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
-
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
-
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...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.
Membership: If you are a long-term visitor or resident, inquire about the affordable membership process to avail of the book-lending facility, joining the ranks of its thousands of registered readers.
Quiet Contemplation: Enjoy the serene, tree-lined surroundings of the library compound, finding a bench for quiet contemplation or light reading away from the city noise, leveraging the ideal academic atmosphere. :
Information
-
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...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 cover the short distance from the main Police Bazar drop-off point, a quick 10-minute ride. The smaller Shillong Airport (UMROI) (30 KMS) also connects via taxi to the city center.
By Train: The closest major railhead is Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) (104 KMS). The journey from the station to Shillong is covered by regular shared taxis and buses. From the drop-off at Police Bazar, the library is easily reached by a short, local taxi ride, which will navigate the slightly quieter, elevated roads of Secretariat Hills.
By Road: The library is situated centrally, about 2 KMS from Police Bazar, on the road leading towards the Secretariat. It is a well-known landmark, especially for local transport and government employees. Public transport (city buses) can drop you off nearby, but the most convenient option is a local taxi for a direct, stress-free route to the front gate.
By Local Transport: Local yellow and black city taxis are the simplest way to reach the library from anywhere in Shillong. Since it is a major public institution, all taxi drivers are familiar with the route to the State Central Library in Secretariat Hills. : -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Different Types of Seasons: October to April (Post-Monsoon/Spring) is the Best Time to Visit. The weather is cool and conducive for focused, indoor activity like reading or research. The cool climate of Shillong is ideal for spending hours in the quiet, spacious reading ro...Different Types of Seasons: October to April (Post-Monsoon/Spring) is the Best Time to Visit. The weather is cool and conducive for focused, indoor activity like reading or research. The cool climate of Shillong is ideal for spending hours in the quiet, spacious reading rooms. Monsoon season (June to September) is also good for an indoor visit, though traveling to and from the library may be hampered by heavy rain.
Different Parts of the Day: The Ideal Time is the morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM) when the library has just opened, and the main rush of students and researchers has not yet started, providing maximum tranquility and easier access to the reference materials. Midday is generally a pleasant time for a long session, and afternoons are best for attending a scheduled event. : -
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
-
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...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.
Packing: Bring an ID card, as it is required for library membership and for accessing some reference materials. Carry a notebook and pen, as pens are often not provided, and always store your mobile phone on silent mode.
Accommodation: Staying in the central Police Bazar or the quieter Lachumiere area provides easy access, as the library is only a short taxi ride from either location. There are no hotels directly on Secretariat Hills.
Other Different Topics: Do not take flash photography inside the reading rooms. Check the library's official website or call ahead to verify opening hours, especially on local festival days, as the library is a government facility and observes all state holidays. Remember that bags must often be deposited at the entrance desk. :
Reviews
FAQs
Shillong Itineray And Cost:-
State Central Library Tourism:-
Other Places In Shillong :-
Other States In India :-
Information about New and Updated Locations() of Meghalaya Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
Near Places
Air Force Museum
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Beadon Falls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bishop Falls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Botanical Garden
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Crinoline Falls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Elephant Falls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Jakrem Hot Springs
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Sohpetbneng Peak
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Spread Eagle Falls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
State Central Library
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Wankhar Entomology Museum
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Wards Lake
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities