The Delhi University central Library began in 1922 with a collection of mere 1380 gift books. During the first decade of its existence it functioned from shifting locales. In 1933 it managed to get a relatively stable space, viz. the ‘ Dance Hall’ of the Old Viceregal Lodge (the present office of the Vice-Chancellor). Sir Maurice Gwyer, Vice-Chancellor of the University from 1938 to 1950 was instrumental in the blossoming of the Library in its new locale. Under his care, it was transformed into “ a place as well of beauty as of learning ”. One of the early benefactors of the library was Shri G.D. Birla.
The Library moved to its present locale in the heart of the Campus on December 01, 1958. Prior to the appointment of a formal librarian, the entire collection was looked after by a “Library Committee” (amongst some of its office bearers were noted historians Professor I.H.Qureshi, Dr.T.G.P.Spear and Scientist Professor D.S. Kothari) and Honorary Librarians. Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, father of the Modern Library Science movement in India ( then Librarian of University of Madras) and Professor S. Das Gupta, the first Librarian (1942-66) were the moving spirits behind its constant upgradation in the University apparatus.