Chennai Central Metro is preparing to unveil a sprawling 5,000-sqft literary space this June, which was initially slated for an April launch. Dubbed the Book Park, this innovative zone aims to breathe fresh life into reading habits at one of the city’s busiest commuter hubs.
The facility is being set up with stylish blue-grey carpeted floors, glass-panelled walls, snug reading alcoves, and a 10% discount on all books to attract readers of all ages. It will house 70 book racks, cozy reading tables, a mini auditorium, and a coffee counter to complete the experience.
Planned by the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation, the Book Park will offer 8,000 to 10,000 volumes spanning diverse topics — from history, politics, and economics to literature, science, medicine, archaeology, and children’s fiction.
Books will be available in Tamil, English, Telugu, and other regional languages, including translated international works, encouraging a multilingual reading experience.
Operating from 9 AM to 9 PM daily, the space will feature free Wi-Fi, a small event corner for book launches, and room for 80 attendees at literary gatherings.
This book hub is also expected to act as a prototype for similar venues across Tamil Nadu, based on commuter engagement.
“We’re building a space where ideas and readers meet,” said Public Library Director P. Shankar.