Ram Mohan Library: A 120-year-old treasure trove of books in Vijayawada

Ram Mohan Library, a treasure trove of books, stands strong since 1914, serving readers and inspiring generations. It has 20K books, hosts events and provides free access to competitive exam books. Hall on the first floor is dilapidated, but main structure remains strong.

Those travelling on Vijayawada’s M.G. Road, the busiest thoroughfare in the city, would come across a nondescript building that appears to be one of the oldest around.

Constructed in 1914, it quietly witnessed many changes around it over the decades and continues to attract book lovers to its treasure trove of over 20,000 books, many of which date back to the early 20th century. This home of tomes is the Ram Mohan Free Library and Reading Room, fondly called the Ram Mohan Library.

It is believed that the library was established with about 200 books donated by Brahma Samaja Pracharak I. Subbakrishnaiah; Babu Hemachandra Sarkar of Kolkata; and a university in London at Satyanarayana Puram in 1903 when the national library movement was picking up pace. Initially named Asthika Pusthaka Bhandagaram (theistic library), it was later shifted to a hut on Besant Road in 1908 and then to its current location at Buckingham Pet near Bandar Locks in 1911.

Drawn to the speeches of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the founders named the library after him. Padma Shri awardee Ayyanki Venkata Ramaiah, known as the architect of the public library movement in the country, was the first secretary of Ram Mohan Library. Over the decades since the library was relocated to Buckingham Pet, it has received books from across the country.

The library’s anniversary celebrations were presided over by Andhra Bank founder Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya in 1912. Later, the library committee procured 2,197 square yards of land for ₹3,324 at an auction by the local body.

The funds were raised by Ayyanki and Suri Venkata Narasimha Sastry and others. Munagala Rajanayini Venkata Rao, Patibanda Subrahmanyam and Boddapati Venkatappaiah donated ₹500 each.

Andhra Pradesh’s first Assembly Speaker and freedom fighter Ayyadevara Kaleswara Rao gave up contesting to the seat of local councillor and donated ₹500 to the library. Tiruvuru zamindar Raja Vellanki Chinavenkata Rama Rao also helped the committee.