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The Anna Centenary Library

Kotturpuram, Chennai (Madras), India
+91-44-65515031
Website
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Type: Libraries
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: 1-2 hours
Owner description: Adding another feather to its intellectual cap, Chennai is now home to South Asia’s largest library. So if you are a book lover and need a break from... more » Owner description: Adding another feather to its intellectual cap, Chennai is now home to South Asia’s largest library. So if you are a book lover and need a break from the city’s commotion, this is the place for you. The Anna Centenary Library is an eight-story structure that has recently added to the city’s growing modern landscape in the Kotturpuram area. A Braille section, children’s corner, replica of the "Tree of Knowledge," an auditorium and an amphitheater make quite an impression on visitors. « less
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32 reviews from our community

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Chennai (Madras), India
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

One of the best libraries I have visited with lots of international titles on almost all subjects; well catalogued and good search facility on on-premise computers on each floor; helpful staff to assist in further search...... obviously the government hasnt spared any expenses in getting this world-class library going.... i could see this was a haven for thos preparing for... More

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Chennai, Kalpakkam
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

Was surprised to see such a library with a beautiful elevation and fantastic interior in Tamilnadu... The moment I got in, I felt bad about the TN government's decision to convert it into a hospital!! 'N' number of books... available in different categories... What was more interesting is... I could see people of all age coming there and utilizing this... More

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See 10 more reviews by Salaikmr for Chennai (Madras)
India
Top Contributor
55 reviews 55 reviews
36 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2013

It is the biggest library in Asia and a proud for Chennaites and Indians. A collection huge and rare piece of books and materials available. A must place to visit for book lovers and one and all

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See 10 more reviews by Qamardeen for Chennai (Madras)
Chennai
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
40 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2013

A grand library with lots of books. The area itself shows how big is this one. Good ambience and quiet atmosphere for the readers and one can definitely pay a visit to this place.

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See 11 more reviews by Neelendu for Chennai (Madras)
Chennai (Madras), India
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2013

Though have heard a lot about it. Had opportunity only to make it for celebrating 25th year of "How to name it" album by Raja Sir. The place is awesome, it was out of place and I couldnt believe I was in Chennai. Spectacular parking facility along with other amenities. Library is of international standard.

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See 5 more reviews by BalajiRajRanganathan for Chennai (Madras)
Thanjavur, India
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 April 2013

Kudos to Mr. Thangam Thennarsu, the former Education Minister of Tamil Nadu who is the master mind and brain behind this construction of Library. Even a person who dislikes to read books will be tempted to go to the library daily. Mana kottam therkkum Noolkal nirambi vazhikinrana.. One of the best achievements of the former minister Thangam Thennarasu. Alas...it is... More

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See 4 more reviews by VALLALAAR for Chennai (Madras)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 April 2013

This is a huuuuge place, and no wonder is the largest library is South Asia. Since my college is extremely close (on the same road), I tend to go there often. Either to read novels or refer subject matter. Each floor is huge and has two wings, A and B, which are interconnected in some floors. The whole place is... More

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See 4 more reviews by AahirGiri for Chennai (Madras)
Chennai (Madras), India
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 March 2013

I had a lot of expectations from this library when I visited them after they became fully operational. The library guided us to the various sections in the building, but then it is so huge that u can easily get lost within the air conditioned building. the library is very well lit with a mix of natural light and electric... More

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See 9 more reviews by Jhabak for Chennai (Madras)
Chennai (Madras), India
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 March 2013

Pretty big library for Chennai, and perhaps India. One of my gripes is that you can't borrow anything. Can't say the people working at the library were uber-friendly, but they do their job. The children's section is impressive by Indian standards- there's even a section with Curious George and Dr. Seuss books. There's a fake tree in the middle of... More

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See 10 more reviews by TCKaroundtheworld for Chennai (Madras)
Chennai
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 February 2013

Built over a massive area of 3.75 lakh sq ft in Kotturpuram, Chennai. This library has been built to house 1.20 million books. The library having books on all major languages, besides providing access to few lakh ‘e-books’ and thousands of ‘e-journals’. A “very special feature” of the this library is that it would straight away have a digital edge,... More

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See 15 more reviews by Baskhar S for Chennai (Madras)

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