American Center Chennai

American Center, Chennai

The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai warmly welcomes you to the American Center.  Established in 1947, the Center (formerly and still sometimes known as the American Library) has played a special role in fostering relationships between the people of the United States and South India.  People across the region have shared with us their memories of the American Center– how it inspired, informed, and changed them.  Just as the U.S.-India partnership has risen to new levels, the American Center is also evolving in engaging its audiences.  With an event space, DVD viewing kiosks, online databases, and much more, the American Center incorporates some of the latest trends and technologies.  We have more than 15,000 books and printed materials and one of the largest collections of American Studies materials in South Asia.

Our Center organizes a wide range of interactive programs both virtually and in-person.  There’s something for everyone, whether English language workshops, entrepreneurial mentoring, sessions on U.S. higher education, or discussions on a full range of U.S. policy, society and culture, film screenings, and story-telling sessions.  The American Center is a platform for South Indians and Americans from all walks of life to come together to engage on issues of common and global interest.

Our dedicated staff provides a wide range of resources and services, offering accurate and current information about American government and civil society institutions, policies, the economy, global issues, culture, literature, history, and contemporary life.

The American Center is open to all.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

American Center Access Instructions:

Please provide an original, valid, government-issued photo ID card (e.g. passport/driver license/voter ID card/Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card/Aadhaar Card/college/university ID card) for entry.   Cellphones must be deposited at the security counter of the Consulate General.  Other electronic devices, including iPads/notebooks/laptops, etc., are not allowed, and storage facility is not available.  Please note that there is no parking on the premises of the Consulate General.  Wearing masks is mandatory at all the times within the premises.

Location and Hours

The American Center
U.S. Consulate General, Chennai
220, Anna Salai, Gemini Circle (adjacent to the Anna Flyover)
Chennai 600 006

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Email: ChennaiAmCenter@state.gov

Center Director: 044-2857-4017

Circulation/Membership Desk: 044-2857-4223, 044-2857-4041, or 044-2857-4321

Reference Desk: 044-2857-4089 or 044-2857-4324