Chennai's Historic Goschen Library Reopens After Major Renovation
Stepping into the Goschen Library in Chintadripet feels like walking through layers of time. Worn copies of Shakespeare's Othello rest near modern charging ports. Readers browse a musty Tamil Ramayana under the cool breeze of air conditioners. The once-bustling veranda, a historic space for lively debate, will soon host tuition classes. This seamless blend of past and present defines the library's new chapter.
A Heritage Hub Reborn
Deputy Chief Minister Udayanidhi Stalin recently inaugurated the renovated library on Arunachalam Street. Founded in 1926, it stands as one of Chennai's earliest public reading rooms. The building itself is a heritage structure, officially listed by the Justice E Padmanabhan Committee.
The renovation cost 2.36 crore rupees and covered 2,636 square feet. Workers carefully preserved the original architecture. Outside, a neo-classical style façade greets visitors. Inside, classical Madras architecture shines through teak wood beams, doors, and windows.
From Freedom Movement to Modern Day
In its early days, the library served as a vital hub. Well-to-do Tamil- and Telugu-speaking residents from George Town frequented it. Anglo-Indians and student scholars from nearby convents also gathered here. The space buzzed with intellectual energy, especially during India's freedom movement.
P Vijiaragavulu Chetty, a Chintadripet-based contractor, originally established it as a free public reading space. Viscount Goschen, the Governor of Madras at the time, later inaugurated it. The library proudly carries his name.
A Vast Collection and New Amenities
Today, the library houses an impressive collection of 18,000 books. Most titles are in Tamil, spanning categories like history, economics, sociology, literature, and essays. The collection also includes 1,200 English books.
Modern upgrades make the space more accessible. Three study stations now offer WiFi and charging access. Designated reading sections for children and women provide 10 seats each. These new areas feature specific books on Periyar's writings about women's empowerment. They also include materials on women-run self-help groups in India and various women's magazines.
Honoring a Legacy of Women Readers
Historian Ramakrishnan Venkatesh highlights the library's historical connection to women intellectuals. "What's interesting about the designated space for women now is that even in the past the library was certainly used by a lot of women for intellectual purposes," he said.
Venkatesh speculates that pioneering figures like Krupabhai Sattianadhan and Kamala Sattianadhan likely used this space. Krupabhai was one of the first Indian female English novelists, famous for her work 'Saguna'. Kamala founded the Indian Ladies' Magazine, a publication that actively discussed female rights.
Practical Details for Visitors
Librarian DP Dhinakaran shared the updated membership details. Books can be borrowed through three annual subscription rates:
- 30 rupees: Allows borrowing one book every 15 days.
- 50 rupees: Permits borrowing three books.
- 110 rupees (family package): Allows borrowing five books.
The library remains open on all days except Fridays and the second Saturday of every month. Operating hours are from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and again from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
This careful renovation ensures the Goschen Library continues its legacy. It remains a cherished space where Chennai's rich history meets the needs of contemporary readers.
