Showcasing a unique Placement of books, Connemara library with a monumental collection of over 600,000 books is one of Asia’s largest libraries. When the number of books exceeded the storage capacity of the library of the Hailey Bury College in England, the books were sent to the Madras Government, which in turn, handed them over to the Madras Museum which was then a part of the British Museum Library, and until the year 1890, the books were safely kept here. The library was inaugurated in the year 1896. It is not just one of the oldest libraries in the country, it is also one of the biggest and most beautiful buildings as well. This library is one of those four National Depository Libraries which receive a copy of all newspapers books, and periodicals published in India. The Connemara Library has several rare books of extreme value like The Bible published in 1608, Accounts of the trade in India by Lockyer (Charles) and a German copy of 'Antony and Cleopatra' among others. The old volumes are preserved by covering them with chiffon cloth. With a Braille library and an IAS study center, a video room, and a reference room, the library is an institution in itself.
The library is near the Madras Museum and Art Gallery. It is 3 kilometres from Chennai Central. One can quickly reach the library by hiring a rickshaw or rented vehicles.
Monday: 9.00 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Tuesday: 9.00 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Wednesday: 9.00 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Thursday: 9.00 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Friday: 9.00 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Saturday: 9.00 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Sunday: 9.00 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
*Closed on three national holidays :
Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October, Republic Day on 26 January and Independence Day on 15 August
*Closed on six festival holidays:
Vijaydashmi Day, Saraswati Pooja, Tamil New Year Day, Pongal, Christmas, and Diwali.
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