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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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34 reviews from our community

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Bangalore, India
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2013

In our recent trip to chennai, our home city, we visited this library. Situated in the central kotturpuram area, this had amazing 8 floors of airconditioned books extravaganza. Most of the time we spent in level 1 which had a great collection of children books. The children books collections range was from 0-20 years, it has fiction/non fiction, great reference... More

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Chennai (Madras), India
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013

This is one of the best libraries I have ever been to. The infrastructure is great and the collection of books is really good. The high light is the children's section with great selection of books and the atmosphere to go along with. Must visit for everyone

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See 11 more reviews by zarookShah for Chennai (Madras)
Chennai (Madras), India
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
8 helpful votes 8 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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See 2 more reviews by sundar1811 for Chennai (Madras)
Chennai, Kalpakkam
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
13 helpful votes 13 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
57 reviews 57 reviews
37 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
13 helpful votes 13 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
58 reviews 58 reviews
44 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
13 helpful votes 13 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
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
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
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
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
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 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 5 more reviews by AahirGiri for Chennai (Madras)
Chennai (Madras), India
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
9 helpful votes 9 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 10 more reviews by Jhabak for Chennai (Madras)

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