In 1949, during the library's anniversary celebration under the chairmanship of Dr.Anugrah Narayan Singh, the concept of transforming it into a public institution emerged. This idea materialized in 1956 through a registered deed, establishing an executive committee to oversee the library's affairs. Dhrupad Narayan Singh, Raghuraj Narayan Singh's son, assumed the role of Secretary, steering the library towards progress and resilience against challenges. The library faced a major setback in 1973 when international smugglers pilfered four valuable painted manuscripts. After the tireless efforts of Dhrupad Narayan Singh, Secretary and on the persistent demand of late MadanDhari Singh Ji, CBI took the matter on his hands. After a long gap, three manuscripts were received by CBI but Motalehind could not be recovered. In 1988, the library celebrated its Diamond Jubilee,highlighting its cultural significance and resilience, in which the then Human Resource Development Minister, Government of India, Mr. L.K.P. Shah ji had an auspicious arrival.

In a momentous occasion, the library-cum-museum celebrated its centenary on December 19, 2012. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of the honourable Chief Minister of Bihar, Mr.Nitish Kumar, who acknowledged the institution's rich legacy. On this significant day, the foundation stone for the upper floor of the building was laid, symbolizing a new chapter in the library's history. The inauguration of the upper floor took place on February 5, 2017, once again under the gracious auspices of the Chief Minister, marking a milestone in the continuous growth and development of this cultural hub

The library-cum-museum hosts an impressive collection, including a thousand illustrated manuscripts, rare Mughal paintings, ancient idols from the Pal period, and over 10,000 printed books. Among these treasures, the Mahabharata manuscript, inscribed on palm leaves, stands out as a testament to the library's unique heritage. The Shahnama (illustrated) is also a major heritage. Firdausi’s Shahnama is considered a wonderful work in Persian literature. Shahnama is a poetic depiction of the history and culture of Persia (Iran). This illustrated manuscript of sixty thousand verses contains interesting stories of emperors and warriors like RustamSohrab, Jamshed, Kakaus, Khusrau, Apsara-Siab.

Sikandarnama (illustrated) is also an important heritage of the library cum museum. In this there is an illustrated description of the birth, adventures and conquests of the great Alexander. The writing of the Sikandarnama is ornate and full of exquisite pictures. A golden border is made around it. The brightness of its pictures still dazzles the eyes.It is unique in terms of Gold enamel, priceless book engraving and painting on pages with vermilion pink, saffron and red, blue and green colors.

The painting of Basavan(Sadhu), a famous painter in Akbar’s court, is a very important collection here. In this the picture is made with black lines on the paper. How important Basavan has been can be gauged from the fact that his works are kept in Bodalian Library, Oxford, Metropolitan Museum, New York, Indian Museum, Kolkata: India Office Library, London, etc. Vasalis (excellent specimens of calligraphy) is also an important heritage of this museum. Among them, works of excellent calligraphy such as Muhammad Hussain, ZarinRakam, MirHussain al-Husseini, Shah MehsudNishapur, Haji Ibrahim Shirazi Abdul Rahim Haravi and Muhammad Momin of the eleventh century are important.

Also Gunch-e-Rag, Surya Siddhanta, SinhasanaBattisi, MahatripuraSundariPatlam, GargaSanhita, NarasimhaPurana, JyotiSiddhanta, BhrigaSanhita, BrihatSanhita, BihariSatsai, Lakshmi Kavach, SanhitaYogKapinka, RamdevSanhita, Shukla Ayurveda etc. very famous collections are rare even today, stored in a heritage Institution. Additionally, the library-cum-museum houses a remarkable collection of archaeological remains, including stone idols, ancient coins, pottery, bronze idols, clay idols, and inscriptions.Crafted from sandstone and basalt rock, these stone idols, predominantly black stones, hail from the Pala period (8th to 12th century AD). The idols of Surya, Vishnu, Uma-Maheshwar, and Ganesh grace this collection.One remarkable exhibit is the statue of Surya, adorning a chariot named Saptashiva. Surya, depicted with two arms, holds fully blossomed lotus flowers in hands, embodying grace and purity. His regal attire includes a crown, coil, necklace, sacrificial fire, armor, waistband, and dhoti. A symbol of triumph over darkness, Surya is flanked by Usha and Pratyusha, armed with bows and arrows. The subtle nuances, such as the presence of Mahashweta marks and the depiction of Surya wearing shoes, add unique character to this divine representation.

Another exquisite piece is the statue of Vishnu, standing gracefully on Kamalasana, adorned with a Vanmala. Vishnu's four arms hold the conch, chakra, mace, and lotus, symbolizing his cosmic presence. At his feet, markings of Chakra-Purush and Gada Devi signify balance and harmony in the universe. The attention to detail in this statue captivates visitors, reflecting the artistry of ancient times. In addition to these sculptures, the museum boasts a diverse coin collection spanning from ancient to modern eras. The oldest coin of India, known as the 'Ahat' coin, exemplifies the punchmark technique prevalent since the 6th century BC. Medieval coins, including Gupta period gold coins, enrich the museum's exhibits, drawing the fascination of historians and antiquarians alike.

Beyond coins, the museum houses a rare assortment of medieval manuscripts, further enriching its historical tapestry. Additionally, ancient pottery, a rarity in Bihar's museums, adds another layer of intrigue to the museum's offerings. Looking ahead, the library-cum-museum aims to promote heritage awareness campaigns and transform into a heritage information centre for the entire Magadha region. Collaborations with esteemed institutions such as the Heritage Society, National Museum, and Indian Museum facilitate the bridging of historical research and public knowledge. Visitors to the library-cum-museum embark on a captivating journey through time, immersing themselves in India's vibrant past and the dedication of individuals who safeguarded this invaluable cultural heritage for present and future generations.