Connemara Public Library

Connemara Public Library is a historic public reference library located in the Government Museum Complex on Pantheon Road in Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Established in 1890 and opened in 1896, it is named after Lord Connemara, former Governor of Madras. Designed in Indo-Saracenic style by Henry Irwin, it is one of four National Depository Libraries in India receiving a copy of every book published in the country. It houses extensive collections including rare books, periodicals and Tamil literature.

Visitors can expect a grand heritage building in Indo-Saracenic style within the Government Museum campus in Egmore. The exterior features arched verandas, teak woodwork and stained glass. Inside are large reading halls, reference and periodicals sections, and stacks housing lakhs of books including rare and old publications. It functions as a reference library for reading and research rather than lending, with a quiet, studious environment. Photography of the exterior is generally allowed while interior access is for readers and researchers.

Founded in 1890 and opened to the public on 5 December 1896, the library was named after Lord Connemara, Governor of Madras. Designed by Henry Irwin, Consulting Architect to the Government of Madras, in Indo-Saracenic style. It began with books from the Madras Museum Library and later became the State Central Library for Tamil Nadu. Under the Delivery of Books Act 1954, it was designated as one of four National Depository Libraries in India to receive a copy of every book, newspaper and periodical published in India.

Serves as the State Central Library of Tamil Nadu and a major repository of Tamil literature, rare books and periodicals. It is a significant centre for research, education and preservation of literary heritage in South India and is part of the historic Government Museum cultural precinct in Chennai.