The Anna Centenary Library in Kotturpuram is open from 8 am to 8 pm, and its Own Book Reading Section stays open until 9 pm. That late slot is why you will find it full of students preparing for TNPSC and other exams most evenings. It closes on only a handful of days a year: Pongal, Republic Day, Tamil New Year and Ambedkar Jayanti, Ramzan, Independence Day, Deepavali, Gandhi Jayanthi and Christmas, according to the library’s official website.
With school half-yearly exams in December and several recruitment exams on the calendar, the reading halls are likely to be busier than usual. Here is how to use it, and Chennai’s other big public library at Egmore.
Anna Centenary Library: the basics
The library stands in Kotturpuram, close to the Adyar river, and is run by the state’s Department of Public Libraries. It is a large multi-storey building, so give yourself a few minutes at the entrance to find the floor and section you need.
- Address: Kotturpuram, Chennai 600025
- Phone: 044-22201011
- Email: clbrnaclchn.dopl@tn.gov.in
- Hours: 8 am to 8 pm; Own Book Reading Section 8 am to 9 pm
Most visitors come to read and study in the halls. Membership matters if you want to borrow books to take home and use the members’ facilities listed on the website. If you are unsure which sections are open to non-members on a given day, ask at the reception counter on the ground floor.
Sections worth knowing
The library is organised by section rather than as one big hall. The official site lists these:
- Own Book Reading Section: bring your own books and notes and study in a quiet hall. This is the most popular section with exam aspirants.
- Competitive Examination section: guides, previous papers and reference books for state and central recruitment exams.
- Children’s section: books and activity space for younger readers, popular with families on weekends.
- Tamil and English book sections, plus a periodicals section with newspapers and magazines.
- Braille section: materials for visually impaired readers.
- Senthamil Sirpigal Arangam: a section devoted to Tamil scholars and their work.
The building also has an auditorium, an amphitheatre, a conference hall and a book release hall, which are available for rent for literary and educational events. There is a food court, an Aavin parlour and vehicle parking, and the premises are designed to be accessible.
How to become a member
The library’s website has a downloadable membership form, a page listing membership fees and an online renewal option. The process works like this:
- Download the form from the website or collect one at the library counter.
- Fill it in and attach the documents the form asks for, which normally include a photograph and proof of address.
- Submit it at the membership counter with the fee shown on the library’s fee page.
- Renew online before your membership lapses.
The library publishes its rates on its membership fee page. DT Next has reported that membership costs more for applicants from outside Chennai, so students who have moved to the city for coaching should check which rate applies to them. Call 044-22201011 before you go, because the rates and documents asked for can change.
Connemara Public Library, Egmore
Chennai’s oldest public library is inside the Government Museum complex on Pantheon Road in Egmore. Its foundation stone was laid in 1890 and it opened to readers in 1896. It is one of India’s four national depository libraries. That means it receives a copy of books, newspapers and periodicals published in the country, and it is also a United Nations depository library, according to its official site.
That makes Connemara the place to go for older books, rare publications and government documents you will not find elsewhere. The reading room is a heritage space. Expect a more formal atmosphere than Kotturpuram, and check the timings with the library before a special trip, as they are not posted on the website.
Branch libraries and online study help
Beyond these two, the Department of Public Libraries runs district and branch libraries across Chennai’s neighbourhoods. Many have small reference and newspaper sections, and some hold exam preparation material. They are a good option if Kotturpuram is far from home.
For exam aspirants, the state’s Tamil Nadu Career Services portal complements the libraries with free previous TNPSC and police recruitment papers, mock tests and e-learning content you can use from home.
Quick answers
What are the Anna Centenary Library timings?
8 am to 8 pm daily, with the Own Book Reading Section open until 9 pm.
Why become a member?
Membership lets you borrow books and use members’ facilities. Forms and fee details are on the library website.
When is the library closed?
On a list of public holidays including Pongal, Republic Day, Independence Day, Deepavali, Gandhi Jayanthi and Christmas.
Where is Connemara Public Library?
In the Government Museum complex on Pantheon Road, Egmore.
Information checked against official sources on 18 October 2026. Fees, dates and rules can change; confirm on the linked official pages before acting.
