In a city celebrated for its rich cultural identity, the Anna Centenary Library (ACL) in Kotturpuram, Chennai, stands as a monumental tribute to knowledge, design, and civic foresight. It is not just a library—it’s one of Asia’s largest and most sustainable public libraries, exemplifying how visionary leadership, architectural innovation, and public policy can come together to create something iconic.
Built to international standards and spread across an impressive 3.75 lakh sq. ft, this landmark redefines what a modern knowledge institution looks like in India.
The Vision Behind Anna Library
The Anna Centenary Library was conceived & initiated in 2008 by Dr. M. Karunanidhi, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. His vision was to create a world-class library that would serve as a hub for students, scholars, researchers, and readers from all walks of life—especially the youth of Tamil Nadu.
Developed under the Directorate of Public Libraries, part of the School Education Department, the project was executed with a massive investment of ₹172 crores by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
A Tribute to a Visionary Leader in Anna Library
A life-sized 5 ft bronze statue of C. N. Annadurai, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and a pioneer of Tamil literature and education reform, welcomes visitors at the library’s main entrance. This tribute reinforces the library’s core mission: democratizing access to knowledge for every citizen.
Who designed the Anna Centenary Library?
One of the most searched questions—“Who designed Anna Library in wikipedia?”—can be answered with pride. The library was designed by C. N. Raghavendran of C. R. Narayana Rao (CRN) Architects, a premier architectural and engineering consultancy based in Chennai.
With a focus on sustainability, openness, and spatial efficiency, CRN’s design integrates functionality with grandeur. From column-free reading halls to climate-responsive layouts, the building is more than just a facility—it’s a monument to learning.
Scale and Infrastructure of Anna Library
Spread across 8 acres of prime land in Kotturpuram, the Anna Centenary Library is a striking example of scale meeting purpose. Designed to accommodate a vast array of visitors and an even larger collection of knowledge resources, the library has been meticulously planned to support both individual learning and large public gatherings.
A Massive Built-Up Area
- The library spans a total built-up area of 333,140 square feet across 9 floors, making it one of the most expansive public libraries in Asia. Each floor has been thoughtfully designed to house specialized collections, reading zones, and administrative facilities without compromising on space or accessibility.
Book Capacity & Reader comfort
- With the ability to hold up to 1.2 million books in various languages and disciplines, the library is truly a treasure trove for students, researchers, and casual readers alike. It can comfortably seat up to 1,250 readers at a time, spread across silent reading areas, group study zones, and special sections.
State-of-the-Art Auditorium & Cultural Facilities
- A highlight of the library’s infrastructure is its 50,000 sq. ft. auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,280 persons—ideal for hosting literary festivals, lectures, and cultural programs. On the terrace, an 800-seat open-air amphitheatre provides a dynamic space for creative and civic engagements.
Conference Halls for Events & Discussions
- Two well-equipped conference halls—one seating 151 and the other 30—are available for seminars, workshops, academic talks, and training sessions, fostering continuous learning and collaboration within the library’s premises.
A Dedicated Children’s Section
- To inspire reading habits at a young age, a 15,000 sq. ft. Children’s Section offers colorful, interactive, and engaging learning environments specifically designed for kids. The space includes storytelling zones, illustrated books, and kid-friendly furniture.
Accessibility & Inclusive Design
- The library is inclusive in its offerings, with a dedicated Braille section for visually impaired readers, ensuring equal access to resources. The Own Book Reading zone allows students and researchers to study with their personal materials in a quiet, focused space. Separate Tamil and English book sections cater to both regional and global literary interests.
Food Court & Reader Amenities
- A 180-seat food court within the premises caters to the needs of visitors spending extended hours in the library. It’s designed as a clean, well-ventilated space for refreshments and short breaks.
Integrated Library Management System (ILMS)
This thoughtfully zoned architecture accommodates a wide variety of user needs while balancing scale, accessibility, and sustainability.
Sustainability Leadership: LEED Gold Certification
In July 2010, ACL became the first library in Asia to receive the prestigious LEED NC Gold Rating from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). It earned 43 LEED points, the highest for any government building in Tamil Nadu.
Sustainable features include:
- Natural daylight-optimized interiors
- Energy-efficient HVAC and lighting
- Low-flow plumbing and recycling systems
- Use of eco-friendly materials
ACL is not just green—it’s a benchmark for public architecture across India.
Anna Centenary Library Floor Details
- Own Book Reading Zone – A quiet and focused space, ideal for students and researchers to bring and use their own study materials.
- Braille Section – An inclusive reading area equipped for visually impaired readers, ensuring accessibility for all.
- Children’s Section – A vibrant, interactive, and safe environment designed to nurture reading habits among young readers.
- Periodicals Section – A rich collection of newspapers, magazines, and journals across multiple subjects and languages.
- Tamil and English Book Sections – Home to an extensive range of literature in both regional and international languages, curated for varied interests and academic needs.
- General & Social Science Resources – Includes books on Library Science, Philosophy, Psychology, Religion, Sociology, Statistics, and Political Science.
- Society, Law & Literature – Covering Economics, Law, Public Administration, Education, Languages, Linguistics, Literature, and Folklore.
- Scientific Discovery & Health Section – Dedicated to General Science, Mathematics, Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Biology, Botany, Zoology, and Medicine.
- Engineering, Management & Cultural Studies – A multidisciplinary floor featuring books on Engineering, Agriculture, Home Science, Veterinary Science, Accounting, Management, Fine Arts, Architecture, Photography, Music, and Sports.
- History, Geography & Life Stories – Includes resources on World History, Indian History, Travel, Biographies, the Government Oriental Manuscripts Library, and the e-Library.
- Administrative Offices – Houses the internal administrative and operations departments managing the library’s day-to-day functioning.
These zones help reduce crowding, enhance focus, and offer inclusive access for all age groups and needs.
Cultural Utility Beyond Books
The ACL auditorium, conference halls, and amphitheatre regularly host
- Literary festivals and book launches
- Government seminars, academic talks, and panel discussions
- Cultural programs, including plays and public events
This makes the library not just a place for reading, but a vibrant civic space that promotes community and culture
Anna Centenary Library Chennai – Location & Online Access
Located in Kotturpuram, Chennai, ACL is easily accessible via MRTS, buses, and personal vehicles. The library also supports digital interaction:
- Anna Library Book Search
- Anna Library eBooks access
- Timings and event schedules online
- Membership and ILMS portal
FAQs
9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, all days including Sundays. Subject to change on public holidays—check the official website for updates
The auditorium hosts literary events, government programs, and cultural shows. Event schedules are available on-site and via the library’s notice boards or website.
📍 Location: The chief librarian information officer, Anna Centenary Library, Kotturpuram, Chennai – 600025
📞 Phone: 044 – 22201177 ; 044 – 22201011
📧 Email: clbrnaclchn.dopl@tn.gov.in
You can:
- Search for books
- Access eBooks
- Check events and announcements
- View membership services
- Use the Integrated Library Management System (ILMS)
CNR Architects, led by C. N. Raghavendran, designed the ACL. The design is known for combining modernist principles, climate sensitivity, and public utility.
Conclusion: A Public Legacy in Stone and Structure
The Anna Centenary Library is not merely a storage space for books—it’s an architectural statement on public service, cultural legacy, and democratic access to knowledge.
At Cibi + Simeon Designs, we believe that public architecture should inspire, include, and innovate. As the Best Architects in Chennai, we believe that the ACL serves as a benchmark for what is possible when vision meets precision, and when architecture serves the people first.
