Maulana Azad Library Aligarh : 14+ lakh volumes of book collection

The Central Library of Aligarh Muslim University, Maulana Azad Library, is renowned for its priceless collections of manuscripts, rare volumes, and artifacts. The M.A. Library currently has over 14 lakh volumes of books in its collection and has databases and popular research journals on subscription. With more than 110 college and departmental libraries, including the Engineering College Library, Medical College Library, Social Science Cyber Library, and Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College Library, the library serves the needs of its students, faculty members, and research scholars.

Attraction

Renowned for its striking design, the Maulana Azad Library boasts an impressive 1.2 million-volume collection, including rare manuscripts and books in multiple languages and a sizable area dedicated to periodicals. The library building, with its Indo-Islamic design elements, attracts many academics and architecture fans who are impressed by its architectural wonder.

History

The Maulana Azad Library, situated in the center of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Uttar Pradesh, India, is a historic establishment beyond your typical library. The library, named for the freedom hero Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who served as the country’s first Minister of Education following independence, is well known for its extensive holdings of rare books, manuscripts, and other materials. Built in 1960, the Maulana Azad Library is a reminder of the area’s rich academic history. The Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College, which subsequently evolved into the Aligarh Muslim University, was founded in 1875 when the library opened. The current library has expanded dramatically over the years and is a remarkable combination of multiple holdings from different college libraries on the university campus.

Inside/Outside Views

The Maulana Azad Library is a remarkable example of architecture, with a large facade adorned with elaborate patterns and towering pillars. Domes and arches, reminiscent of Islamic architecture, decorate the facade and lend the building a sense of grandeur and history. The library’s interior features prominent, open areas crammed with shelves upon shelves of volumes, creating a maze of information. High ceilings, elaborate decorations, and lots of natural light coming in through expansive windows can all be features of the interior design, which creates a welcoming and helpful space for study and research. It is a hotbed of intellectual activity because the environment is typically teeming with the energy of students and scholars immersed in their academic interests.

Opening Hours

Saturday 8 AM–2 AM

Sunday 8 AM–2 AM

Monday 8 AM–2 AM

Tuesday 8 AM–2 AM

Wednesday 8 AM–2 AM

Thursday 8 AM–2 AM

Friday 8 AM–12:30 PM

3 PM–2 AM

How to Reach

By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi is the closest airport to Aligarh, about 150 kilometers away. Depending on traffic, you can take a taxi or pre-arranged cab to Aligarh, which takes three to four hours. Take public transit or hail a cab to get to the Maulana Azad Library in Aligarh.

By Rail: Aligarh Junction Railway Station has excellent rail connections to India’s major cities. You can check the train schedules from your departure station and purchase a ticket to Aligarh. After arriving at Aligarh Junction, you can get to the Maulana Azad Library, about 5 kilometers from the railway station, by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or local buses.

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