Invitation of Open Library Week at Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)

[Ankush Pimpalkar]

Dear All,

Greetings from BNHS Library!

We are pleased to inform you that the Library is organizing Open Library Week from 2^nd-6^th February 2026 with the objective of familiarizing students, researchers, and nature enthusiasts with the library’s rich collections, resources, services, digital databases, and reading facilities.

The BNHS Library is one of the oldest and largest libraries on natural history in India. It is a specialized library housing extensive information resources on Natural History, Wildlife, Ecology, Zoology, Botany, and Environmental Conservation. The library houses a priceless collection of rare books and lithographs from the 19th and 20th centuries. A select few titles from the reference section will be specially displayed, including:

1. Handbook of Birds of India 1-10 Volumes by Salim Ali
2. Fauna of British India
3. Flora Volumes
4. Handbook of the Mammals of the World (1 -9 Vol.) by Lynx
5. Handbook of birds of the world (1-16) volumes by Lynx
6. Memoirs of Maps of Hindoostan by James Rehnell, 1788

These resources will give students a rare opportunity to learn beyond textbooks, supporting academic enrichment and hands-on, project-based learning. Exposure to such rich research materials will inspire curiosity and enhance students’ research awareness and understanding.

BNHS Library also has a personal archival collection of Dr. Salim Ali, India’s pioneering ornithologist. This important archive comprises his films, reprints, field notes, bird notes, letters, press clippings, photographs, slides, and other invaluable materials that document the development of ornithology in India. Rare letters, personal diaries, glass slides, and photographs from his collection will be specially displayed during the week.  

We kindly request your support in encouraging students and researchers from your college to visit the library during Open Library Week.  

With Regards

Ankush Krishna Pimpalkar

Assistant Librarian

Bombay Natural History Society

Hornbill House, Dr. Salim Ali Chowk,

Opp. Lion gate, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road,

Mumbai - 400 001

Mob - 9702244073