To establish ourselves as a leading public library network, delivering exceptional knowledge and information services that contribute to the development of a more informed, educated, and knowledge-driven society.
To promote access to information and learning, fostering intellectual growth and cultural enrichment for all individuals in the community. Through our library services, we aim to support lifelong learning, encourage reading, and bridge knowledge gaps, while also offering a welcoming space for collaboration and innovation. By enhancing educational opportunities, we seek to empower individuals and contribute to the overall well-being and progress of the nation.
In 1841, the library was established exclusively for a group of English-educated local and foreign readers under the name Central Municipal Library. On October 1, 1920, it was handed over to the Kandy Municipal Council and opened to the public, becoming the first public library on the island.
The D.S. Senanayake Memorial Public Library, established in 1920, is the oldest public library in Sri Lanka. Originally founded in 1841 as the Central Municipal Library for a select group of English-educated local and foreign readers, it was handed over to the Kandy Municipal Council on October 1, 1920, and opened to the public as the first public library on the island. Situated in the heart of Kandy, blessed by the proximity of the Temple of the Tooth Relic and other religious landmarks, the library has long been a cornerstone of service to the local community and the surrounding areas. As a model library hub for the Central Province, it leads and guides other public libraries in the region, ensuring they provide quality services to their communities.
The library boasts nearly 200,000 books in all three languages, including invaluable reference materials, manuscripts, rare books, and research resources. It also provides access to daily newspapers in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, along with a range of economic and social magazines and journals. The D.S. Senanayake Memorial Public Library operates nine main sections offering diverse services, such as circulation, reference, main reading, cataloguing, and binding, as well as mobile services. Notably, it features a Braille Library, which serves as the only Braille library in the Central Province, offering essential services for individuals with visual impairments.
In addition to its main services, the library manages six branch libraries throughout the city, reaching marginalized and rural communities. The E.L. Senanayake Children’s Library, located under the main library, serves children under the age of 14, with nearly 3,000 active members involved in reading, as well as extracurricular clubs for music, dance, art, and reading. Beyond reader services, the library organizes a range of extension programs and projects to engage members and the wider community, including environmental initiatives, literature competitions, and community service activities.
The library has embraced modern technology, providing a fully automated library system with digital access to its collection, making library services more efficient and user-friendly. The staff, comprising about 60 dedicated professionals, is committed to meeting the needs of library users. We warmly invite you to explore the wealth of information available in various formats through our user-friendly system and make the most of the resources at the D.S. Senanayake Memorial Public Library.
Thank You and Welcome
H.M.T.Herath
Chief Librarian
Access reference materials for in-library use including encyclopedias and journals.
Read MoreQuiet space to read newspapers, magazines, and books in a peaceful setting.
Read MoreBooks are classified and catalogued according to accepted library standards.
Read MoreDamaged books are repaired and bound to preserve the collection efficiently.
Read MoreMobile services deliver books and materials to rural and remote communities.
Read MoreSpecial section offering reading material and services for the visually impaired.
Read MoreThe Indian Section was established in 2013 through a memorandum of understanding between the Kandy Municipal Council and the Assistant High Commissioner of India. The collection in this section includes books on Indian history, literature, culture, political and economic status in India.
On a memorandum of understanding between the Kandy Municipal Council and the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, the American Corner Kandy was established in year 2005. This section provide information and programming under 6 core pillars. They are
With aligning these pillars American corner Kandy mainly conduct English language programs, STEAM programs, youth leadership training and Women Entrepreneurship programs. The section also provide information and library services whilst providing access to the latest technology with the intention of creating awareness and exposure to current education and technological trends. All these courses, services and resources are free and open to the public, with special consideration to youth and under-served communities.