Anna Centenary Library

Anna Centenary Library Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Chennai Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Anna Centenary Library (ACL), located in Kotturpuram, Chennai, is one of Asia’s largest and most modern public libraries. Since its inauguration in 2010, it has served as a beacon of knowledge, sustainability, and cultural enrichment. Dedicated to Dr. C. N. Annadurai, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the library is a vibrant institution that blends architectural innovation with a deep commitment to inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and community engagement. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on visiting hours, entry policies, amenities, events, and travel tips to help you make the most of your visit to this iconic Chennai landmark. (Bharat Directory, The Hindu, Triphobo)

Anna Centenary Library building at Kotturpuram

Exterior view of Anna Centenary Library in Kotturpuram Chennai

Chief Librarian Naresh introducing U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at Anna Centenary Library in Chennai

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivering remarks at Anna Centenary Library in Chennai, India on July 20, 2011

Historical Background and Significance
Visitor Information
Events and Activities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Travel Tips
Sources

Historical Background and Significance

Origins and Establishment

The Anna Centenary Library was conceptualized to honor Dr. C. N. Annadurai’s enduring legacy in the fields of education and literature. The project was initiated on his 102nd birth anniversary, with the foundation stone laid in August 2008. The public opening took place on 20 September 2010, marking a significant milestone in Tamil Nadu’s efforts to foster literacy and intellectual growth. (Bharat Directory)

Architectural Highlights and Sustainability

Designed by C. N. Raghavendran of CRN Architects, ACL occupies an eight-acre campus with a nine-story structure encompassing over 333,000 square feet. The building’s design maximizes natural light through a vast atrium, north- and east-facing glazed facades, and thermal buffer zones to minimize heat. Roof overhangs and metal louvers further enhance energy efficiency.

The library proudly holds the LEED NC Gold certification from the Indian Green Building Council—the first library in Asia to receive this recognition. Sustainability features include rainwater harvesting and solar panels. (Robaid Architecture Feature, ZeeZest)

Role in Chennai’s Reading Culture

ACL is more than just a repository of books; it is central to Chennai’s reading culture. The library houses over 550,000 books across languages and disciplines, serving students, researchers, and the general public. Specialized sections cater to children, visually impaired readers, and scholars, while regular events foster a love of literature and learning among all age groups. (Indianetzone, The Hindu)

Community Engagement and Cultural Programming

ACL regularly celebrates Tamil heritage and fosters community through:

Puppet shows, folk dances, and percussion performances
Workshops and technology programs in partnership with international organizations
Accessible facilities for all, including Braille sections and free entry
Film screenings, literary talks, and creative writing competitions for children and adults (The Hindu, Live Chennai, AllEvents.in)

Visitor Information

Location and Directions

Address: Gandhi Mandapam Road, Surya Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Nearby: Adjacent to Anna University, close to Guindy National Park and other major Chennai landmarks
How to Reach: Accessible via car, taxi, bus, or Chennai MRTS (Kotturpuram station nearby). Ample parking for two-wheelers and four-wheelers is available on-site. (Triphobo)

Opening Hours

General Library: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, 7 days a week (Anna Centenary Library Official)
Own Book Reading Section: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Children’s Section: Follows general library hours
Holidays: Closed on select public holidays (check official website for updates)

Tickets and Entry Policy

Admission: Free for all visitors, with no ticket required
Registration: Visitors may be asked to register at the entrance for security purposes (HelloTravel)

Library Facilities and Accessibility

Book Collections: Over 550,000 books in English, Tamil, and other languages; rare manuscripts; periodicals and newspapers
Children’s Section: Interactive learning zone with storybooks and digital resources
Braille and Visually Impaired Section: Talking books, Braille displays, and assistive technologies
Digital Library: Access to e-books, journals, and open databases via library computers and personal devices (Anna Centenary Library Official)
Reading Halls: Spacious, naturally lit, and air-conditioned; quiet zones for focused study
Auditorium and Conference Halls: Venues for lectures, workshops, and events
Food Court: On-site cafeteria for refreshments
Wi-Fi: Free for all users
Parking: Ample space available for vehicles
Accessibility: Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms; staff assistance for differently-abled visitors
Security: Over 300 CCTV cameras; RFID and smartcard access; secure environment

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided Tours: Offered occasionally—contact the library in advance for schedules
Workshops & Events: Regular literary talks, book launches, creative writing competitions, and children’s activities. Check event listings and platforms like AllEvents.in for updates.

Nearby Attractions

Guindy National Park
IIT Madras Campus
Chennai Snake Park
Anna University
Local museums and cultural centers

Practical Tips for Visitors

Best Time to Visit: Mornings (9:00–11:00 AM) are less crowded
Recommended Duration: 1.5–2 hours for a comprehensive visit
Etiquette: Maintain silence in reading areas; phones on silent; food allowed only in designated areas
Personal Belongings: Bags may be deposited in lockers
Photography: Restricted; seek permission at the information desk
Membership: Required for borrowing privileges and remote digital access; inquire at the help desk or online
Language Support: Staff proficient in Tamil and English

Events and Activities

The Anna Centenary Library is a hub for cultural and intellectual engagement. Notable regular events include:

Book Launches and Literary Talks: Held in the auditorium and conference halls, featuring authors and thought leaders
Workshops: Covering topics such as library sciences, digital literacy, creative writing, and robotics (Madras Library Association)
Children’s Competitions: Storytelling, reading, and art workshops to inspire young minds
National Conferences: Seminars on information literacy and bibliotherapy
Open Mic Nights and Art Events: Collaborative programs with local organizations
Special Commemorations: Celebrating figures like Dr. S. R. Ranganathan

For participation details and upcoming schedules, visit the official website and event platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the Anna Centenary Library’s opening hours?
A1: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily; the own book reading section is open until 9:00 PM.

Q2: Is there an entry fee or ticket required?
A2: No, admission is free for all visitors.

Q3: Can I borrow books?
A3: Yes, with a library membership. Membership details are available at the help desk and online.

Q4: Are there facilities for differently-abled visitors?
A4: Yes, the library is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and a Braille section.

Q5: Are events open to all visitors?
A5: Most events are open to the public; some require prior registration.

Q6: Can I bring my own books to the library?
A6: Yes, there are designated areas for reading personal books.

Q7: Is photography allowed?
A7: Photography is generally restricted; check at the information desk for permissions.

Q8: Is free Wi-Fi available?
A8: Yes, free Wi-Fi is accessible to all users.

Summary and Travel Tips

The Anna Centenary Library is a testament to Chennai’s dedication to education, sustainability, and cultural vibrancy. Its free admission, extensive collections, digital resources, and inclusive design make it accessible to everyone—from competitive exam aspirants and researchers to families and tourists. The library’s eco-friendly architecture, recognized by a LEED NC Gold certification, complements its dynamic calendar of events and workshops. Located in the well-connected neighborhood of Kotturpuram, ACL also serves as a convenient base for exploring other Chennai attractions such as Guindy National Park and the IIT Madras campus.

Travel Tips:

Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking.
Consider combining your visit with other nearby landmarks for a richer cultural experience.
Check the official website for updates on events, opening hours, and holiday closures.
Download the Audiala app for audio guides and interactive maps.

The Anna Centenary Library is not just a destination for reading—it is a living cultural landmark, empowering communities and fostering lifelong learning in the heart of Chennai. (Anna Centenary Library Official, The Hindu, Triphobo)