Adyar Library and Research Centre

The Adyar Library and Research Centre was founded in 1886 by Henry Steel Olcott in Adyar. According to its website,

The Adyar Library and Research Centre was founded in 1886 by Colonel Olcott with a small but valuable collection of the Founders' books. Originally situated in the Headquarters building, it was shifted in 1968 to a more spacious one, better suited to its growing needs. It has always been one of the important aspects of the work at Adyar, both for members and for the public; moreover, today it is one of the well known oriental libraries in the world, dedicated to research and publication in the field of eastern civilization, philosophy and religion. It contains over 250,000 printed volumes and around 20,000 palm-leaf manuscripts from India, Sri Lanka, China, and other places, a few of which are kept on display for visitors. The printed books include rare indological publications in several languages and a fine collection of works on different religions, philosophies and cultures.

Col. Olcott with scholars in Adyar Library

History

The original library was dedicated on December 28, 1886 by Colonel Olcott. When the building became inadequate to house the expanding collections and the work of scholars, a new structure was designed. Its construction was supervised by George Linton. On the 81st anniversary of the library's establishment, December 28, 1967, President Sri Ram dedicated the new building. By the end of 1968, the library was well established in its new facility. That year Mr. V. Ramanatha Iyer, replaced Mrs. Seetha Neelakanthan, who went to work at the Henry S. Olcott Memorial Library in the United States.