The Tamil Nadu government's decision to shift the Anna Centenary Library from Kotturpuram, Chennai, defies logic. The ACL is a knowledge hub and, in the short time it has existed, has helped in the professional and personal development of scores of patrons. The infrastructure is unmatched.
When the construction of the library started, I waited for the day it would be completed. As a regular user of the ACL, I am deeply disappointed and disheartened at the decision. The building is not just a collection of books. It is a multi-purpose knowledge sharing centre with its amphitheatre, auditorium, and dormitories. I am certainly not against a paediatric hospital but to move a functional library out is beyond reason.
Vijay Krish,
Chennai
The Tamil Nadu Cabinet's decision to establish a super specialty paediatric hospital is commendable but its proposal to convert the ACL building into one is not. The library is the largest in Asia and provides world-class facilities to its users. The government's decision will sadden those who have visited the library.
K. Yoonus,
Chennai
The announcement has come as a rude shock to not only the followers of Anna but millions of book lovers. First, the grand structure was built as a commemoration for the former Chief Minister, C.N. Annadurai, a great lover of books. It is well known that he wanted his surgery to be postponed by a day so that he could complete reading a book.
An increase in the number of hospitals and prisons is a sign of growing sickness, whereas libraries signify knowledge and wisdom. Even if there is a case for a high-quality children's hospital in Chennai, why convert a building which was planned exclusively as a library and is functioning very well?
K. Chellappan,
Chennai
The Cabinet decision is unwarranted. The library is located ideally among educational institutions in a quiet environment. The move gives an impression that the Chief Minister wants to undo everything the DMK government did. Can public money be wasted like this? This is not development.
J. Nagasubramanian,
Chennai
One wonders what the real reason behind the Cabinet decision is. Cannot facilities that are sought to be introduced in the new specialty paediatric hospital be introduced in the existing hospitals? State resources are precious. Chief Minster Jayalalithaa enjoys a high degree of people's faith. They expect her to provide a well focussed welfare administration.
R. Vasudevan,
Chennai
I made a casual visit to the library and was so impressed with the collection of engineering, technology and management books that I am now a regular visitor who spends hours there. I earnestly request the authorities not to disturb the library.
S. Kubher,
Chennai
The ACL is a library of international standards and is situated in a prime locality. I wonder how a building constructed with every small detail representing a library can be converted into a hospital.
T. Krithika,
Chennai
Certified as one of the best in the country by its users, the ACL deserves the continued support and patronage of the State government. As Mark Twain said: “A public library is the most enduring of memorials, the trustiest monument for the preservation of an event or a name or an affection; for it, and it only, is respected by wars and revolutions, and survives them.”
R. Ramadurai,
Chennai
First, it was the Secretariat and, now, it is the Anna Centenary Library. Is the government serious?
The move to set up a super specialty paediatric hospital is commendable but does the government have no other place in Chennai to build it? As a student, I am really disappointed with the proposal.
R.R. Bipin,
Chennai
While there is no denying that a super specialty hospital for children is the need of the hour, I wonder why it cannot be set up at the Omandurar Government Estate where the government is planning an integrated super specialty medical centre on the lines of AIIMS.
If the AIADMK government wants to overshadow its predecessor, it can do so in a number of other ways — by permanently solving the water-logging woes of Chennai-ites, for instance. Nation-building can take place only when a government improves upon the works of previous governments.
S. Raghavan,
Chennai
The utility value of the ACL building with aesthetic features, a huge collection of books, and comfortable reading facilities for more than a thousand persons cannot be overemphasised.
The argument that the proposed Integrated Knowledge Park in Nungambakkam is the best suited to locate the library is unacceptable. One hopes the Chief Minister will reconsider the decision.
K.S. Thampi,
Chennai
The DPI campus, where the government proposes to shift the library, is already cramped. But the ground on which the ACL stands now is spacious and has scope for further expansion. This is the first requirement for a library.
If the ACL is shifted, it will turn into another public library. The government can always improve the conditions of existing children's hospitals.
Padma Ravishankar,
Chennai
