Sat Nov 16 16:31:15 UTC 2024: **Chennai Libraries Get a Facelift: Marine-Themed Makeover and New Construction Planned**

**CHENNAI, November 17, 2024** – Several Chennai libraries are undergoing renovations and expansions, bringing exciting new features and improved resources to the city’s readers. Two projects highlight the upgrades: a marine-themed transformation of the Marina branch library and the complete rebuilding of the R.A. Puram branch.

The Marina branch library, located near the Marina swimming pool and opened in 2000, will soon become home to an “Ocean Station,” a unique collaboration between the government and the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI). This interactive space will focus on local marine life, including Olive Ridley turtles and various dolphin and shark species. The station will feature educational materials, quizzes, and spaces for discussion and study, all while maintaining the library’s existing collection. The Public Works Department will undertake building repairs, with EFI leading the subsequent remodel. The project aims to increase awareness of marine conservation and is expected to commence next year.

Meanwhile, the older R.A. Puram branch library, showing significant age-related damage, will be completely demolished and rebuilt under a CMDA project. Construction is slated to begin in January 2025 and take six to eight months. During this time, residents can utilize the nearby St. Mary’s Road branch. The Raja Annamalaipuram Residents Association (RAPRA) is collaborating on the project, securing the use of the future library’s office space for free Sunday coaching classes once construction is complete. RAPRA has already undertaken some preliminary repairs and enrolled 50 new students on Children’s Day. The library currently offers free Wi-Fi.

The District Library Officer, M. Kavitha, emphasized the commitment to improving library access, noting that libraries remain open on weekends and Fridays to accommodate students. National Library Week (November 14-20) marked the launch of several library improvement initiatives across Chennai.

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