ROMAIN ROLLAND LIBRARY

At a distance of 3.2 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Romain Rolland Library, formerly known
as Bibliotheque Publique, is one of the oldest Libraries in the country and the biggest in the
Union Territory of Pondicherry.

Established in the year 1827, this library has been named after the French scholar- Romain
Rolland.

There are more than 315,000 books kept in this library printed in different languages. More than
45000 members are utilizing the Library and nearly 2 lakhs books are annually loaned to the
readers. Apart from this, nearly 190 periodicals are being subscribed. About 1,000 readers are
using the reading room facilities every day. The library has been segregated into numerous
sections, including a separate children's section and the Rare Book Section. The Children's
Section aimed to develop the reading habit among younger generation.

The Rare Book section has a collection of about 15,000 old and rare books. Scholars from all
parts of the country visit this Library to carry on their research work. The process of Micro-
filming of old books has been initiated to save them from complete disappearance.

This library is known for its mobile facility that has more than 8000 books, helping rural
population.