Bharati Bhavan Library, located in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), is one of India's oldest public libraries. It was established in 1889 through the joint efforts of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and Balkrishna Bhatt. A pivotal role in its foundation was played by the noted philanthropist and bibliophile Brij Mohan Lal Bhalla, who donated his valuable personal collection of Hindi books, provided accommodation for the library, and bore its initial expenses. He also created a trust to finance the construction of a permanent library building. Following his demise, Lala Ram Charan Das completed the project, and the new building was formally inaugurated on 12 May 1913 under the presidency of Dr. Sir Sundar Lal.

From its inception, Bharati Bhavan Library has been dedicated to preserving the literary heritage of Hindi, Urdu, and Sanskrit, ensuring public access to books, and promoting the culture of reading. Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya remained one of the institution's most active patrons, while Jai Govind Malaviya donated his priceless collection of rare Sanskrit manuscripts. Together with Brij Mohan Lal Bhalla's Hindi collection, these manuscripts formed the foundation of the library's distinguished holdings.

For more than a century, Bharati Bhavan Library has played a significant role in preserving and promoting Hindi, Urdu, and Sanskrit literature. A selected portion of its valuable collection is now available through the Rekhta Digital Library, enabling readers and researchers around the world to access and benefit from this rich literary heritage.