The Anna Centenary Library: The Epitome of Great Public Space
Dear Sir/Madam, Libraries especially public libraries offer a space for people of all ages and coming from different background to spend their time productively and also to spend their time leisurely. The Anna Centenary library of Tamilnadu could be a model library for other state to follow. The Anna Centenary library is established in the year 2010 in order to commemorate the Centenary birth anniversary of former Tamilnadu Chief Minister Dr. Annaduari, who was one of the principal architects of Dravidian movement in India. When we happened to visit the library, it was in the evening and Kottupuram area where this library is located had received some rains. The bags kept in the security room were watered in the rain. We initially wondered why students were kept their bag on the floor without much care. After entering the “own book reading section”, we realized there was very little space for students, because it was buzzing with students reading, discussing with their friends, some were busy with their laptops and mobiles, some others sitting on the carpet and preparing for competitive exams. The own book reading section was full of young students there was very less space to spread their reading materials. It was amazed to see students in large numbers utilizing library space so well. The ground floor of Anna library is also home for Braille section. The Braille section is not only having state of the art assistive technologies to help blind students but also consists of good number of books on various subjects in Braille. The Children section is another attractive space in the library. The space is designed to attract children attention. There are many comics available for reading and also good number of computers where children can use for multimedia contents. The library consist large number of books running more than five lakhs from well-known publishers around the world, the books in our own domain library and information science is something extraordinary. Even some of the university libraries in India not have these many books in our own domain. The collections are far better. Same for computer science, history, literature and other domains. The library is also computerized and having its own digital library to help students to access e-books and e-journals. The uniqueness of this library is its vastness in terms of its space and also its collections. This library has nine floors spreading in around about almost 4 lakh square feet. It is impossible to visit all the sections and have complete picture in a single day. The library is also space for people for spending their time peacefully. When we were there some of them were simply resting or sitting in the library. The cafeteria is also there to refresh. This Anna Centenary library is kept very clean and dust free. All nine floors are having their own rest rooms and drinking water facility. This library is also known for its eco-friendly design . TToday we talk of user engagement with library. Here is a state run public library which is on par with any other world public libraries. There is a collaborative space, digital information centre, children section, conference halls, amphitheatres and what not for users. Because of this monumental library, M. Karunanidhi, former chief minister of Tamilnadu, under whose aegis this wonderful library building was constructed, will be remembered forever by the people of Tamilnadu. If any political leader is to be remembered or remain in the minds of the people, is not to construct individual statues but to build public space such as libraries which can benefit masses. What is surprising is that there is no enough information on this beautiful Anna Centenary library. Those visits Chennai should have this place marked in their tour itinerary to see. ------------------------- With best wishes Vasantha Raju N.Mysore
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Vasanth