Savia Maria C.
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The Krishnadas Shama Goa State Central Library, located in Panaji, holds a significant place in India's cultural and historical landscape, claiming the distinction of being the nation's first public library. Its origins trace back to September 15, 1832, when it was inaugurated by the Portuguese Viceroy of Goa, Dom Manuel de Portugal e Castro, under the name "Publica Livraria of the Academia Militar de Goa" (Military Training Institute).
A pivotal moment in the library's growth occurred in 1834. Following the Portuguese government's order for the suppression of certain religious orders, extensive book collections from various convents were transferred to the library, substantially enriching its repository. This expansion led to a name change in 1836 to "Bibliotheca Pública," at which point it was officially opened to the public.
The library's location also saw changes; in 1836, it moved to the premises where Municipal proceedings were conducted. Over the years, its name evolved further. In 1870, it became the "Biblotheca Publica da Nova Goa." A significant elevation in status occurred in February 1897 when it was designated a National Library and renamed "Bibliotheca Nacional de Nova Goa," later becoming the "Bibliotheca National Vasco da Gama."
A notable legal development in the library's history was the decree of March 18, 1956, which applied the Privilege of Deposited Legal to the institution. This made the library eligible to receive, free of charge, copies of all publications from Portugal and its overseas colonies, significantly expanding its collection. While it initially functioned as an annex of an institute, it was later placed under the direct administrative control of the Services de Instruccao e Saude (Education and Health Services) from September 1959.
Historically, the library's collection predominantly featured books in Portuguese, French, Spanish, Latin, and English. Catalogues of the library's holdings were printed, with the first in 1907, and subsequently, a comprehensive card catalogue encompassing author, title, and cross-references was prepared.
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