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    • Any misuse of the library or unacceptable behaviour, the borrowing facility will be withdrawn or restricted.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.
25195 Savyasaachi Tryst with nature: Labour, Self and Language 2023 Orient blackswan xx, 203p. 333.7
25196 Dutta, Amarendra Nath Moor dristit Prakriti 2022 Mrigakshi Dutta Bharali 418p. 574.5
25197 Sidhu, Harnihal Singh Burning bright 2021 Natraj publishers 304p. 823
25198 Nalavade, Parag Afriketil vanya jivanacha tharar 2024 Majestic publication house 173p. 823
25199 Acharya, Harinarayan Girdharlal Vana Vagadanan vasi 1979 Gujarat vidya sabha 362p. 598.2
25200 Shubhalaxmi, V. Field guide to Indian moths 2024 Birdwing publishers 460p. 595.781(54)
25201 Miller, Brinda Spirit of Kala Ghoda 2025 Kala Ghoda association 129p. 823
25202 Mukhopadhyay, Subrata Treasures of Nanyuki 2022 Subrata Mukhopadhyay 240p. 823
25203 Mahajan, Maya Weed to wonder: Crafting with lantana a path towards sustainable future 2025 EIACP 64p. 634.98
25204 Andhare, Nandu Jungle bungle 2024 Nandu Andhare 100p. 823
25205 Praveen, J. Birds of India: The new synopsis 2025 Nature conservation foundation 468p. 598.2(25)
25206 Singh, Sumer Doon: The story of a school 1985 Indian public school society 111p. 823
25207 Lai, Fanny; Olesen, Bjorn Asia's greatest wildlife sanctuaries 2023 Tuttle publishing 317p. 719.32
25208 Rowland, Peter Birds of Australia 1998 New Haland publishers 96p. 598.2(94)
25209 Harrision, Hal H. Field guide to Western birds nests 1979 Houghton mifflin company xxx, 279p. 598.2
25210 Das, Indraneil Photographic Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of India 2002 New Holand publishers 144p. 598.12(54)
25211 Dharmakumarsinhji, R.S. Sixty Indian birds 1972 Publication division GOI 99p. 598.2(54)
25212 Schaller, George B. Stones of silence: Journey in the Himalaya 1980 Vikas publishing house 292p. 910.4(54)
25213 Quammen, David Natural acts: A sidelong view of science and nature 1985 Laurel trade paperback xv, 221p. 823
25214 Ministry of environment and forest GOI Action plan for vulture conservation in India 2025 Ministry of environment and forest GOI 96p. 598.9(54)
25215 Ministry of environment and forest GOI Action plan for vulture conservation in India 2025 Ministry of environment and forest GOI 96p. 598.9(54)
25216 Seike, Kiyoshi Japanese touch for your garden 1986 Kodansha International Ltd. 80p. 582.136
25217 Agrawal, Sushilkumar Global collectibles of Mahatma Gandhi through banknotes, coins & stamps 1922 Sushilkumar Agrawal 188p. 737.4
25218 Simon International book of the forest 1981 Mitchell Beazley publishers ltd. 224p. 634.9
25219 Sekhasaria, Pankaj Kachuon ka intajar 2021 Karadi tales co. pvt. Ltd. 35p. 823
25220 Mane, Vijay Best of Indian wildlife - Sunmay publication 192p. 799(54)
25221 Arvin, John C. Hummingbirds 2016 Gorgas science foundation 216p. 598.899
25222 Bharucha, Erach Wonders of the indian wilderness 2008 Abbeville press publisher 854p. 799(54)