National Library and Documentation Services Board, National library and documentation center in Colombo District, Sri Lanka.
The National Library and Documentation Services Board occupies a five-story building housing more than one million books and documents across roughly 11,000 square meters. Three reading areas provide seating for around 320 people, along with specialized study rooms, a venue for lectures holding about 145 people, and a conference space for smaller meetings.
Founded in 1970, the institution received legal deposit status in 1976 through the Printers and Publishers Act, which required all locally produced publications to be submitted to it. This made it the official repository for all written output produced in the country.
The library hosts exhibitions featuring Sri Lankan literature and publications that showcase the creative work of local authors and scholars. These displays help visitors understand the written heritage that has shaped the nation's intellectual life.
The building is centrally located in Colombo and welcomes visitors during standard weekdays, with reading areas designed for focused study and research work. If you want to access specialized collections, check ahead since some materials are kept under controlled conditions.
The institution operates a specialized conservation and restoration team that helps libraries across the country protect their collections from deterioration. This national preservation program makes it more than just a repository, turning it into a guardian of written heritage throughout the island.
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