Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated the newly renovated Marina Beach library on Wednesday, marking a significant step in enhancing public access to books and fostering reading habits among the city’s residents. The library, which now boasts a collection of 7,500 books, has undergone a major revamp at a cost of Rs 38.40 lakh.The renovation, funded by the Directorate of Public Libraries under the School Education Department, includes the addition of air conditioning to ensure a comfortable reading environment. This initiative falls under the Chennai Municipal Library Commission, which was reconstituted in 2023 after 19 years. The committee, which oversees the development of public libraries in the city, now includes 15 members, while the Chennai Municipal Library Commission consists of nine.
In an effort to engage children and foster early learning, the newly renovated library features a “comic corner” dedicated to illustrated storybooks. This section aims to instill a love of reading among young visitors, providing them with an enjoyable introduction to books. “This branch of the public library contains 7,500 books, including rare volumes that offer valuable information about Chennai’s history and culture,” said the official press release. The library currently has 1,337 registered members, with three appointed patrons to oversee operations.
During the inauguration, Udhayanidhi Stalin acknowledged the contributions of nine bibliophiles who donated Rs 1,000 each to support the development of the library. In recognition of their generosity, he awarded them certificates of appreciation.
As part of a broader effort to promote reading across the city, Udhayanidhi also announced an exciting new project in collaboration with the education department and Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). A “book park” will soon be opened at the Central Metro Station, offering books in both Tamil and English from over 50 publishers. The book park, which will occupy an area of 5,000 square feet inside the station, aims to make books more accessible to commuters. Additionally, books will be sold at a 10% discount, providing an affordable option for readers on the go.
The book park initiative represents a new non-fare revenue source for CMRL, in partnership with the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation. It underscores the government’s commitment to making literature and educational resources available to a broader audience, particularly in high-traffic areas like the metro.
Through these initiatives, Udhayanidhi Stalin’s administration continues to prioritize the development of public libraries and literacy programs, ensuring that Chennai’s residents have easy access to books and learning materials, whether at the Marina Beach library, on the go at the Central Metro station, or elsewhere across the city.