It is one of the foremost research oriented libraries of Andhra Pradesh. This library, founded by late V.V. Shreshti in 1918 and later on "
Pantulu Garu" (Adusumalli Srinivasa Rao) anchored the library, had the rare privilege and good fortune of its foundation stone being laid by The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, in 1929. In 1935, then president Babu Rajendra Prasad visited the library. The buildings were opened by Seth Jamnalal Bajaj and Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu. It has been the fountain of inspiration to the youth during the freedom struggle. The Saraswata Niketanam library was started with the following objectives: To promote and propagate Literature, Morality, Character, Patriotism, Humanity, Philanthropy, Devotion etc., in all possible ways by establishing and maintaining Stationary as well as Travelling Libraries equipped with all-sided books on Sanskrit; Telugu and English literatures (both ancient and modern); by organizing Reading Rooms furnished with newspapers and magazines; by starting and maintaining Free Schools for the poor; by reading out books and papers to the illiterate; by delivering open air lectures and magic lantern lectures; and by educating and enlightening the people at large in all the ways and means conducive to the country's cause. Since 1918 the Saraswata Niketanam Library has been a privately run non-profit organization. Initially named
Hindu Yuvajana Sangham, since it was backed by the youth in the freedom movement, it gained popularity very quickly and became a major meeting place during freedom struggle. The library enjoyed the patronage of persons like
Mahatma Gandhi,
Rajendra Prasad,
Chilakamarti Lakshmi Narasimham,
Kasinathuni Nageswara Rao,
Cattamanchi Ramalinga Reddy and Pathuri Nagabhushanam. It had the reputation of quenching the literary thirst of people from foreign origin as well. == Efforts ==