The basic principle of Maharashtra Public Libraries Act 1967 is that, the voluntary organizations should come forward to establish new Public Libraries for the purpose of grant-in-aid in the State.
Since, the implementation of the Act, the development of public libraries in the State has taken a momentum.
The Directorate of Libraries is established on 2nd May, 1968 under the provisions of this Act. The State Central Library which was temporarily runned by Asiatic Library since 1947 was separated from Asiatic Society on 1st July, 1994 and being runned fully by Directorate of libraries, 6 Divisional Libraries, 20 District Libraries, and one Reference Library is established in the State. New 10 District libraries will be established in 2009-10 Besides, 9624 Public Libraries for the purpose of grant-in-aid are recognised in the State. Of which 496 are belonging to Grampanchayats. Besides 162 sub centres of these libraries, so also 35 Research Institutions are recognized for the purpose of grant-in-aid in the State.
Total number of public libraries as on 30th June, 2009 is as under
| A | Government Libraries |
Nos. |
| 1 | State Central Library | 1 |
| 2 | Government Divisional Libraries | 6 |
| 3 | Government District Libraries | 20 |
| 4 |
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Reference and Research Library, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri |
1 |
| Total | 28 | |
| B |
Aided Public Libraries |
|
| 1 | District Libraries 'A' grade |
35 |
| 2 |
Taluka Libraries- A (110), B (128), and C (34) |
272 |
| 3 |
Other Libraries- A (112), B (1370), and C (2886) |
4368 |
| 4 |
Class D Libraries |
4664 |
| 5 |
Grampanchayat Libraries |
285 |
| Total | 9624 |
|
| C | Research Institutions |
35 |
Growth in Physical Targets:
Growth in Actual Expenditure 1967-2009:
Statement
showing the State Contribution towards Raja Rammohun Roy Library
Foundation, Kolkata For the year 1972-73 to 2007-2008
Budgetary Provision for the last three years:
Staff Formula for Grant-in-aid Public Libraries (Class-wise)