If you’re in CT and looking for libraries, this post is for you. Below we’ve featured 10 of the best public libraries in Connecticut.
1. Bridgeport Public Library
Looking for a cool place to visit during your trip to Connecticut? Look no further than the Bridgeport Public Library. It was officially founded in 1881, but its current location opened on April 25, 1927.
The library offers their computers to the public and has Wi-Fi for people to use. The Bridgeport Public Library also has a History Center open for researchers to take advantage of. There’s a kids program with scheduled activities like Little Learners Storytime. You can check out their catalog online to see what is in their collection. View their online calendar if you’re looking for any activities that work with your schedule.
If you want to know more about their services, get in contact with them here.
2. New Haven Free Public Library
The city of New Haven opened its first public library on February 21, 1887. Now, the city has four other branches as part of its main library location. One popular attraction for visitors is the library’s stained glass windows, which transported from Seattle, Washington.
The library offers several resources for children and teens. There’s Storytime for kids and homework help for teenagers, among others. There’s also an innovation hub for entrepreneurs, nonprofit workers, and creatives. They offer digital resources, like the chance to borrow eBooks. People can also reserve a meeting room at various library branches. Check out their events calendar for programs and meetings open to the public.
You can contact the library if you have questions.
3. Ferguson Library
If you’re in Stamford, be sure to check out the Ferguson Library. It opened to the public in 1882, but moved to its current location in 1909. The building is named after John Day Ferguson, who left enough money to help fund a public library.
Check out their digital catalog to explore. There are also resources for kids and teens, like book lists and summer learning guides. The library has a great calendar of events, and has even hosted more prestigious meetings like CrimeConn and TedX. There are computers available for the public to use and even meeting rooms available to reserve. There is a wealth of resources available to look through.
Contact the library if you have questions.
4. Hartford Public Library
Visiting Hartford, Connecticut? Be sure to stop by the city’s public library. The Hartford Public Library evolved over the years from a private library company to the free public library it is known for today. The Hartford Public Library officially opened on May 3, 1893. Its current location is in downtown Hartford.
There are book clubs, resources for writers, and a digital library lab. There’s also a history center in the library for people to search town archives and records. Computers are available to the public and people can also reserve their meeting rooms. There is a Children’s Department where parents can take their kids to check out books or attend an educational event. Teens can also take advantage of the library’s programming and resources.
Contact the library for more information.
5. Silas Bronson Library
The Silas Bronson Library is located in Waterbury, Connecticut, and opened on April 1, 1870. The library is named after a wealthy New York merchant who grew up in Waterbury. Bronson left $200,000 after his death for a public library to be built.
The library hosts many online programs for kids, teens, and adults. The library also has a home delivery service for people who can’t make it to the library. Their website has online databases to research local history and genealogy records. You can access their free Wi-Fi onsite and book a meeting room.
You can contact the library here.
6. Norwalk Public Library
Norwalk Public Library started as a library corporation in 1879. It became a public library in 1895 and started operating from its current location in April 1903. The Norwalk Public Library has a south branch that was operated independently until the 1970s. Now, both buildings are headed by the city of Norwalk.
There are a number of services offered by the Norwalk Public Library. Patrons can borrow mobile hotspots, technology workshops, and an online catalog. Teens and children can also take advantage of homework help services and a digital library. The library has meeting rooms available upon request.
Feel free to reach out to the library if you want to know more.
7. Danbury Library
Within the small Connecticut town of Danbury is a beloved library. The library first opened in 1869 but changed to a number of locations. In 1996, a fire erupted on the first floor of the library and ruined its computers, along with several other resources. The library reopened in 1997 after the donors pooled their money to rebuild.
The library offers meeting rooms and public computers. There are online programs for teens to take advantage of, and a kids’ center. There’s also a recording studio onsite.
Contact the library if you have questions.
8. New Britain Public Library
The New Britain Public Library started at the hands of several men who wanted to promote education. The library first opened in New Britain, Connecticut, in 1858, but had to close during the Civil War due to lack of funds. Now, people can stop by and take advantage of its numerous resources.
The library’s event calendar is updated with great programs. The library offers wireless printing in addition to its public computers. People can search an online catalog or go to the library’s physical location to learn how to use a 3D printer and other creative machines.
Reach out to the library if you have questions.
9. West Hartford Public Library
West Hartford Public Library opened in 1897 in the town of West Hartford. There are three branches throughout the city.
The library offers public computers, meeting rooms, and a studio at their Noah Webster branch. You can also take an online class and peruse through their online library. Stay updated on the latest events with their online calendar.
If you have questions, you can contact them online.
10. Greenwich Library
If you’re wanting to find something to do while in Greenwich, Connecticut, be sure to check out their public library! The Greenwich Library can trace its roots back to the early 1800s when the townspeople paid a fee to rent books. It officially opened as a free public library on May 24, 1899.
People can reserve library rooms for studying or as a meeting space at no cost. Explore the library’s online catalog for people to explore. Enjoy a coffee or snack break with their onsite cafe. They also have an updated list of meetings and exhibits on their events page.
Contact the library to ask any questions.