Reading is one thing that most Kolkatans are fond of and hence, it is small wonder that, the city is home to some of the most well-stocked libraries in the country. Here is a low-down on Kolkata's lending libraries.

National Library and British Council Library are two of the oft-frequented libraries in Kolkata. Let’s start with the National Library, which is the biggest library in India and also one of the oldest. The library offers membership at a nominal fee and members get access to books in English, Gujarati, Marathi, Pali, Ceylonese and Punjabi. Spread across a vast area of 30 acres amidst lush vegetation in Alipore, the library has an imposing colonial façade and is a great storehouse of information.

The most popular library in the city is, however, the British Council Library on Camac Street, that bustles with students and researchers all the time. BCL, as The British Council Library is popularly known, offers various kinds of memberships depending on which one can borrow books, periodicals, magazines, journals, DVDs, and CD-ROMs. The library also has a special children’s section, open only to members who opt for the family membership.

Besides these two libraries, there is at least one lending library in practically every neighbourhood in the city.

Happy reading.