For many commuters, a train journey is best paired with a good book. Tapping into this timeless habit, the Tamil Nadu government has launched a unique literary initiative — a ‘Book Park’ at Chennai Central Metro Station. Inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on June 10, this reading haven is quickly becoming a favourite stop for thousands of daily travellers.
Spanning 5,100 square feet, the Book Park houses an impressive collection of 10,000 titles across diverse genres — from Tamil, Indian, and world history to sociology, psychology, classical literature, and astronomy. There’s something for every reader: civil service aspirants, curious children, poetry lovers, and even those seeking translated works in Tamil, Telugu, and other South Indian languages.
The facility, run by the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation, is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. Notably, books are available at discounted prices, ranging from ₹50 to ₹5,000, thanks to the participation of 11 approved publishers and vendors.
Readers are already hooked. Renuga, a civil service aspirant from Salem, said, “This helps pull us away from social media and back into books.” Aruna, a medical student, added, “This location increases access and interest in reading across age groups.”
Balaji, an official from the Corporation, highlighted that the park includes everything from school textbooks to rare literary gems.