ACL has planned to adopt an integrated library management system that includes automated issue and return of books, user smartcards, access controls, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and self-check counters.

This project has achieved 43 LEED points, highest amongst any government buildings in Tamil Nadu thus far.

[5][6] A few months after Ms. J.Jayalalitha from the AIADMK took over as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in the 2011 Elections, she announced her decision to convert the Library building in Kotturpuram, Chennai to accommodate a Super speciality Pediatric hospital.

She declared that the library would be shifted to the proposed Integrated Knowledge Park on the DPI (Directorate of Public Instruction) campus in Nungambakkam, Chennai.

While no association or individual was opposed to the idea of a fully equipped super speciality hospital coming up for children, writers and others who frequent the library urged the government to revoke its decision of shifting a fully functional library that has gone on to become a storehouse of knowledge and a key landmark in the city.

A senior professor at the University of Madras said: "The library is excellent, offering very good facilities.

The then former chief minister Mr. Karunanidhi who built the Library even threatened that he would immolate himself to prevent the alteration.

The Madras high court then stayed the Tamil Nadu government's controversial proposal to shift the Anna Centenary Library to DPI campus in Nungambakkam.

Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State had lauded the library during her visit to Chennai on 20 July 2011.