Library

The BNHS library is one of the oldest and largest libraries in India dedicated to natural history. It is a source of information on various subjects such as wildlife, ecology, zoology, botany and environment conservation. It has a priceless collection of antique books and rare lithographs from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, many not available elsewhere. The library houses valuable photo-negatives and transparencies, particularly those of E.P. Gee, Loke Wan Tho, R.S.P. Bates, M. Krishna and Dr. Sálim Ali, and those generated through various scientific projects of the BNHS.

Library Collection

  • A unique assemblage of books, periodicals, journals, scientific reports and theses from all over the world related to wildlife and environment.
  • More than 24,000 books
  • Nearly 5000 bound volumes of scientific journals,1700 reports and 160 theses.
  • A collection of 2000 rare books dating back to the early 19th century, ranging from the popular to the technical.
  • Photographs, lithographs and transparencies

Library Hours : Monday to Friday: 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Library Services

Apart from catering to the Society’s members, the BNHS library acts as an important information centre to institutions and individuals throughout the country and abroad. Many researchers avail its facilities for in-depth studies:

1. Circulation Service (Library Rules):

    • For a deposit of Rs. 750/-, two books are issued to all eligible members
    • Theses, dissertations, reports, journals, CDs and video cassettes are for reference only
    • Readers should check if a book is intact before borrowing it.
    • No book will be accepted in a damaged condition. The borrower will be asked to replace it.
    • Books will be issued for 30 days and can be renewed once. After the period, late fee of one rupee/day will be levied on the borrowed book
    • To know about replacing a lost book, kindly contact the library.
    • A book is re-issued only if there are no claims.
    • Any misuse of the library or unacceptable behaviour, the borrowing facility will be withdrawn or restricted.
    • Non-members have to pay visitor’s fees of Rs. 50/day/head
    • Members should bring along their membership cards.

2. Photocopy Service:

    • The Library offers photocopying service to all its members and visitors
    • Only single copy of journal articles and 20 pages of the book or one chapter whichever is maximum are provided for private study and research purpose. No cover to cover photocopy is provided.
    • Photocopy charges would be Rs. 2/print

3. Reference Service:

    • Readers may approach the library or write to library”bnhs.org for information or any assistance in using the Library resources.

4. Document Delivery Service

    • The Library also provides photocopies to institutes/individuals by post on payment

5. Awareness Programme

    • The librarian helps new members to familiarize with the library resources and services through a tour of the library. Users can seek assistance in utilizing a particular resource.

6. Books issue by Registered post/courier

BNHS Library is announcing the issue of books by registered post/ courier within India.

Library Deposit: ₹3000/- (Refundable)

One way Delivery Charges: ₹ 4000/- year (Max. 20 books will be issued, two books at a time)

    • Members/Users can request two books at a time, from the books collection. BNHS library catalogue is available at http://libopacbnhs.informaticsglobal.com/
    • Books will be issued for a period of one month. Once it can be renewed if there is no demand, books will be renewed for one more month.
    • Reference books, out of print books, theses, reports, journals and non-book materials will not be issued.
    • Members are requested to return the books via any local courier service/ Speed post /registered post (Please note that the members will be required to bear the return charges for courier.)
    • Loss of book by the borrower should be reported to the Librarian immediately; the borrower shall either replace the same copy of the book or its latest edition within 15 days or pay the double of current cost of the book’s latest edition.
    • The library reserves the right to refuse the issue of any item from its collection.
    • To avail this facility, members are informed to apply for the same by email: library@bnhs.org .Do include your BNHS membership details;
    • After verification of the membership, payment details will be sent by the BNHS library. Once the payment is received, this facility can be availed.
    • For borrowing facility, send bibliographic details of the book you are requesting.
    • You will receive a follow-up telephone call/email from the Library to inform you the status of your request and to find out whether we should proceed with delivery arrangements. You will also be given the tracking number of your parcel.
    • Members have to return the books on time.
    • Members are bound by the library rules and conditions as stated on the website

Contact us for any assistance you may need in the library, on ibrary@bnhs.org

Library Policy

Policy for Offering Gifts or Donations of Books to the BNHS Library

This policy covers the donation of books and other relevant literature to the Library.
BNHS sincerely appreciates the generosity of donors. Donors have played an important role in development of the Library by offering books/literature, may be old or latest, but of significance according to the Vision and Mission of the organization.

In order to streamline the gifts/donation process the following may kindly be noted -

  • The offer may be sent to library@bnhs.org and director@bnhs.org along with the list of books/literature.
  • The Librarian will review the list to determine the Library needs. BNHS accepts literature only on wildlife, forest, climate change etc. The books other than this could be given to other organisations for their benefits.
  • The BNHS will provide receipt for the donations.
  • Books accepted by us will be recorded in the accession register as soon as possible. Books may not necessarily be kept in a separate display due to space and other constraints, but will be integrated into the main library/archives.
  • Material accepted by the BNHS library becomes the property of the library The BNHS library reserves the right to: retain / sell / recycle or dispose of books that have been accepted
  • Donors will not receive any goods or service in exchange.

