Now, listen closely because here comes the fun part. The library proudly boasts that it's the first public library to be set up in all of India. That's right, folks, they were trendsetters way back in the early 1830s! The Portuguese Viceroy of Goa himself, Dom Manuel de Portugal e Castro, came all the way to Panaji to inaugurate this incredible institution on 15 September 1832.
Back then, it was known as the Publica Livraria of the Academia Militar de Goa. Quite a mouthful, huh? In 1836, it decided to give itself a cooler name and became the Bibliotheca Pública. Woohoo, now that's what I call a name upgrade!
Over the years, this library has had quite the transformation. It became the Bibliotheca Publica da Nova Goa in 1870 and even elevated its status to a National Library in February 1897. Talk about fancy!
But wait, there's more! In 1956, the library started receiving free copies of all publications from Portugal and her overseas colonies. It's the library's version of happy mail day! They were even kind enough to compile and publish an annual bibliography of Goa-published books. How thoughtful!
After Goa gained its independence from Portuguese rule in 1961, the library got a makeover and became the Central Library. It expanded its activities to include lending, reference, and special services for all the little bookworms out there.
Now, my friend, it's time to turn the page and head to our next stop. We're off to explore the beautiful and historic quarter of Fontainhas. Buckle up and get ready for some jaw-dropping architecture and vibrant streets!
But before we go, let me leave you with a library joke. Why don't librarians like vampires? Because they're always returning books with bite marks! Oh, those cheeky librarians.
All right, off we go now! To Fontainhas we shall venture!
