Ernakulam Public Library is a public library in Kochi in the state of Kerala, India. Established in 1870, it is the oldest public library in Kerala. The library serves as the most important information store and cultural centre of Ernakulam and has a collection of several books on various subjects. This library contributed a lot to the social and cultural improvements of the city over the past three centuries.
History Thottakattu Sankunni Menon, Diwan of the Cochin Kingdom presents his idea of a Public Library in Cochin State to Rama Varma XIV, King of Cochin. Based upon this a meeting was held on 8 October 1869 at the school building premises now occupied by Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam. The first president of the library was the principal of the College, A.F. Sealy. The minutes of the meeting says : that a Public Library and Reading Room be established for the benefit of the community. Thus was born, this institution.
Developments The foundation stone for new building was laid by Sri.C.Achutha Menon, the then chief Minister of Kerala and was inaugurated on 3 March 1974. The second floor was completed in the year 1977 and was inaugurated by Cardinal Joseph Parecattil. The Third Floor which consists of an auditorium was completed in June 1987.
Facilities News Paper Reading Section Children’s Reading Section General reading room Study Area for Aspirants Open Auditorium
Membership The library offers memberships like Institutional Membership, Lifetime Membership, First Class Membership, Second Class Membership and Third Class Membership.
+ Fees Structure Institution (I) Life Member (L) First Class (A) Second Class (B) Third Class (C) Admission Fee 100 100 100 100 100 Life Membership Fee/Monthly Subscription 50000 9000 160 80 40 Security Deposit 0 0 2500 1500 700 Total 50100 9100 2760 1680 840 Subscription are always payable quarterly in advance on the 1st of January, April, July and October every year. In case of admission during the quarter, the subscription for remaining calendar months should be paid in advance.
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