The State Central Library in Hyderabad is one of India’s largest libraries, renowned for its extensive collection and historical significance. Established in 1891, this institution was founded through the efforts of the late Maulvi Syed Hussain Bilgrami (Nawab Imad-ul-Mulk Bahadur of H.E.H). Originally known as the “Asafia State Library,” it was initially located in Abids. The library began with the personal collection of Maulvi Bilgrami and gradually became one of the world’s most significant and valuable libraries.

Historical Background: The development of the State Central Library owes much to the vision and efforts of Maulvi Syed Hussain Bilgrami. His personal library laid the foundation for this great institution. Maulvi Mohammad Sadiq Hussain, a well-known scholar of oriental languages, was appointed as the library’s caretaker and later became its first librarian. Under his leadership, the Asafia State Library gained recognition as one of the best libraries in the world.

Architecture and Structure: The current building of the library was constructed on 2.974 acres of land at the cost of 5 lakh rupees. The foundation stone was laid in January 1932, and the construction was supervised by the state architect of the time, Muhammad Aziz Ali. The building was completed in 1936 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Nizam VII. The architecture of the building is reminiscent of royal palaces, featuring spacious halls and high ceilings. From an aerial view, the building resembles an open book.

Collection and Holdings: The library boasts a collection of over 500,000 books in various languages, including English, Telugu, Urdu, Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, Sanskrit, and Tamil. This extensive collection highlights the library’s scholarly and cultural significance.

Operating Hours: The library is open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The textbook section operates daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

Membership: The membership fee for home use is ₹150. As of February 29, 2020, there are 32,108 registered members, reflecting the library’s role in serving the community.

Journals and Magazines: The library offers access to 150 different journals and magazines, keeping readers updated on various subjects.

Books on Demand: Launched in 2008, the “Books on Demand” scheme aims to provide requested materials to readers within 15 working days.

Current Challenges: The State Central Library is currently facing neglect from both the government and the public. This invaluable institution, a testament to the hard work and sacrifices of our predecessors, is not as accessible to the current generation as it should be. Despite its rich academic resources, the building’s condition has deteriorated, and there is a lack of development work, affecting its grandeur.

Statement by Chairman Dr. Riyaz: On September 3, 2024, Chairman of Zed News TV Channel, Mohammed Riyaz Ahmed, met with Dr. Riyaz at his office located in Hyderabad’s Central Library. During the meeting, Dr. Riyaz expressed his intentions to honor the building and emphasized the importance of the library’s scholarly resources for the bright future of the youth. He mentioned that efforts will be made to fill vacant positions in the library and to strengthen the digitization process.

Conclusion: The State Central Library in Hyderabad is not only an educational institution but also an essential part of the city’s historical and cultural heritage. Its preservation and restoration are crucial to ensure that this scholarly treasure is safeguarded for future generations.