60 libraries in Chennai to get a facelift

Bibliophiles in Chennai will soon be able to experience their local libraries in a whole new light, as 60 libraries across the city are set to undergo a major facelift.

Bibliophiles in Chennai will soon be able to experience their local libraries in a whole new light, as 60 libraries across the city are set to undergo a major facelift.

According to District Library Officer M. Kavitha, 40 libraries will be renovated using the Library Cess Funds, while 10 others will get new buildings under a Central fund. The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has taken up the project.

There are more than 160 libraries in the city, and the ones under renovation were built more than 40 years ago. While libraries in areas such as Ashok Nagar, Anna Nagar, Velachery, Bells Road, and Kolathur are set to get new buildings, those in Errukancherry and Marina Beach are being renovated. The renovation work will improve amenities, including electrical, water, and toilet facilities. “The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year,” the official added.

Goschen Hall Branch Library in Chintadripet is one such library where renovation is underway, Ms. Kavitha said. The restoration of the 100-year-old structure has been a long-pending demand of the reading community.

Stating that the work is being undertaken by the heritage division of the Public Works Department, an official from the Directorate of Public Libraries said it was being restored while keeping in mind its classical structure.

“Given the restoration work, most of the repairs require at least 14 days to set before another can be started. The restoration is expected to be completed in the next eight months,” the official added.