Unlocking Access: Anna Centenary Library Launches Lending Service

After a 14-year wait, the Anna Centenary Library (ACL) in Chennai has finally introduced a lending service, marking a significant milestone for book enthusiasts. With over 1 lakh titles available for borrowing in the Tamil and children’s sections initially, the library aims to expand this service to include other sections, starting with subject books.

To streamline the borrowing process, additional terminals have been installed on each floor, allowing patrons to check out books more efficiently. The introduction of this service not only addresses the growing demand from visitors but also provides insights into readers’ preferences, facilitating better book procurement and community engagement through workshops and webinars.

With a nominal deposit and annual subscription fee, residents can now become members and borrow up to four books at a time for 30 days, with provisions for extensions and fines for overdue returns, fostering a culture of literacy and learning in the city.