The Kalaignar Centenary Library in Madurai, Tamil Nadu will have a collection of over 3.3 lakh books

Spread over 2.13 lakh sq.ft., the library, which would be inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K.Stalin, on New Natham Road

on Jul 14, 2023

The Kalaignar Centenary Library in Madurai, Tamil Nadu will have a collection of over 3.3 lakh books

The Kalaignar Centenary Library is set to be inaugurated in Madurai on July 15. This state-of-the-art, six-story building will house approximately 330,000 books and offer a range of amenities and services.

The library, located on New Natham Road to be inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, covers a vast area of 2.13 lakh sq. ft. It is set to become a prominent landmark in Madurai, similar to the Anna Centenary Library in Chennai. The Public Works Department, responsible for executing the ₹150.91-crore project, has revised its cost to incorporate extra amenities and furniture. The library houses various reference books, journals, and publications across different sections, including science, history, medicine, and technology.

The library would contain rare titles and journals, including the first edition of 'Saduragaradhi' published in 1824, around 50 titles authored by Dravidian leaders, and 'Justice,' an English newspaper published in London in 1918.

The Kalaignar Centenary Library, the six-storeyed state-of-the-art building to be inaugurated in Madurai on July 15, would house nearly 3.3 lakh books and feature various amenities and services.

Spread over 2.13 lakh sq.ft., the library, which would be inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K.Stalin, on New Natham Road, would serve as a landmark structure in Madurai on the lines of Anna Centenary Library in Chennai.

Officials of the Public Works Department, which is the executing agency of the ₹150.91-crore project, said the project cost was revised to accommodate additional amenities and furniture. The library would offer reference books, journals, and publications in various sections, including science, history, medicine, and technology.

It would house some of the rare titles and journals like ‘Saduragaradhi’ first edition published in 1824; about 50 titles brought out by Dravidian leaders and Justice, an English newspaper published in London in 1918.

The library would have sections, including book rentals, read-your-own books, a children’s section designed with vibrant paintings, one for competitive exams and rare titles, and would also have disabled-friendly features.

According to K.P. Sathyamurthy, the Engineer-in-Chief of PWD, the civil structure of the library was built in just five months using cutting-edge construction techniques, including a curing compound that reduced waiting time. The entire project was completed within 12 months and boasts a variety of amenities such as an art gallery, multi-purpose hall, children's theater with interactive floors, and a conference hall that can accommodate up to 700 people. One of the most exciting features of the library is the virtual reality experience that allows visitors to operate a flight.

The library was designed with aesthetics in mind and even has a large dome with an eight-foot diameter chandelier to attract readers. Measures are being taken to digitize the books for an e-library and format them in a way that visually-impaired individuals can enjoy them. Additionally, the air-conditioned library will hold periodic sessions for children, workshops for self-help groups, and programs for unemployed youth and students.