₹300 crore Periyar Arivulagam library in Coimbatore nears completion

Coimbatore is set to witness a major addition to its educational and knowledge infrastructure with the ₹300 crore Periyar Arivulagam library project entering its final stage of completion. Located in Gandhipuram, the project has been developed by the Public Works Department on nearly 7 acres of land that previously housed the Central Prison.

The multi-storey structure, built across ground plus seven floors with a total built-up area of 1.98 lakh square feet, is designed to function as a modern knowledge hub combining a public library with an advanced science learning centre. Civil works for the project have already been completed, and finishing works are currently progressing at a steady pace. Officials indicate that only the entrance lobby and arch-related works remain, and the facility is expected to be ready within a month.

One of the key highlights of the project is its scale and functionality. The library will accommodate around 1.25 lakh books, out of which over 25,000 have already been procured. The remaining books are being sourced in phases and will be systematically arranged across designated sections in the building.

The facility is planned with a strong focus on inclusivity and innovation. The ground floor will include a dedicated library for persons with disabilities, along with a 350-seat auditorium, a science centre and a planetarium. Upper floors will host children’s sections, competitive exam libraries, incubation spaces and dedicated areas for Tamil and English publications.

Adding to its uniqueness, the building will feature a space-themed lift experience and nearly 90 interactive STEM installations within the science centre. A digital library and future technology gallery focusing on artificial intelligence and robotics will further enhance the learning experience.

Once operational, Periyar Arivulagam is expected to become a landmark knowledge destination in Tamil Nadu, supporting students, researchers and the wider community.