Ramamohana Dharma Pustaka Bhandagaramu school children attending class

Ram Mohan Library

Ram Mohan Library Vijayawada: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the vibrant city of Vijayawada, the Ram Mohan Library is a celebrated cultural and historical landmark, embodying more than a century of intellectual heritage and social reform. Established in the early 20th century and named after the renowned social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the library has evolved into a dynamic hub for education, literature, and civic engagement. It houses an extensive collection of over 70,000 books, rare manuscripts, and archival materials, and plays a vital role in the city’s cultural and intellectual life. Its central location near MG Road also places it within easy reach of other prominent attractions, including the Undavalli Caves and Bhavani Island.

Whether you are a student, researcher, history enthusiast, or traveler, the Ram Mohan Library offers a unique blend of peaceful study spaces and vibrant cultural programs. Visitors benefit from free entry, accessible facilities, and enriching experiences such as guided tours and literary festivals. This guide provides everything you need to know about visiting hours, tickets, historical insights, travel tips, and the library’s enduring role in nurturing Andhra Pradesh’s literary and social fabric.

For further updates and resources, refer to The Hindu, Deccan Chronicle, and the Andhra Pradesh Libraries website.

Ramamohana Dharma Pustaka Bhandagaramu 4th Anniversary celebration with traditional decorations and cultural elements

Historical Overview

Early Foundations (1903–1916)

The Ram Mohan Library’s origins date to 1903, rooted in the early public library movement in India. It began as Asthika Pusthaka Bhandagaram (Theistic Library) at Satyanarayana Puram, with an initial collection of 200 books donated by Brahma Samaja Pracharak I. Subbakrishnaiah, Babu Hemachandra Sarkar of Kolkata, and a London university. The library soon moved to Besant Road and then to Buckingham Pet, eventually being renamed in honor of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, reflecting its commitment to social reform and intellectual progress (source).

Padma Shri awardee Ayyanki Venkata Ramaiah, a key figure in the Indian public library movement, became its first secretary, guiding its early growth and community engagement.

Growth and Construction

Community support was instrumental in the library’s development. In 1912, Dr. Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya presided over its anniversary, highlighting its significance. Land was acquired through local donations from prominent citizens, such as Munagala Rajanayini Venkata Rao and Ayyadevara Kaleswara Rao. The library’s permanent home was inaugurated in 1916, blending colonial and South Indian architectural elements (The Hindu).

Role in the Indian Freedom Movement

The library became a focal point for the freedom struggle. Its halls hosted meetings attended by Mahatma Gandhi in 1919, 1921, and 1929, cementing its place in the region’s nationalist history. It was a gathering place for freedom fighters and reformers advocating for women’s rights and social change (Deccan Chronicle).

Literary and Cultural Milestones

The library also fostered Andhra Pradesh’s literary heritage, hosting the first ‘Andhra Desa Library Congress’ and the ‘All India Conference of Library Organisers’ in 1914, events presided over by poet laureate Chilakamarti Lakshmi Narasimha Pantulu. It continues to inspire generations of writers and scholars (The Hans India).

Visiting Ram Mohan Library: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours & Entry

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Sundays and public holidays
Entry Fee: Free for all visitors
Membership Fees:
- General Public: ₹50/year
- Students/Senior Citizens: ₹20/year
- Children (below 12): Free
Membership is needed for borrowing privileges and access to some archives. Cards can be purchased at the reception.

Accessibility

The library is committed to inclusivity, offering wheelchair access at the entrance and accessible reading halls and restrooms. Staff assistance is available for those with disabilities (New Indian Express).

How to Reach

By Road: Located near MG Road; accessible by auto-rickshaws and taxis.
By Bus: 2 km from Vijayawada Bus Station; local buses and shared autos available.
By Train: 4 km from Vijayawada Railway Station; taxis and buses operate frequently.
Address: 27-37-144 Bandar Road, MG Road, Krishnalanka, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520002 (Tripcrafters).

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with nearby sites:

Undavalli Caves: Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves
Bhavani Island: Leisure spot on Krishna River
Prakasam Barrage: Iconic dam and picnic area
Kanaka Durga Temple: Renowned hilltop temple (Yometro)

Ambience, Facilities & Collections

The library’s two-storied, colonial-era building retains its historic charm, offering quiet reading spaces illuminated by natural light. Facilities include:

Designated reading areas and collaborative spaces
Children’s section with interactive displays
Computer terminals with internet access
Restrooms and drinking water
Limited parking; public transport is recommended (ThreeBestRated)

Collection Highlights:

20,000+ books in Telugu, English, Hindi, Sanskrit
Rare manuscripts and pre-independence documents
Newspapers, journals, and magazines
Digital resources: e-books and online journals (Times of India)

Intellectual Center: Fosters education, research, and public discourse
Social Reform: Historically, a base for freedom fighters and progressive thinkers
Literary Hub: Hosts festivals, readings, and awards for regional literature
Community Engagement: Offers literacy drives, workshops, and outreach for disadvantaged groups
Secular and Pluralistic: Venue for interfaith and cultural events promoting harmony
Preservation of Heritage: Maintains archives and conducts heritage walks
Generational Impact: Influenced generations of writers, scholars, and citizens

Special Events & Guided Tours

Annual Literary Festivals: Engage with local and national writers
Heritage Walks: Explore the library’s architecture and collections with expert guides
Educational Workshops: On literacy, social justice, and digital skills
Photography: Permitted in select areas; please seek staff permission

Virtual tours and high-quality images are available through the official tourism website.

Tips for a Memorable Visit

Visit during morning/late afternoon to avoid heat
Allocate ample time to explore archives and rare books
Interact with librarians for research support
Maintain silence and respect library guidelines
Combine with visits to nearby sites for a full cultural experience

Safety, Amenities, and COVID-19 Protocols

Security and CCTV on site
COVID-19 measures: Masks, sanitization, and social distancing
Accessible amenities: ramps, handrails, and materials for differently-abled visitors

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Ram Mohan Library’s visiting hours?
A: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Sundays and public holidays.

Q: Is there an entry fee or ticket required?
A: Entry is free. Membership is required to borrow books.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, during festivals or on request; book in advance via the official website.

Q: Is the library accessible for differently-abled visitors?
A: The ground floor is fully accessible; some upper floors may have limited access.

Q: Can I take photographs inside the library?
A: Permitted in designated areas with staff approval.

Visuals

Conclusion

The Ram Mohan Library stands as a beacon of knowledge, inclusivity, and cultural preservation in Vijayawada. With its rich history, extensive collections, and ongoing community initiatives, it remains a must-visit for anyone interested in India’s heritage and literary tradition. Plan your visit to explore this living monument and its vital role in Andhra Pradesh’s educational and social development.

Stay informed about upcoming events and visitor guidelines through trusted sources and the official Andhra Pradesh Libraries website.