Director
Bombay Natural History Society

Conservation of Rare books

BNHS Library has a collection of rare books on Natural History. Many of these books are still in demand. These valuable resources are indispensable to the present and future generations. However, these rich rare books face a threat of survival due to threats from, several climatic, physical, chemical and biological factors. There is an old saying that "Prevention is better than Cure". The same is applicable for the science of preservation. There are two aspects of preservation; Preventive Conservation and Curative Conservation.

National archives of India, Ministry of culture is supporting BNHS in the Conservation of rare books since 2010. So far 81 books were restored, and in the year 2018-19 another 45 books are being restored.

Preventive conservation of rare books in the BNHS Library:

In BNHS Library, proper care of rare books has been taken right from the beginning as a part of preventive preservation by strictly observing the following steps.

    • Round the clock Air conditioning: The library reference section area admeasuring about 500 sq. feet has been under controlled climatic conditions for last 5 years with the help of three air conditioners that run on a rotational basis for 24 hours.
    • Pest Management Program: There is an annual contract for pest control for general infestation, rodents and termites.
    • Cleaning of library shelves is done on a regular basis using Vacuum cleaner.
    • Smoke detectors have been installed to prevent any damage to library.
    • 5. The collection is frequently monitored for its condition on a continuous basis.

Curative Conservation of rare books in the BNHS Library:

The curative conservation work of rare books is being done by the paper conservation team of “Himalayan Society for Heritage and Art Conservation” under the guidance of Mr Anupam Sah, a well known conservationist. All material and chemicals used by the team were of archival quality and of conservation standard. Temporarily a conservation lab is set up on 2nd floor of Hornbill house.

