The word ‘library’ means a collection of books, either for private or public use. The importance of library was recognized even in ancient days. There was a big library in Alexanderia in Egypt, and also a large library at Nalanda in Bihar.

In modern times, almost all the civilized countries of the world have large libraries containing rare and valuable books on various subjects. Now-a-days, a particular system is maintained in the libraries in the matter of arranging books in racks.

The books are assigned serial numbers subject wise and included in catalogues or cards for easy identification among thousands of books which a library generally has. A good modern library generally subscribes to almost all the important newspapers and periodicals in addi­tion to the storage of books by eminent authors of the world.

Each library appoints a librarian, whose duty is to store the books properly, and guide the readers in selecting or locating the books they require for reading. A library offers us a wide choice of books.

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It creates a serene atmos­phere for concentrating on reading. In using a library, the reader must know what type of books or what particular book he actually intends to read.

All possible care should be taken by a reader, while reading and handling the book he borrows from the library, that the book does not, in any way, get damaged or torn or dirty, and causing inconvenience to other readers.

In many libraries, there is a system of lending books to the readers for a week or a fortnight. This is, no doubt, a great advantage to the book-lovers who cannot afford to buy costly books.

The Government of India purchases huge number of books for the government libraries all over the country through Raja Rammohan Ray Library Foundation. The University Grant Commission sanctions sufficient funds to the Indian colleges and universities for purchase of text and general books for their libraries.

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In India, there are many big and small renowned libraries. Among them, National Library at Calcutta is most noteworthy. Many more libraries are required to be estab­lished in this vast country for spread of reading habit and growing interest in acquiring knowledge among the people.