Banaras Hindu University, with 3 institutes and 14 faculties comprising 124 subject departments, has an elaborate library system with the Central Library at the apex, the 3 Institute libraries, 8 Faculty libraries and 25 Departmental libraries. The total collection in the libraries of the University exceeds 11 lakh volumes including over 10,000 manuscripts in various scripts. The Central Library is one of the largest libraries of the country. It was established in the Telang Hall of the Central Hindu College in the Kamachha campus of the University in 1916, with a small but precious collection donated by Professor P.K. Telang. Nurtured in its infancy by the renowned historian Sir Jadunath Sarkar, it had eminent scholars of the library science like Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, the father of Library movement in India, as its Librarians.
The Central Library changed its location to the present building, in 1941, situated in the main campus. The construction of the present majestic building was started in 1927 with a very generous donation from Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda after whom it has been named. This elegant building was designed on the pattern of British Museum, London, on the suggestion of Mahamana Malaviyaji.
The Central Library of the University is the only reference and research supporting library in the vicinity of about 300 kilometers. The Library collection has unique pieces of rarities of books and journals dating back to the 18th century. In addition to its main collection, the library has specialized collections like MSS collection, Rare and Out of Print Materials collection, Reserve collection, United Nations and Government Publications collection, Local History collection, University and its Founder collection, Staff Publications collection, etc.
Very soon the Central Library will have internet facility and will be networked with all the major University libraries and libraries of other institutions of repute. On the strength of rich collection of books and journals, this library has been chosen by INFLIBNET center, as an inter-university center of UGC, to function as document delivery center in the region.