, tall shelving units and large reading rooms designed to accommodate a sizable reader population (average daily readers around 200).
Interior Layout and Atmosphere: The interior is designed for quietude and study. The reading rooms are spacious, with high ceilings and large windows to create a comfortable and airy environment. The architecture is conservative, lacking elaborate ornamentation, which directs the focus entirely onto the function of the building as a place of learning and contemplation. The compound is also important, as it is surrounded by mature trees, enhancing the serene and intellectual atmosphere, a key feature that makes the building appealing to scholars. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Guwahati (GAU) (120 KMS). From Guwahati, travelers hire a private or shared cab to Shillong. Once in the city, the library is located in the Secretariat Hills area, close to the Civil Hospital. A local city taxi is the best way to cove... -
Near Tourist Places:
Wards Lake (1.
5 KMS): A serene, artificial lake and park, perfect for a break after reading. Police Bazar (P. B. ) (
2 KMS): The city center for shopping, dining, and transport. Civil Hospital Shillong (0.
2 KMS): A major landmark next door. All Saints Cathedral (1.
5 KMS): A historical Anglican church nearby. Shillong Golf Course (2.
5 KMS): A short drive to the famous course.
Don Bosco Museum (4 KMS): A prominent cultural center. Lady Hydari Park (2.
5 KMS): The Japanese garden and mini zoo. Shillong High Court (1 KM) Another major government/administrative building.
Botanical Garden (3 KMS): A peaceful garden for nature lovers.
Laitumkhrah Market (3 KMS): A busy local hub for food and shopping. :
Tourism Tips
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Health & safety: The environment is very safe and controlled, typical of a government institution. The main safety advice is to be respectful of the quietude. The building is older, so stair access may be required to reach certain sections.
Pa...
Reviews
State Central Library Tourism:-
Information about New and Updated Locations(433+) of Meghalaya Has Been Added :-
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Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
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