Karnataka’s first private library will turn 125

HUBBALLI: The Nagarkar Library, said to be the first private library in the state, is set to celebrate its 125th anniversary for three days from May 27-29.
Despite many challenges following technological developments and changes in reading habits, the Nagarkar Library is the only private library that has managed to stay open for bookworms in the city.
The library was established in 1897 by a group of young people from the Chitrapur Saraswat community. “Late philanthropist, Raghavendra Subbarao Nagarkar, who served in the revenue department during British rule in Savadatti, had a valuable collection of theosophical books and his relatives donated all those books to our library in 1897. In recognition of Raghavendra Nagarkar’s contribution, we named our library Nagarkar library,” Vikram Sirur, the chairman of the library, said.
“The library has over 3,000 books spanning medicine, literature, art and culture and Vedic books. Now, over 100 readers are registered as regular visitors for reading. Students preparing for competitive examinations are regulars,” Sirur said.
Secretary Nagaprasad Kundapur said: “The late Cooverji Daruwala and Narayan Rao Sirur donated land to build the library. Many people in the city have contributed. The Chitrapur Saraswat community donated many books to the library.”
For the 125th anniversary, Swara Sangama, a musical event will be organised on May 27, 28 and 29 at Sawai Gandharva Hall in Hubballi. Many famous musicians and Hindustani classical vocalists are performing on that day.