Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin inaugurates Chennai Book Park, 110 new libraries worth Rs 29.8 crore

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin inaugurated the Chennai Book Park at the Chennai Central Railway Station today, along with 110 newly-constructed library buildings, in order to promote reading culture in the state and improve public access to literature.

The Chennai Book Park, built at a cost of Rs 1.85 crore, will house Tamil, English and multilingual books from various publishers, including textbooks, literary translations, folk literature, children’s literature, and academic publications.

CM Stalin also inaugurated 110 new library buildings built at a total cost of Rs 29.8 crore under the Directorate of Public Libraries.

Tamil Nadu educational facilities

Among the key facilities inaugurated was a new model library building in Paramakudi, constructed on 1,050 square feet at a cost of Rs 70 lakh. Additionally, 70 special libraries have been set up near bus stands, hospitals, and district collector offices to improve accessibility for the public.

The Tamil Nadu government has also sanctioned Rs 213.46 crore for capital investment to upgrade 821 public libraries. Of these, 352 libraries have already been completed and the rest of the projects in various stages of development.

Furniture worth Rs 1.59 crore has been installed, and computing infrastructure worth Rs 60 lakh has been provided in these libraries. Additional initiatives include free textbooks and kits for Adi Dravidar and tribal students.

CM Stalin also inaugurated Tamil Nadu Textbook Corporation’s online portal www.tntextbooksonline.com designed to make textbooks and reference books easily accessible across the state and internationally. The digital platform aims to streamline book distribution and reach students in remote areas.

The chief minister also released 84 new books developed under several initiatives by Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation, such as "Dravidam Dhinam," “Muthamizh Scholar Translation Scheme,” and “Ilanthazhlir Literary Project” – an initiative that underscores the state’s commitment to promote Tamil literature and scholarly works.

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Chennai Book Park inauguration

The Chennai Book Park inauguration is part of the Tamil Nadu government’s broader educational transformation agenda that includes several flagship programmes such as:

• “Illam Thedi Kalvi” (Home-Based Learning)
• “Namma School – Namma Ooru” (Our School – Our Town)
• “Ennum Ezhuthum” (Foundational Literacy & Numeracy)
• Model school development

The inauguration event was attended by the state education minister, Chennai mayor, MLA representatives, senior bureaucrats, and other officials.

The inauguration of the Book Park and the libraries also highlighted Tamil Nadu government’s efforts towards education in the state, stated an official statement.