Renowned astronomy scholar and almanac expert Shri. Da. Ku. Soman addressing the audience during a special lecture session at Ratnagiri District Nagar Vachanalaya.
Honorable PWD Minister Ravindra Chavan and other prominent dignitaries on stage during the foundation stone laying ceremony (Bhoomi Pujan) of the upcoming state-of-the-art facility.
The Ratnagiri District Public Library has a well-equipped open reading hall for its members and readers. This reading hall provides access to a variety of magazines, fortnightly publications, and daily newspapers covering diverse subjects. Owing to its natural lighting, proper ventilation, and peaceful, pleasant atmosphere, approximately 150 to 200 readers benefit from this open reading hall every day. In addition, students make extensive use of the reading hall for their studies and academic pursuits. The facility serves as a valuable resource for learning, reading, and intellectual development within the community.
Established in 1828 during the British era, this library houses a valuable collection of English books from that period, along with spiritual and religious texts. It is also enriched with a vast collection of books covering a wide range of subjects, including social, political, and scientific topics, as well as literary works by renowned authors who have earned a special place in the hearts of readers. Today, the library possesses a rich collection of approximately 115,000 books, making it an important center of knowledge, learning, and culture.
The Ratnagiri District Public Library is not only an important institution in Ratnagiri but also a significant cultural center in Maharashtra. For the past 197 years, the library has been fulfilling the reading needs and intellectual aspirations of its readers. At the same time, while upholding its mission and social responsibility, the library has been sincerely dedicated to preserving and promoting Ratnagiri’s rich cultural heritage.
As the President of the Library, I am delighted to connect with you through this website. We have been making continuous efforts to develop a new website that would help bring the library to an international platform and make its rich collection of books and resources accessible to a wider audience. With this vision in mind, the library had already begun taking concrete steps toward achieving these goals. Encouraged by your goodwill and support, our efforts have gained momentum, and today we are pleased to present ourselves in your service through this website. We hope that this platform will strengthen our connection with readers and further promote the library’s mission of knowledge, learning, and cultural enrichment.
Read MoreI have visited the Ratnagiri Public Library many times in the past. On this occasion, I had the opportunity to meet some members of its Executive Committee. The library now requires a larger building of its own to meet its growing needs. Efforts in this direction are already underway. I sincerely hope and wish that the library will soon have its own new building, and that we will have the privilege of seeing it flourish in its new premises in the near future.
Public service in any field helps weave a strong social fabric—one built on values, ideas, culture, and literature. May this journey of service continue steadfastly along the same path. When you look back someday, you will find the entire path beautifully adorned with these very values, thoughts, and cultural ideals.
Important Happenings
After 27 years of persistent efforts, the library successfully obtained the government lease for its land, paving the way for the construction of a new building. The project commenced on 25 December 2024 with a vision to create a modern and welcoming space for readers. Despite financial challenges, generous support from cooperative institutions, banks, members, well-wishers, and the local community has helped move the project forward. Around 8,000 sq. ft. of construction has already been completed, and the ground floor is nearing completion. The new building will include a spacious library section, children's wing, study rooms, digital facilities, a board room, and the Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Auditorium. The aim is to complete the project by November and reopen the library in its new, modern form. With a glorious legacy of 197 years, the library remains committed to preserving its rich heritage while creating an inspiring and well-equipped knowledge centre for future generations.
25-06-26
Ratnagiri Jilha Nagar Vachanalaya
Jaystambh, Khareghat Road, Ratnagiri - 415612, Maharashtra.
(02352) 222570, 8275723721
info@nagarvachanalay.org
Morning: 9:00 – 12:30 Evening: 3:30 – 7:30
