Famous Libraries in Chennai
Libraries are more than just rooms full of books. They’re powerhouses of knowledge that fuel education and community growth. Public libraries, especially, are symbols of learning, offering resources and services to everyone. In the lively city of Chennai, these libraries play a key role in promoting a culture of reading and lifelong learning. They provide a welcoming space for people to explore different viewpoints, broaden their understanding, and connect with their community. These libraries cater to a variety of needs, from students seeking academic resources to curious minds looking for intellectual enrichment. Let’s now delve into some of the finest libraries that Chennai has to offer.
Anna Centenary Library
Anna Centenary Library is the largest library in India. This library, which was made accessible to the public in 2010, stands as a colossal memorial to the volumes of wisdom. One of the few libraries in Chennai with an ultra-modern aesthetic is this one. Strongly tinted glass covers the surface of the walls in the architecture, spreading natural light during the day. Additionally, those glass walls act as excellent tunnels for readers to use when pausing between readings to stimulate their minds.
Location : Kotturpuram
Address : Gandhi Mandapam Road, Surya Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600085
Phone Number : 044 22201011
Email Id : clbrnaclchn.dopl@tn.gov.in
Website : www.annacentenarylibrary.org
Timing : 8 AM to 8 PM
Landscape Area : 8 Acres
Connemara Public Library
The Connemara Public Library, one of the nation's oldest libraries, towers over the relatively recent Egmore Museum. More than 9 lakh books, newspapers, magazines, and periodicals are stored there. The Connemara Public Library, which bears the name of the former governor of Madras, Lord Connemara, is one of India's four depository libraries and is the largest public library in South India in terms of the amount of books. Every book, newspaper, and periodical that is published in the nation is sent to it.
Location : Egmore
Address : Museum Compound, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008
Phone Number : 044 28193751
Email Id : lbrncplchn.dopl@tn.gov.in
Website : www.connemarapubliclibrary.org
Timing : 8 AM to 8 PM
Landscape Area : 43 Acres
Madras Literary Society
One of Chennai's first libraries was established by the Madras Literary Society. The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland and this library have close ties. The Madras Literary Society is home to a priceless collection of antiquarian books and old first editions from the 16th century. Another valuable gift that the British, who controlled India until 1947, gave to Chennai is this library. Subhash Chandra Bose's letters to Annie Besant from Austria, as well as other historical artefacts, are all preserved at this library.
Location : Thousand Lights
Address : 45, 16, College Rd, DPI Campus, Thousand Lights West, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006
Phone Number : 044 28279666
Email Id : madrasliterarysociety@gmail.com
Timing : 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Landscape Area : 8 acres
The Adyar Library and Research Centre (ALRC)
What if, while you stroll through the forest, you come across a library that is encircled by trees? Is it possible for a book lover to detest such a sight? In the equation, the Adyar Library and Research Centre perfectly fits. Within the 260-acre garden of the Adyar Theosophical Society, which is located in the heavily populated Adyar, is the library. The Society is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the illustrious "Adyar Aalamaram" Banyan tree, which has been around for 450 years. We are only a few steps away from the woods when we leave the library, which causes our minds to wander.
Location : Adyar
Address : Theosophical Society, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020
Phone Number : 044 24913528
Timing : 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Roja Muthaiah Research Library
The Roja Muthaiah Research Library is home to one of the best private book collections in the world, which includes many old South Indian texts. The library was established in 1994 and made accessible to researchers in 1996. Its archive includes more than 4,00,000 pieces. The extensive collection at RMRL spans more than 200 years and is a clear expression of Tamil print tradition and culture. The earliest item is a book called "Kantarantati," which was published in 1804. Language and literature, traditional medicine, religion, folklore, popular culture, metaphysics, Gandhian studies, women's studies, and modern history are among the range of topics covered. Additionally, it contains items like oleographs, playbills, wedding invites, and personal letters.
Location : Tharamani
Address : 3rd Cross Road, Rajiv Gandhi IT Expy, CPT Campus, Tharamani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600113
Phone Number : 044 22542551
Email Id : rmrl@rmrl.in
Website : www.rmrl.in
Timing : 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
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