The library was established in 1829 during the reign of King Swathi Thirunal of Travancore. The work of starting and organising the library was entrusted to Edward Cadogan, a British resident and the grandson of British Museum founder Hans Sloane. Cadogan was the first president of the Thiruvananthapuram Public Library committee, which managed the affairs of the library. At that time, only a privileged class who were called to attend the Durbar of the king was allowed admission to the library. In 1898 it was opened to the public and became known as "Thiruvananthapuram People’s Library".[1]
1938 - The administration of the Thiruvananthapuram Public Library was handed over to University of Travancore (now University of Kerala).[2]
1948 - The state government was directed to take over the administration of the library from the university by a resolution of the state legislature.[2]
1958 - The library was declared as the ‘State Central Library’ of Kerala.[2]
1988 - The library was given the status of a minor department under the administrative control of Higher Education Department of Government of Kerala.[2]
2005 - A New Heritage Model building was constructed within the campus for children's library.[3]
2007- Online reservation and RF ID facility was introduced.[3]
2016- First transgender membership card issued to Sheethal Shyam, a transgender activist.[4]
Sections
Technical Department
Malayalam Library
English Library
Circulation Section (Books & Periodicals)
Hindi / Sanskrit Section
Reference Section
Children's Library
Binding Section
Reprographic Section
Closed Reference Section
Members Reading Room (For A & B Members only)
General Reading Room (For C & D Members & Non-Members)
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