User talk:Hari Karthiban

HISTORY OF CONNEMARA PUBLIC LIBRARY CHENNAI- 600 008 Compiled by H. Karthiban

ORIGIN In recognition of the importance of the Library Service, it was decided to establish a first True Public Library in Tamilnadu during the 19th century by an enlightened Administrator Lord Connemara, the then Governor of Madras during 1886-1890. The foundation stone for the Lisbrary was laid on 22nd March 1890 and formally opened on 05-12-1896. The Library so founnded was named after Lord Connemara to perpetuate his memory in Madras in recognition of his efforts.

BUILDINGS Designed by H. Irving, the Consulting Architect to the Government of Madras, the Connemara Public Library was constructed as a Semi-Circle end oblong building Indo-sarcenic style. it is a magnificent hall with spendid reading room andn beautiful tead wood book-shelves. To watch its ceiling is an aesthetic apperarance to our eyes. The Roof is truncated semi-circle. Thr truncated top has a wooden ceinling but the two curved sides are made by colore glass pieces artistically cemented to on another. Ornamental acanthus leaves and flowers adorn with morble slabs brought from Krishna District through the Buckingham Canal in boats. This Building is renovated by Archaeological Survery of India Chennai with an expenditure of Rs. 1.21 crores, to presercve the cultural heritage of India, with financial assistance from the State and Central Governments.

Ti cope up with the increasing stock, a three-stiried building wit 71,700 sq.ft. was constructed in 1974. Further to accommodate the increased stocks of books another three-storied building with 21,823 sq.ft. was added in 1997.