Gyan Mandir Library
A Treasure Trove of Knowledge Since 1862
History of the Library
- A library was established in the college in 1862-63. In 1866, the Patna College Library had about four thousand books. In 1899, a librarian was also appointed in the Patna College Library.
- In 1918, it was further enriched by a generous gift from Mrs. Russell and about 150 valuable volumes of literature, philosophy, and economics were added to the library formed by the late Principal Russell. A government grant of Rs. 4000 was received in 1922-23, enriching the library immensely.
- By 1937, the number of books in the college library was more than fifteen thousand. A magazine room for students was also arranged in 1939, remaining open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- The first Commissioner to China, who delivered the Russell Memorial Lecture in 1943, donated his entire remuneration and the travelling allowance of Rs. 1000 to the library. This amount was used to purchase books on Chinese history and culture.
- In 1950, the number of books increased to thirty-seven thousand. In 1951, the personal library of the late Professor Samadder, containing 10,000 volumes worth about Rs. 50,000, was donated by his sons. The government granted Rs. 4,000 to purchase cupboards for these valuable books.
- The Samadder branch was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Bihar, Dr. S. K. Singh, in 1951. In the 1957-58 session, a Manuscript Section was added on the upper stairs of the library.
- Today, in 2020, the total number of books in the library exceeds one lakh fifty thousand, with fifty thousand books digitized. Books are purchased regularly to keep the collection updated.