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Key Points

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin inaugurated a sprawling Book Park at Chennai Central Metro, featuring thousands of books and a reading-friendly café. Alongside, he launched 110 new public libraries across the state, aiming to make literature more accessible. The government also introduced an e-commerce platform for global book sales. This initiative strengthens Tamil Nadu’s push for inclusive learning and literacy.

Key Points: CM Stalin Launches Chennai Metro Book Park and Statewide Libraries

  • 5,000-sqft Book Park at Chennai Metro with 10% discount on books
  • 110 new libraries built for Rs 24.20 crore
  • E-commerce platform for global access to Tamil Nadu books
  • 70 special libraries in hospitals and bus stands
2 min read

CM Stalin inaugurates Chennai Metro's 'Book Park', unveils statewide library infrastructure projects

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin inaugurates a 5,000-sqft Book Park at Chennai Central Metro and 110 new libraries to boost reading culture.

"This initiative bridges urban-rural divides, making books accessible to all. – Tamil Nadu Government"

Chennai, June 10

In a significant step toward fostering a culture of reading and knowledge access, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday inaugurated a 5,000-square-foot 'Book Park' at the Chennai Central Metro Station.

Designed as an innovative literary space within one of the city’s busiest commuter hubs, the facility integrates reading with leisure, offering thousands of books, a cafe, and a mini event arena.

The Book Park, developed at a cost of Rs 1.85 crore, is a collaborative project between the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation (TNTBESC) under the School Education Department and Chennai Metro Rail Limited, based on a revenue-sharing model.

Housing over 5,000 books in Tamil, English, and other languages, the park’s collection spans genres and fields including literature, politics, science, law, agriculture, history, and poetry. It also includes school textbooks, translated works, and children’s literature.

In an added incentive to promote reading, a 10 per cent discount is being offered on all book purchases.

The park will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature free Wi-Fi to support a seamless reading environment.

Alongside this, CM Stalin also inaugurated a series of major library infrastructure projects across Tamil Nadu. This includes 110 newly constructed public library buildings in various districts, built at a combined cost of Rs 24.20 crore. These libraries have been stocked with books worth Rs 2.20 crore and equipped with computers and digital devices valued at Rs 60 lakh. Furniture worth Rs 1.59 crore has also been procured to enhance the user experience.

To expand global access to state-published literature, the Chief Minister launched a dedicated e-commerce platform - www.tntextbooksonline.com - allowing readers worldwide to purchase Tamil Nadu government publications.

Additional highlights of the day included the inauguration of a new library building at Paramakudi, constructed at a cost of Rs 70 lakh, and the opening of 70 special libraries located in high-footfall public spaces such as hospitals, district collectorates, and bus stands. These were developed at a total cost of Rs 29.80 crore. Officials described the multi-pronged initiative as a landmark in the state’s ongoing efforts to make books and knowledge more accessible, bridging urban-rural divides and creating inclusive learning environments.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is such a wonderful initiative! As a Chennai resident, I'm thrilled to see our metro stations becoming cultural hubs. The Book Park will make commuting more productive and enjoyable. Kudos to CM Stalin for prioritizing literacy and making books accessible to all! 📚
R
Rahul S.
Great concept but I hope they maintain the books properly. In our public libraries, many books get damaged or stolen. Also, the 10% discount is nice but books are still expensive for daily wage workers. Maybe introduce a book rental system?
A
Arjun M.
As someone who travels daily by metro, this is a game-changer! Instead of scrolling through my phone, I can now read quality books during my commute. The inclusion of Tamil literature is especially commendable - our mother tongue needs such promotion. 👏
M
Meena V.
The statewide library projects are impressive but I hope they focus equally on rural areas. Many villages still lack basic reading facilities. Also, will these libraries have trained staff to guide young readers? Infrastructure is important but human resources matter too.
K
Karthik P.
Excellent move! The e-commerce platform for state publications is long overdue. Now Tamils living abroad can access our literature easily. Hope they expand the collection beyond textbooks to include more contemporary Tamil writings.
S
Saranya R.
While I appreciate the initiative, I'm concerned about the costs involved. ₹1.85 crore for one Book Park seems high. Could this money have been used to establish more libraries in underserved areas? We need both quality and quantity in education infrastructure.

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