History of Barton Library
The history of the establishment of the Barton Library is associated with the Chhagan Prasad Desai Library. It was the first initiation towards the establishment of an institute in the Kathiawad region.
To satisfy the hunger of reading of Bhavnagar, late diwan Gaurishankar Oza established “Shri Chhaganbhai Desai Library” in C.E. 1860. This library was a small drop to later create the ripples of “Barton Library”.
- How old exactly is Barton Library?
The answer is 150 years. 30th december, 1882 is said to be its date of establishment. On 30th december, 1882 it was inaugurated by King Takhtsinhji Gohil and he named the library after english political agent Colonel L. C. Barton. This organisation is closely linked with Chhagan Prasad library and has a special designation in the map of Gujarat’s great culture. Academicians, researchers and intellectuals think of this organization as the treasure of information.
Thousands of Gujarati books on various subjects are an integral part of the library. History of the state is incomplete without Barton Library and book lovers in Gujarat eagerly want this library to emerge as the best of the country. The huge building of now Majiraj Kanyashala near corporation in Navapara, was initially the Barton Library in C.E. 1882. Mahatma Gandhi was among its regular readers.
Barton to re-establish as a reputed organisation is a dream yet too far. This organization is in dire need of your contribution. Lack of funds to enrich this organization is really worrisome. Any financial help towards this organization is tax free under 80G. Library also has permission to receive international funds under FR ACT 1976