6 Most Beautiful Public Libraries In Connecticut

Connecticut can be considered the birthplace of America’s modern-day library system. In 1803, the state opened the country’s very first free public library. That first library was a community effort, led by early settlers who wanted to make education available to all. Soon, libraries were springing up in small towns all over New England, but the system got a much-needed boost in the 19th century when wealthy philanthropists such as Andrew Carnegie and Jonathan Scoville began funding bigger and better institutions. Many of these architectural gems have survived to the present day and have become attractions in their own right. Below are just some of Connecticut’s beautiful and historic libraries, a must-visit for history-lovers, bibliophiles, or any visitors wanting to see something a bit different on their next New England vacation.

Scoville Memorial Library, Salisbury

In 1771, English settler Richard Smith presented the townspeople of Salisbury with a unique offer — he would bring 200 books from London to Connecticut if they would finance the endeavour. They agreed and expressed their wish that the new library would be used “for the Promoting of Virtue, Education, and Learning”.

Known as the Salisbury Free Library, the project quickly expanded into two entities, the Bingham Youth Library and the Church Library. In 1810, the town voted to support the Bingham Youth Library with its tax dollars, making it the first publicly funded library in the country.

In the late 1800s, the Scoville family funded the library’s current home, the Scoville Memorial Library, which features a historic clock tower and a 15th-century carving from Salisbury Cathedral in England, which still sits over the fireplace in the reading room. The library now contains over 30,000 items and has an art collection that includes portraits of the Scoville family. It is open to visitors daily, excluding Mondays.

Aldrich Free Public Library, Moosup, Plainfield

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Aldrich Free Public Library was built in 1895 and largely financed by two local businessmen, David L. Aldrich and Edwin Milner, who were partners in a local wool mill. The library is a beautiful example of classic Victorian Queen Anne architecture. When it opened its doors in February 1896, the local newspaper announced it was "undoubtedly the finest structure in town, and one in which Moosup may well take a deal of pride."

Over the years, the Aldrich Free Public Library was kept afloat through the dedication of the townspeople who came together to support the community hub. One fundraiser, held in 1897, included musical entertainment and dancing and raised $76 for new books. The Aldrich Free Public Library is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Pequot Library, Southport

Another iconic Connecticut institution, the Pequot Library, founded in 1889, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has an extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts. Set on more than 3 acres of beautiful green space, the library itself is a historic treasure, designed by architect Robert H. Robertson in a grand Romanesque Revival style. It features Tiffany Windows, an eye-catching entrance porch with three archways, and a large auditorium.

Visitors can take a one-hour tour of the Special Collections or a 40-minute tour of the building and its history. Both must be booked two weeks in advance and are held Monday to Friday between 10am and 6pm. The Library also offers docent-led walking tours of historic Southport during the spring, summer, and fall, allowing visitors to learn about the town's history and its residents throughout the centuries.

Hall Memorial Library, Ellington

Built in 1903, the Hall Memorial Library was a gift from Francis Hall to the town in honour of his father and brother, who were school headmasters in Ellington. The library hasn’t changed much in the century it has served the town. Its impressive two-column frontage and stately Colonial Revival architecture were joined by a 19,000 square foot addition in 1992 to accommodate the library’s growing 70,500 volume collection.

The Hall Memorial Library is located on Main Street, in the heart of Ellington’s Historic District and at the head of the town green. It’s open on weekdays with seasonal hours on weekends.

James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford

James Blackstone was born in Branford in 1793. Exactly a century later, construction began on the library that bears his name — a gift to the town from James’ son Timothy. The unusual building was designed by Chicago architect Solon Beman who had the Athens Acropolis in mind when sketching its large domed roof, portico columns, and marbled doorways.

Inside the library, one of its most striking features is the 50ft high dome, decorated with paintings that illustrate the history of book making, and the marble mosaic floor in the central Rotunda, which is based on a Parisian design. The library was completed in 1896 and cost $300,000, an enormous sum for the time.

Alongside its extensive book and digital media collection, the library contains an arrowhead collection and the Artist’s Circle Gallery which showcases the work of local creatives. The James Blackstone Memorial Library is open from Monday to Saturday, and open on Sunday afternoons from September to May.

Guilford Smith Memorial Library, South Windham

The Guilford Smith Memorial Library in South Windham looks more like a grand period mansion than a public library, which is unsurprising given its heritage. Before it was a library, the building was the home of local paper manufacturer Charles Smith, who built the Greek Revival residence in 1836. When Charles’ son, Guilford, died in 1923, he left $25,000 to the town to establish a library, and the Guilford Smith Memorial Library opened in his former home in 1931.

Much of the furniture in the library’s upstairs rooms is original to the Smith family. According to local lore, the library is haunted by several spectres. Over the years, staff and library board members have reported many ghostly encounters in the historic building, such as hearing voices in the attic and finding books rearranged. If you’re brave enough to visit, the Guilford Smith Memorial Library is located on Main Street and open from Tuesday to Saturday.

Connecticut’s Iconic Libraries

Connecticut’s love of learning is reflected in its long library history. The state has nurtured and guarded its public libraries for over two centuries. Beginning as tiny community hubs in quaint small towns, Connecticut's early libraries were labors of love for their townspeople, who fundraised and donated to keep collections going. As the libraries grew, they needed grander, bigger buildings and many of these beautiful structures have stood the test of time. Lovingly restored and maintained, Connecticut’s historic libraries aren’t just places where communities can gather, residents can learn, and kids can discover a love of reading. They’re iconic landmarks that tell the story of the state.