Connemara Public Library Chennai Entry Fee
- No Entry Fee
- 50 Annual Membership fee
- 100 Caution Deposit for 2 books
- 200 Caution Deposit for 4 books
- 300 Caution Deposit for 6 books
Connemara Public Library Chennai Phone
044 2819 3751
Rating: 
| 4/5 stars
Based on total 59 reviews
Connemara Public Library Chennai Address: Museum Compound, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600008, India
Connemara Public Library Chennai Tour Packages
Connemara Public Library Chennai Timings
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 am – 7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00 am – 7:30 pm |
| Wedesday | 9:00 am – 7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9:00 am – 7:30 pm |
| Friday | 9:00 am – 7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9:00 am – 7:30 pm |
| Sunday | 9:30 am – 6:00 pm |
The Connemara Public Library at Egmore is one of the prominent heritage buildings in Chennai. It has everything that a literature aficionado or book lover could wish for.
It is one of the four National Depository Libraries which receive at least one copy of all books, newspapers and periodicals published in India. Established in 1896, it also serves as a depository library for the United Nations.
It is located in the Government Museum Complex, Egmore which houses the Government Museum and the National Art gallery too.
History and Architecture of The Connemara Public Library
It was a part of the Madras Museum till 1890, when the need of a public library prompted Lord Connemara, the then governor of Madras Presidency to lay the foundation of Connemara Public Library. Conceived on the lines of the British Museum Library, it was inaugurated in the year 1896.
The library was an integral part of the cultural complex established in the grounds that was once called The Pantheon. The imposing building of the library showcases Indo-Saracenic, Mughal and Hindu influences in its architecture with its elaborate wooden carvings, stained glass panels and floral motifs to name a few.
The library was opened to the public in 1930 and very soon became a hotspot for the literarians and students. With increasing demand for greater space, a new building was added to the existing structure in the year 1973.
Things to do at Connemara Public Library
A prominent historical building, Connemara Public Library gives you an opportunity to admire the age-old ambience in the lap of knowledge. History lovers and tourists can check out the splendid workmanship ensued in the construction of this monumental library.
- Rare Book Collection: It houses a few rare and antique books too. One can check out a Bible (published in 1608 AD) and Reed's scientific work titled, “Hortus Indicus Malabaricus” (1678 AD -1703 AD publication).
- You can visit the Braille Library for the visually impaired.
- Get awestruck with one of the unique and magnificent architecture for a library!
- Visit the Periodicals hall, a reference room, an entire floor dedicated to the Indian books, IAS study centre in the new building section of the library.
- One must visit the Government Museum and National Art Gallery located in the close proximity to the library building.
Image Gallery of Connemara Public Library Chennai
Connemara Public Library Timings and Entry Fee
Connemara Public Library is open to the visitors on all days of the week with an exception on National holidays or state holidays. It stays open from 9.00 am to 7.30 pm from Monday to Saturday and from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm on Sunday.
There is no entry fee to visit the Connemara Public Library and surf through the collection, though to borrow books one must have the library membership.
Best Time to Visit Connemara Public Library
Owing to its tropical climate, Chennai experiences dry and hot weather for the most part of the year. Although, winter months provide a little respite to the residents and tourists. The Best time to visit the Connemara Public Library is from November to February.
How to reach Connemara Public Library
Located on the Pantheon Road, you can reach Connemara Public Library by taking a private taxi from top car rental companies in Chennai, state roadways buses or an auto rickshaw from any part of the city. One can get down at Chennai Central Metro station which is approximately 3 kms from the library. The nearest airport is the Chennai International Airport which is around 17 kms.
Traveler Tips
- Abide by the rules and maintain the decorum of the place.
- Handle the books and periodicals with care.
- Defacing, marking, or stealing any of the books is a punishable offence.
- You can borrow books from the library by paying a nominal amount as the membership fee. Membership is available to the residents of the city of Chennai only.
Connemara Public Library is a hidden gem with over 600 thousand books in its collection and it would not be wrong to call it a reader’s paradise! If you are a book lover, a keen traveller or a history buff this antiquated library is a must visit. Connemara Public Library owns a place for pride and repute in the country not only for its incredible collection but also for its extraordinary architecture.
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