The Anna Centenary Library
The Anna Centenary Library, Chennai (Madras): Address, Phone Number, The Anna Centenary Library Reviews: 4.5/5
The Anna Centenary Library
The Anna Centenary Library
4.5
About
Adding another feather to its intellectual cap, Chennai is now home to South Asia’s largest library. So if you are a book lover and need a break from the city’s commotion, this is the place for you. The Anna Centenary Library is an eight-story structure that has recently added to the city’s growing modern landscape in the Kotturpuram area. A Braille section, children’s corner, replica of the "Tree of Knowledge," an auditorium and an amphitheater make quite an impression on visitors.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
247 reviews
Excellent
151
Very good
74
Average
16
Poor
5
Terrible
1
Bupa
Chennai (Madras), India1 contribution
Family
Amazing place with lots of books. Definitely a big salute to kalainar. Every time I feel excited when Ithe collection of books and ambience of surroundings.
Written 2 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
vijay c
Sydney, Australia78 contributions
Anna centenary library in Chennai is the biggest library in Asia. It houses vast collections of ancient manuscripts.
Good resources for students preparing for competitive exams
Good resources for students preparing for competitive exams
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ansi
Munich, Germany12 contributions
definetely worth to visit. you can spend here a day and it seems to be minutes....
We would definitely go again if we could.
recommendable
We would definitely go again if we could.
recommendable
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LostMySelfTraveling
Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, India382 contributions
Family
It's an awesome library with lots of categories including children. You can study comfortably, peacefully. There is a facility for visually challenged or visually impaired. So it's a must visit place for the people who love.
Written 16 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sai B
21 contributions
Excellent library with lots of books, Build by Former Chief Minister M Karunanithi. Now its not well maintained as it was earlier
Written 1 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ababushankar
Chennai (Madras), India72 contributions
You can find books for all ages and interests. Children's section has books for children and teachers. The library has exclusive space for those who would like to study peacefully, with your own books and laptops
Written 9 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nithyavasu
Chennai (Madras), India30 contributions
excellent collection of books, good facilities and easy to access by any mode of transportation. well maintained kids section , good collection of periodicals, comfortable seating, well ventilated , full of energy and above all excellent space for visually challenged and IAS aspirants.
Written 1 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Arul Prakash Samathuvamani
Chennai (Madras), India18 contributions
Its one of the biggest libraries in Chennai. Other than "Read you Own Book" section, pretty much all other sections have some place for you to sit and read quietly without any disturbance. Its fully air conditioned. Engineering section could have better collection of books, most recognised author book are not available.
The place does not have a canteen. It does have a caffeteria, but other than tea, there is no choice in food.
The place does not have a canteen. It does have a caffeteria, but other than tea, there is no choice in food.
Written 19 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deadman17
Mumbai, India568 contributions
Solo
The library has a large collection of books and is a book lover's paradise. There are books for kids, teenagers as well as office goers. If you are studying for a competitive exam, then one should visit the place. One can study here in peace.
Written 30 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Krishnaveni S
Chennai (Madras), India154 contributions
Family
It is a vast library, the largest in South Asia. It is located in kotturpuram. It has an amazing children's section where kids will love to go. It also has own book reading section, Braille section, regional language section. You can just go and read. No need of any membership. No borrowing of books allowed
Written 9 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Is there a cloak room in Anna centenary library
ababushankar
Chennai (Madras), India72 contributions
Yes, there is. You have to leave your bags here, before going in. Its on the right side, as you enter the main gate from the road
Can I get books related to fashion
Swami1939
Chennai (Madras), India88 contributions
yes
Is there any dress code?
Swami1939
Chennai (Madras), India88 contributions
No. Any decent dressing will do.
chvikranth85
Dubai, United Arab Emirates1 contribution
Do they have archives of old newspapers.
Can we take a photo copy of them?
Can I take notebooks and other textbooks into the library? Can I take them anywhere inside the library? Are own books restricted just to the own book reading section? Like can I take my book and sit at the sixth floor to read?
CharmDeepak
Chennai (Madras), India9 contributions
notebooks are allowed everywhere, but textbooks are restricted to own book reading section. Straight answer to your question you cann't go with your textbook to sixth floor
Can I take my laptop and read there for 6-7 hours?
uk555
Los Angeles, CA28 contributions
Yes, you need to register your laptop at the front gate
Vivek
Chennai (Madras), India3 contributions
Can we borrow the books to home? Is there any membership? How much does it cost?
ilavarasi_sm
Mumbai, India19 contributions
No, I have read books there only and not possible to take home.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Anna Centenary Library
- We recommend booking The Anna Centenary Library tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 The Anna Centenary Library tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near The Anna Centenary Library:
- (1.46 km) Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road
- (1.85 km) Lemon Tree Hotel, Chennai
- (1.67 km) Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park, an IHG Hotel
- (1.82 km) The Raintree Hotel, St.Mary's
- (2.18 km) Raj Palace Sundar
- Restaurants near The Anna Centenary Library:
- (0.23 km) Soy Soi
- (0.24 km) The Biryani Factory
- (0.29 km) Savya Rasa
- (0.37 km) Kailash Parbhat
- (0.36 km) The French Loaf
- Attractions near The Anna Centenary Library:
- (0.38 km) Tamilnadu Science and Technology Centres
- (0.51 km) SSR Pankajam Cinema Hall
- (1.42 km) Indian Institute Of Technology, Madras
- (2.05 km) Storytrails
- (0.61 km) B M Birla Planaturium