Bookmark This: Get Lost In Stacks Of Books In This Heritage Egmore Library

If you’ve never seen the large circular red building while driving down Pantheon Road in Egmore, then you’ve definitely missed this library. Originally part of The Pantheon (where the name for the road comes from), the Connemara Public Library was part of a series of buildings that shared space but different architectural styles from Indo-Saracenic and Gothic to Neo-Byzantine, Rajput, Mughal, and Dravidian architecture. In 1973, a section was added to the library with a whole slew of new collections of books – they now have over 600,000 books in the library!

Named after Lord Connemara, the former Governor of Madras, the library only asked for a small deposit from their members to use the facilities. And currently, the Connemara Public Library is one of the largest in Asia along with being one of four National Depository Libraries (these libraries receive copies of all books, newspapers, and periodicals published in the country). It also serves as a depository library for the United Nations.

Every inch of wood in the library is designed with leaves and flowers and even on the tall pillars, you can find intricate design work. Relaxing in one of these reading rooms, with the light spilling through the glasswork is something that you only find in books. While the library was originally only one floor, with the increase in books and demand, an adjoining three-storied building was constructed to accommodate all of the books that the library now has.

They added a Microfilm Unit, air-conditioning (because the Chennai summers are so unforgiving) and by 2016, the Connemara Public Library also had eBooks available for members. And the best part is that you can access their entire catalogue online here so you can see what kind of books the library has in stock and just what you might find when you visit. The library is open from 9 am to 7.30 pm (Mondays to Saturdays) and from 9.30 am to 6 pm (on Sundays).

Become a member by paying an annual subscription of just INR 50 and fill up the membership form provided. This is for anyone who is over 17 years of age and with that, you can borrow books, renew borrowed books and reserve books from OPAC. All you have to do is give them proof of your name and address. 

While you are there, don't forget to check out the beautiful architecture and art pieces in the Egmore Museum. If you are craving some food while you are at it, you can head to Fisherman's fare or try out some Smoozie's handmade ice-creams or best try out a classic sandwich in the budget at Balaji Sandwich Corner. 

Some of the books here can be as old as when the library was built so handle them with care while borrowing and return the books on time.