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. Chennai Connemara Library holds pride of place as one of India's four national depository libraries.
Designed by H. Irvin, the Consulting Architect to the Government of Madras, the Connemara Public Library is a Semi-Circle End oblong building constructed in Indo-saracenic style. It has a magnificent hall with a splendid reading room and beautiful teak wood book-shelves. To watch its ceiling is an aesthetic appearance to our eyes. The Roof is truncated semi-circle. The truncated top has a wooden ceiling but the two curved sides are made by colored glass pieces artistically cemented to one another. Ornamental acanthus leaves and flowers adorn with marble slabs brought from Krishna District through the Buckingham Canal in boats.
