Welcome to Tagore Library

The maintenance of a good library is a sin qua non for any progressive university, therefore, the then Canning College Library was converted into the University Central Library and thus the Tagore Library, the Central Library of the University of Lucknow came into existence with the establishment of the Lucknow University late in the year 1920.

Initially, Tagore Library was located in the old Bennet Hall and rooms between the verandha on the South – Western side of main Canning College building (now Faculty of Arts, main building). In 1924, the Library building was expanded with the inclusion of a separate Reading Room.

Foundation stone of the new building (present building) was laid by the then Chancellor Sir Harry Haig in March 1937, but the start of construction work took quite some time. A sum of Rs. 1,50,000/- had been set apart for its construction by the University. It took a couple of years in completion of the building. The Chancellor – Governor Sir M. Hallet, inaugrated the new library building (the present library building) on April, 2nd 1941. Later on, the present library building was extended and the extended portion was inaugurated during the Golden Jubilee Function of the University on 9th March 1972, by the then President of India Sri V.V. Giri.

The Tagore Library recently underwent a significant renovation, which was unveiled on 11 October, 2024 by Vice-Chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai. Key features include a new life-size statue of Rabindranath Tagore, a revamped reading room with improved lighting, seating for up to 360 patrons, and an automated attendance system. The modernized space also includes a new issue and returns counter and enhanced ventilation in the reading room. A bust of Tagore, measuring 10 feet, six inches in height and approximately five feet in width created by renowned artist Asit Kumar Haldar, further enhances the library's cultural atmosphere.