Goschen Library: A Quaint Heritage Building in Chennai

Located on Arunachalam Street in Chintadripet, adjacent to May Day Park, the Goschen Library is a hidden gem often missed amidst the chaos of the main road. This library can claim a rich history dating back to its foundation in 1926.

The building was initially used as a public hall and library, set up by Shri Vijayaraghavulu Chetty, who wanted to encourage reading among local residents. The hall was also used for nationalist meetings and public gatherings. Later, it was named after Lady Goschen, wife of then Governor of Madras George Goshen, who laid the foundation stone for the public library.

Today, the Goschen Library is most famous for its reading room, with its regular supply of newspapers and magazines. Considering the busy surroundings, it is a quaint and charming edifice that surprises visitors with its peaceful atmosphere.

Despite being classified as a heritage structure, the Goschen Library is caught in red tape and desperately needs attention and restoration. The lack of facilities is clearly visible, and the library lost many books during the 2015 floods, which also impacted the building. It is a sad example of heritage in tatters, with complete apathy towards this building.

The Goschen Library's history is intertwined with the history of Madras, and its establishment played an important role in promoting reading and education in the region. However, it struggles to survive today with little support from the authorities.

If you are a history buff or a book lover, a visit to the Goschen Library is a must when in Chennai. It may not have the grandeur of some of the city's more famous landmarks, but it has a charm of its own, and a visit to this library will take you back in time to a different era. Let us hope that steps are taken soon to restore this precious heritage structure to its former glory.

Happy travelling.