Connemara library regains lost glory

Chennai, Nov 21 (UNI) The over a century old Connemara Public Library, a treasury of rare publications, has undergone an amazing transformation, thanks to renovation by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

With the technical expertise given by ASI, under the direct supervision of its Superintendent Archaeologist Sathyabama Badrinath, the public library, one of India's four national depository libraries, has become resplendent with restored stained glass, floral murals and glass tiles.

'We have taken utmost care to give a new look to the building, the way in which it was constructed 110 years ago'' Ms Badrinath said when contacted by UNI.

She said the restoration work took seven long years as there was delay in importing the stained glass, cutting them and assembly on site. A lot of efforts had also gone into restoring the art work and replacing the tiles with glass tiles in the vaulted roof, she added.

The Department of Culture, Government of India and the Tamil Nadu Department of Education had renovated the 1896 structure at a cost of Rs 1.21 crore and the restored library would be opened to public next week.

MORE UNI WS AA PA GC1605