State Central Library, Kerala

The State Central Library, Kerala is housed in a stone building with gothic architectural features in central Thiruvananthapuram, containing thousands of books and manuscripts. The facility is organized for both research and public use, with a dedicated children's section located in a separate modern building.

The library was established in 1829 during the reign of King Swathi Thirunal of Travancore and was initially accessible only to privileged classes. Over time it was transformed into a public institution and expanded to serve all sections of society.

The library holds extensive collections of Malayalam literature and regional studies material, serving as a key resource for researchers and students exploring this area's intellectual heritage. The collection reflects how local knowledge and writings have shaped the region's cultural identity over time.

Visitors can use the digital catalog system, borrow books for free, and enroll in educational programs offered by the library. The building is centrally located and easy to reach, with separate areas for different types of material and different visitor groups.

The children's section operates from a dedicated Heritage Model building opened in 2005, equipped with multimedia facilities and specialized learning programs. This separate space offers young visitors a distinctly different environment for exploration and learning.

Location: Thiruvananthapuram

Inception: 1829

Website: http://statelibrary.kerala.gov.in

GPS coordinates: 8.50639,76.95220

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:02