Romain Rolland Library Pondicherry




📚 Romain Rolland Library, Pondicherry
💰 Entry Fee: Free
📞 Phone: 0413 233 6203
⭐ Rating: 4.0 / 5 (Based on 46 reviews)
📍 Address: 8, Goubert Avenue, White Town, Puducherry – 605001, India
One of the oldest and most significant libraries in India, the Romain Rolland Library is a peaceful treasure trove for literature lovers. With a collection that spans over 335,000 books, including rare manuscripts and multilingual volumes, this serene library is perfect for readers, researchers, and tourists seeking quiet reflection.
Established in 1827 and originally named Bibliothèque Publique, this iconic building was renamed in 1966 after French Nobel laureate Romain Rolland, a dear friend of Mahatma Gandhi.
🧭 Location & Getting There
Romain Rolland Library is centrally located in White Town, close to Raj Nivas, Promenade Beach, and Bharathi Park. Surrounded by palm-lined streets, cafés, and heritage buildings, it’s easily reachable by foot, bicycle, or auto from most parts of the city.
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🌟 Highlights of Romain Rolland Library
✔ Collection of over 3.35 lakh books, including Tamil, French, Hindi & English literature
✔ Houses 8,000+ e-books and microfilmed rare works
✔ Dedicated Children’s Section with weekend access
✔ Elegant colonial architecture and peaceful reading spaces
✔ Ideal for students, scholars, and curious travelers
✔ One of the oldest public libraries in India

🚗 How to Reach
✔ By Bus: ~2.3 km from Pondicherry Bus Stand
✔ By Train: ~1.8 km from Pondicherry Railway Station
✔ By Air: ~6 km from Pondicherry Airport
✔ By Road: Easily accessible via NH32 / ECR from Chennai and other South Indian cities

💡 Travel Tips
✔ Visit during quieter hours in the morning for peaceful reading
✔ Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Bharathi Park, Raj Nivas, and Rock Beach
✔ Maintain silence and respect the space — it’s a working library
✔ Photography is limited — best to enjoy the experience rather than click
✔ Winter months (October to March) offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the area
📜 History
The Romain Rolland Library was founded in 1827 during the French colonial period. Over time, it grew into a premier literary hub in South India, preserving not just books but also cultural memory. It was renamed in 1966 to honour the centenary of Romain Rolland, a Nobel Prize-winning French writer and philosopher, and an ardent supporter of Indian freedom.
This library has supported generations of scholars, and even today, continues to inspire minds through its extensive collection.
📖 Trivia: Romain Rolland corresponded frequently with Mahatma Gandhi, and their deep friendship symbolized Franco-Indian solidarity in the early 20th century.
🕒Timings
Day | Morning | Evening |
---|---|---|
Monday | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Thursday | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Friday | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Sunday | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before visiting Romain Rolland Library Pondicherry
Can tourists visit or borrow books?
Visitors can explore and read, but borrowing privileges are typically limited to registered local members.
Is there an entry fee to the library?
No, entry is completely free.
Is it open on Sundays?
Yes, the library is open 7 days a week, with slightly limited timings.
Are children allowed inside?
Absolutely. The Children’s Section is especially popular and has weekend timings too.
Is the library accessible to researchers?
Yes. Many researchers and students use the space for academic work, especially due to its historic and multilingual collections.
Can I access Wi-Fi or e-books?
While public Wi-Fi may not be available, the library does house a digital collection of over 8,000 e-books.