The Barton Library is one of the oldest educational institutions in the region. It has a huge collection of books and magazines. Mahatma Gandhi has also benefited as a reader from this library that stands in the center of the city.
The Barton Library was established towards the end of the 19th century and stands in the heartland of Bhavnagar as a center of cultural and historical significance. The repository is one of the oldest libraries of the city, which has earned its repute round in the state of Gujarat.
Contents of the Barton Library
Barton Library and Museum houses a hoard of rare books and manuscripts. It also preserves the armors, arms and the blazonry of the former rulers of the city of Bhavnagar. Other traditional and rare art objects like coins, beadwork, musical instruments, farming tools and wood carvings are also preserved in the museum. Students may access age old newspapers, periodicals and magazines that are also found within the sprawling complex of the Barton Library of Bhavnagar.
History of Barton Library
The history of the establishment of the Barton Library is associated with the Chhagan Prasad Desai Library. It was the first initiation towards the establishment of an institute in the Kathiawad region.
The Barton Library at Bhavnagar initially started functioning with a small collection of 5000 books, which were donated by Chhagan Prasad Desai. The collection increased to 15980 during the reign of Maharaja Krishnakumar Sinhji. Presently, the library houses a total of 61,763 books, which comprise of 18,937 English books, 1,253 Sanskrit books, 25,876 Gujarati books and 4,741 Hindi books. The library was visited by Mahatma Gandhi who benefited as a reader in the library.
The main building of the Barton Library in Bhavnagar was at Navapara, which now houses the central building of the Majiraj Girls High School.
Visiting Hours
The Barton Library, Bhavnagar remains open on all days of the week excepting Monday. The library can be visited between 8.30 to 11.30 A.M in the morning and 3 P.M to 6 P.M in the evening from Tuesday to Saturday. On Sunday, the library remains open between 8.30 to 11.30 A.M. For the convenience of the tourists, the address of Barton Library is provided below:
- Barton Library
Diwanpara Road, Bhavnagar
Gujarat
Last Updated on 23 July 2012
