Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Ram Mohan Library Reclaims Its Historic Role in Vijayawada
Ram Mohan Library is a very old library in Vijayawada.
It started in 1903 with only about 200 books.
Today, it has nearly 20,000 books on many subjects.
The library became connected with the public library movement and India’s freedom movement.
Mahatma Gandhi reportedly visited it several times.
The library was neglected for many years.
Its new committee is trying to make it active and useful again.
Students can read there for free, and nearly 100 people visit each day.
Ram Mohan Library began in 1903 with about 200 books and was renamed in 1911.
The Vijayawada institution now holds nearly 20,000 books, including about 7,000 on spiritual and devotional subjects.
Padma Shri awardee Ayyanki Venkata Ramaiah served as its first secretary.
The library reportedly hosted Mahatma Gandhi and freedom-movement meetings during the pre-Independence era.
Its current committee is reviving activities through competitions, special classes and free access for students.
- Who
- Ram Mohan Library, its managing committee led by Chintalapudi Koteswara Rao, and the students and readers it serves.
- What
- A historic library is working to restore its activities and regain public prominence.
- When
- The library began in 1903, was renamed in 1911, and is currently undergoing a revival.
- Where
- Near Bandar Locks in Vijayawada.
- Why
- The managing committee is trying to reconnect the library with readers, students and younger people after decades of neglect.
- Established
- 1903, originally as Asthika Pusthaka Bhandagaram
- Renamed
- Ram Mohan Library in 1911
- Collection
- Nearly 20,000 books
- Spiritual and devotional books
- Nearly 7,000
- Daily visitors
- Nearly 100 readers
- Student services
- Free book access for competitive-examination preparation and special classes for Class X students
- Activities
- Quizzes, literary and cultural competitions, commemorations and language celebrations