Krishnadas Shama Goa State Central Library

Wonderful place amidst bustling patto centre. Housekeeping to be trained for etiquettes, as sometimes their behaviour spoils the expected experience of a library visit. Highly respectable place, but few visitors are not advised by the staff to keep their phone on silent or not to be calls for hours together who just visit for Air-conditioned experience. Amazing children section,yet few segregation of racks as per age groups could be even more helpful for kids. Washrooms having broken flushes in almost every floor for years in such a huge library setup is disappointing.

One of my favourite places in Goa. Great infrastructure and facilities including full air conditioning. However, the maintenance looks almost nil. The washrooms, while moderately clean, aren’t maintained, be it the flushes or jet sprays, which haven’t been working since ages. There are deep depressions in the cushions due to wear and tear, and yet they haven’t been replaced. The fountain outside is in bad shape. I don’t think the canteen has much to offer. Certain staff used to be rude, when I used to visit before 2020. Now however the staff are different and better (I presume)

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. Instagram handle : @saviathebakecook

Excellent facility. Peaceful and spacious. Staff to be sensitised and trained not to spray HIT repellant while people and children are inside in a sealed AC space. These may be done on closure. We had to leave immediately after the spray as it was unbearable to sit inside. Time 3:30 PM.

Library has lot many book to offer than you can probably read. Apart from this it has two study rooms. One Ac and one non ac which are open to everyone everyday even on sundays from morning 8 to evening 8. It also offers a large space for exhibition or art gallery presentations. Apart from this it has a auditorium hall for all sorts of events and a canteen as well. It you get bored after studying you can go for a walk in the mangroves behind the library to calm down your mind.

Goa's only state central library. Well planned and built building housing wide range of books and historical information. Fully air conditioned, ample of space for reading. Clean and maintenanced is a per govt standards. Loads of paid street parking spaces available.

Mostle all types of books available.Very spacious with ample area for recreation for kids. Very friendly for disabled people. Has a massive collection of books. Have employed modern technology to locate and transport books etc. Must visit this pkace. Best place for books lovers.

Infrastructure is fantastic and clean. However, No air conditioning is a bummer. Fans in cubicles have been provided if you wish to work on laptop. Pretty well stocked on all subjects.