Published Paper Details:

Public Library is a social institution with advancement of civilized literate society. The history of the evolution and growth of libraries is an essential chapter in history of the intellectual development of human beings. From the ancient period, India had library, there is evidence of well managed library in 6th Century AD, the Nalanda and Taxila University had library with huge collections of books. Like the ancient period, we also find evidences of library in medieval period of Indian history; Mughal Emperors like Babur, Humayan, Akbar are some examples who had established libraries. In real sense the development libraries in India begun from the British rule, the British Government took many initiatives for the development of public library in India. In post-independence period, Government and various non-government organizations play a significant role for the establishment of the Public Library in India. This paper is an attempt to trace the history of the growth and development of Public Libraries in India in post-independence period. This paper examines the various schemes, policies and steps taken by the Government of India for the spread of Public Library system in all over India and also discusses the circumstances which led to the development of the Public Library system in post-independent India.