Process of conservation of books

List of New arrival books

Acc. No. Author Title Year Publisher Pages Classif. No.
25441 Lawrence, R.D. White Puma 1990 Henry Holt and company xiv, 329p. 823
25442 Ripley, S. Dillon Naturalist's adventure in Nepal: Search for the spiny babbler 1978 Ratna pustak Bhandar xiii, 297p. 598.29(5496)
25443 Govekar, Ravikiran Concise field guide to the plants of Vidarbha 2015 Research wing, forest department, Government of Maharashtra xxii, 330p. 582.16(54792_)
25444 Kapadia, Harish Passage to Himalaya 2001 Oxford university press xix, 351p. 915.4
25445 Dalvi, Shashank Search for India's rarest birds 2024 Juggernaut vi, 266p. 598.2(54)
25446 Wilson, Horace Hayman History of british India: From 1805 to 1835 1848 James Madden xv, 608p. 954
25447 Sullivan, Edward Conquerors, warriors and statesman of India 1866 John murray xi, 432p. 954
25448 Barth, A. Religions of India 1882 Trubner and company xxiv, 369p. 294(54)
25449 Welsh, James Military reminiscences 1830 Smith, Elder and company viii, 347p. 954
25450 Deane, A. Tour through the upper procinces 1823 C and J. Rivington xii, 291p. 915.4
25451 Trevelyan, G.O. Competition wallah 1864 Macmillan and co. xii, 452p. 954
25452 Framjee, Dosabhoy Parsees: Their history, Manners, customs and religion 1858 Smith, Elder and company xv, 286p. 295
25453 Anon Picture of India: Geographical, Historical and descriptive 1830 Whittakar treacher vi, 415p. 915
25454 Anon Picture of India: Geographical, Historical and descriptive 1830 Whittakar treacher vi, 415p. 915
25455 Das, Devendra N. Sketches of Hindoo life 1887 Chapman and Hall viii, 271p. 915.4
25456 Skinner Adventure during journey overland to India by way of Egypt, syria and the holy land 1837 Richard Bentley xi, 291p. 915.4
25457 Skinner Adventure during journey overland to India by way of Egypt, syria and the holy land 1836 Richard Bentley xi, 291p. 915.4
25458 Buttler, John Travels and adventures in the province of Assam during a residence of fourteen years 1855 Smith, Elder and company x, 268p. 915.4
25459 Chunder, Bholanauth Travels of a Hindoo to various parts of Bengal and upper India 1869 N. Trubner and company viii, 409p. 915.4
25460 Bacon Orientalist: Containing a series of tales, legends and Historical ramances 1842 Thomas Arnold 250p. 823
25461 Heber, Reginald Narrative of journey through the upper procinces of India, from calcutta to Bombay 1828 John murray lxviii, 450p. 915.4
25462 Trotter, Lionel J. History of India: Under queen Victoria from 1836 to 1880 1886 W.H. Allen and company 505p. 954
25463 Anon Fifteen years in India, or sketches of a soldiers life 1822 Longman, Hurst x, 540p. 954
25464 Wilson, Horace Hayman Travels in the himalayan Provinces of Hindustan and the Punjab Ladakh and Kashmir 1841 John murray lvi, 459p. 915.4
25465 Wilson, Horace Hayman Travels in the himalayan Provinces of Hindustan and the Punjab Ladakh and Kashmir 1841 John murray viii, 508p. 915.4
25466 Heber, Reginald Narrative of journey through the upper procinces of India, from calcutta to Bombay 1828 John murray v, 527p. 915.4
25467 Graham, Maria Letters on India 1814 Longman, Hurst viii, 382p. 826
25468 Anon Leaves from the journal of subaltern during the campaign in the Punjab 1849 William blackwood and sons ii, 227p. 954
25469 Hodges, R.A. William Travels in India during years 1780,1781,1782,1783 1793 William Hodges vi, 156p. 915.4
25470 Martin, R. Montgomery Indian empire: History, Topography, Geology, climate, population London Printing publishing company Ltd. 582p. 954
25471 Martin, R. Montgomery Indian empire: History, Topography, Geology, climate, population London Printing publishing company Ltd. 192p. 954
25472 Wood, John Journey to the source of the river oxus 1872 John murray xx, 280p. 915.4
25473 Caine, W.S. Picturesque India: Handbook for European travellers 1890 George routledge xliv, 612p. 915.4
25474 Forbes, James Oriental memoirs: Narrative of seventeen years residence in India 1834 Richard Bentley xix, 550p. 920
25475 Pollok Incidents of foreign sport and travel 1894 Chapman and Hall vi, 421p. 799
25476 Campbell, Reginald Death in tiger valley Kemsley newspaper ltd. 192p. 823
25477 Dutta, Arup Kumar Lachin Barfukan: Assamcha Dhadasi yoddha 2023 Pramod Kalita 200p. 823
25478 Dutta, Arup Kumar Lachin Barfukan: Assamcha Dhadasi yoddha 2023 Pramod Kalita 200p. 823
25479 Suthar, Chotubhai Aapana pakshiyo 1977 Sardar Patel University 105p. 598.2
25480 Bhushan, Bharat Urban forestry master plan 2000-2005 2000 Pimpri Chinchwad muncipal corporation 276p. 634.9(54792)
25481 Peterson, Dale Deluge and the ark: Journey into private world 1989 Ayan books xviii, 378p. 599.8
25482 Tomkies, Mike My wilderness wildcats 1978 Doubleday and company Inc. 227p. 599.74428
25483 Lam, Wai Fung Governing irrigation systems in Nepal: Institutions, infrastruture, and collective action 1998 C.S. Press xix, 275p. 333.91
25484 Gunn, James E. Man and the future 1968 University press kansas x, 305p. 303.49
25485 Morse, Bradford Sardar Sarovar: Report of the independent 1992 Resource futures international xxv, 363p. 574.52(5475)
25486 Eisenberg, John Asian elephants 1990 Friends of the national zoo 252p. 599.61
25487 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Van vyavsthapan — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 71p. 634.92
25488 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Jaivavividhata sanvardhan — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 43p. 574.5
25489 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Van Upayogita — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 112p. 634.9
25490 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Van Abhiyantriki — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 124p. 634.9
25491 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Mrud Shastra — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 59p. 631.4
25492 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Prathamopachar — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 21p. 616.025
25493 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Van Sanvardhan shastra (Part 1) — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 104p. 634.9
25494 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Van Sanvardhan shastra (Part 2) — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 217p. 634.9
25495 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Punrutpadan paddhati: Van Sanvardhan shastra (Part 3) — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 134p. 634.9
25496 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Gavtal Pradeshanche Vyavsthapan — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 102p. 577.4
25497 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Van sarvekshan — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 137p. 634.9
25498 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Mrud ani jalsandharan — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 115p. 631.45
25499 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Van ani vanyajiv vishayak kayade — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 276p. 639.902
25500 Reddy, M. Shrinivas vanspati shastra — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 111p. 580
25501 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Van sanrakshan — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 154p. 369.9
25502 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Sanyakta van vyavsthapan — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 355p. 364.92
25503 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Vanyajiv vyavsthapan — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 302p. 639.9
25504 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Mahiti tantradnyan va sanganak shastra — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 183p. 4
25505 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Vanmiti — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 71p. 634.92
25506 Reddy, M. Shrinivas Lekha va karyalayin kamkaj paddati — Van Vibhag, Maharashtra Shasan 73p. 657
25507 Chandrasekaran, S. Vulture land apologues 2024 Emerald publishers 130p. 598.9
25508 Bhushan, Bharat Black tiger of Konamitta 2025 Vishwakarma publications xi, 519p. 823
25509 Alphonso, Sylvester Bird World 2024 Clever fox publishing 169p. 598.2
25510 Aiyadurai, Ambika and Mamata Pandya Why are the Akru's Horns curved? Tale from Dibang valley 2021 Eklavya foundation 20p. 823