The Adyar Library and Research Centre (ALRC)

Adyar Library website 

https://adyarlibrary.org/

Introduction

The Adyar Library and Research Centre (ALRC) 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.

The Chinese Tripitakas, the Tibetan Kanjur and Tanjur, a collection of rare works in Latin and other western languages, and a complete set of important research journals are among the priceless possessions of the Library.  It also currently receives nearly 225 journals from several countries.

Several rare and previously unpublished works in the manuscript collection have been edited and brought out in print; a staff of pundits and scholars is continually engaged in this task.  The Library has had a series of distinguished scholars as its Director and was recognized as a Research Centre for a Ph.D. in Sanskrit and Indology by the University of Madras.

Working Hours and Holidays

The Library is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., with the exception of Sundays and recognized holidays.

Books will be issued only up to 4.30 p.m.

The Library is open only to Registered Readers.

It is not open to casual visitors or to children under 10 years of age.  

Individuals and parties wishing to visit the Library should obtain the Librarian’s permission. 

Manuscript Collection (click)

Transcripts(TR), Paper Manuscripts (PM), Palm Leaves Manuscripts (PL), ViswaBharati Manuscripts (VB)

Digitization of the books and manuscripts started in 2016 and is ongoing. Digitized manuscripts are meant only for use by research scholars who come to the Adyar Library in person, identify themselves and their purpose.

Adyar Library Publications

The Adyar Library publishes the Adyar Library Series, as well as its General and Pamphlet Series.
The Library also publishes a scholarly journal called Brahmavidya, which presents studies on religion, philosophy, culture, and various aspects of indology: this journal is widely circulated amongst scholars throughout the world. 

Brahmavidyā: The Adyar Library Bulletin is the prestigious Research Journal published by The Adyar Library and Research Centre (established 1886). The journal steps into its 91^st year with a new team of Publisher Mr. Shikhar Agnihotri (Theosophical Society), Printer Mr S. Baskar (Vasanta Press), and Editor Dr Radha Raghunathan (Director, The Adyar Library and Research Centre). ALRC extends a very hearty welcome to Mr. Agnihotri and Mr. Baskar, and heartfelt thanks to the previous Publisher Mr. S. Harihara Raghavan, Printer Mr. V. Gopalan, and Mr. Tim Boyd (International President, Theosophical Society) who was Editor with Dr Radha Raghunathan. ALRC remains assured of Mr. Boyd’s continued guidance in taking the journal to greater excellence.

Its other Publications include: Veda and Vedanta, Upanishads, Dharma Sastra, Artha Sastra, Astrology, Grammar, Mimamsa, Music, Lexicography, Poetics and Dramaturgy.

Services

• The Library extends its services to research institutions, universities and scholars in India and abroad, and supplies microfilm and photostat copies on request.
• Its manuscripts have been used in several important publications of other institutions of learning.  
• Old and rare books, art books, reference books, dictionaries, periodicals, maps, etc. will not be lent and shall be consulted only in the Library.
• Manuscripts and books of great value and rarity may be consulted only in the presence of the Librarian or one of his assistants.
• Manuscripts will not be lent and shall be consulted only in the Library. 
• Reader-cards are not transferable and must be produced when required by the Library staff for checking.

Note: A number of publications of the Adyar Library and Research Centre are available for purchase through the Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar, Bookshop