National Library in Kolkata. With more than two million books, 86,000 maps, 3,200 manuscripts, and a background stretching back to the British Raj, the National Library of India comes in first place on this list. On a 30-acre estate, it originally opened to the public in January 1903.

They now have digitized copies, books in 18 Indian languages, six foreign language departments, official documents from India and abroad, newspapers, periodicals, and microforms in their collection. They have a sizable collection that includes rare pieces created before 1860.

Memberships for borrowing and research are distinct. A reader’s pass is required to enter the main reading room.