Connemara Public Library

Connemara Public Library

Connemara Public Library at Chennai is one of the four National Depository libraries which receive a copy of all books, newspapers and periodicals published in India. Established in 1890 the library is a repository of centuries-old publications, wherein lie some of the most respected works and collections in the country. It also serves as a depository library for the UN.

History

The Library's beginnings go back to 1861, when hundreds of books were found surplus in the libraries of Hailey bury College (where Indian Civilians were trained in England). These books were sent to the Madras Government, which in turn handed them over to the Madras Museum. Conceived on the lines of the British Museum Library, it was part of the Madras Museum till 1890, when the need for 'a free public library' prompted the then Governor of Madras, Lord Connemara, to lay the foundation on 22nd March, 1890.
The library was as part of a cultural complex that grew in the grounds of what was once called 'The Pantheon'. The entire complex now boasts buildings that reflect architectural unity, even while demonstrating the various stages of Indo-Saracen development, from Gothic-Byzantine to Raj put Mughal and Southern Hindu Deccani.

Collection

Over six lakh books are available in the library. The Connemara is a place where gems can be found at every corner, but only by the discerning eye. Nowhere else can the public find free access to a 10-volume Encyclopedia of Astronomy, Greek and Latin works, Wellesley's Dispatches, a History of Oratory in Parliament 1213-1913 and many more tomes?
The new building, which was added to the Library in 1973, has a vast collection of books, a much sought after text-book section, a periodicals hall, a reference room, a video room, an entire floor for books from the Indian languages, a Braille Library and an IAS study centre. Efforts are on to fully computerise the library database, which could ensure easy access to books. The Connemara library receives a copy of all books published throughout India.
In 1861, Chennai saw a new landmark - The Connemara library, a treasure trove of books, periodicals and newspapers. This library was named after the then Governor of Madras Lord Connemara. Boasting a collection of over 600000 books, the Connemara Library houses a hall for periodicals, reference room, IAS study centre, books in Indian languages and a Braille library.

The library in located on Pantheon road Egmore, adjacent to the Madras Museum and Art Gallery. The Library remains closed on 26th January (Republic Day), 15th August (Independence Day) , 2nd October (Mahatma Gandhi's birthday) and 6 Festivals viz. Pongal, Tamil New year Day , Saraswathi Pooja, Vijayadasami, Diwali and Christmas. Library is open on all days from 9.00 am to 7.30 pm. On Sundays, the library functions from 9.30AM to 6.00PM. The telephone number of the Connemara Library is 28193751.

Chennai Connemara Library holds pride of place as one of India's four national depository libraries. The Connemara Library was conceived on the lines of the British Museum Library. With its stained glass panels and ornate wooden carvings, this building stands testimony to old British architecture.

Some of the historical collections of the library include The Bible (1608), The German Copy of 'Anthony and Cleopatra' and many more. Old volumes are painstakingly covered with chiffon cloth. The library automation is under progress and would be ready for use.

Any person above 17 years and a resident of Chennai or its immediate vicinity can become a member of the Connemara library. The library lends a maximum of six books by depositing Rs.50 per book. In addition, an annual subscription of Rs.50 is collected for each financial year. The following procedures are to be followed by the applicant to be a member of the library:
The entire expenditure for maintaining the Library is met by Government of Tamil Nadu. However the government of India met 50% of Recurring Expenditure and 2/3 of Non-Recurring Expenditure in respect of maintaining the Delivery of Books Act section of this Library. Government of Tamil Nadu provides funds for subscribing some important Foreign periodicals and also to purchase foreign and Indian books.

Modernisation

The last decade of the 20th century in the computerization with a single PC xt running on dbase software. However it was in 1998 2 servers and 12 nodes with a budget of Rs.8 Lakhs were added. These computers were put to good use by the highly efficient staff that helped to input an amazing 3.5 lakhs records.

In April 2003 the budget increased to 20 lakhs and 2 more servers and 6 nodes with higher configuration were acquired reflecting one more step towards total computerisation.

The next important event is slated in June2003 with the introduction of OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue). A touch screen system for library information is another feature.