The best of the old…read moreand the new The Plainville Public Library is actually two libraries in one. The original part was built back in 1931 and is a very impressive looking stone building. Of course as the town expanded the need for a larger library quicker became apparent. However it wasn't until 2004 that the new, much larger section was opened. The great part is that instead of just constructing a whole new building or moving to a new location the people in town showed great wisdom and sense of aesthetics in keeping the original part and just adding on a new addition. The results are stunning. The old part still has fireplaces and great woodwork that makes you feel like you are in an old house rather than a public place. Comfy chairs and huge windows gives a sense of relaxation and serenity. A great place to do research or read a novel. Of course the new part is more prosaic and utilitarian. Not big on aesthetics but extremely efficient and useful. Almost 100,000 books and a huge variety of tapes, CD's and computer stations. A place to get things done. Lots of space, the whole area is intelligently designed and very easy to navigate. So at this library you can have a choice. Go to the new part and get something done in a modern environment or just step through doors of the old part, relax and slow down time. Plainville Library truly has the best of both worlds .

Plainville Public Library came into fruition in 1894. The building it's currently housed in opened…read morein 1931; after many renovations, it has expanded to fit more books for the growing population. There are meeting rooms, children's room, fireplaces, and many seating areas. There were plenty of parking in the large parking lot; there were two electric vehicle charging spots as well. The building was large and inside was spacious. It's a very nice library but I noticed the hours are more limited compared to other libraries I've been to. I went on Friday at 3:45 and they were closing at 4. I went downstairs to the children's room. There were many books, computers, and toys. The area was spacious and a great spot for the kids. There was a train table, play kitchen, and coloring table. The librarian downstairs was friendly and I checked out a few books. I was able to drop off a few books upstairs the front desk. Overall, it's a nice library!

Great small town Library our kids grew up in this town the schools are also good they are a small…read moretown working class people who try and do there best to make do with what little they have. This Library is small but very safe, quiet and historical you could literally drop your kids off comeback 3 hours later and it's that safe although I don't recommend anyone to do that. The staff are all locals who went to school here grew up here and live here what more American could you get. This town is very humble and extremely Patriotic the Parade every year is absolutely beautiful the most tight knit community great place to raise your children please do not listen to folklore because we lived and raised all our kids here and wouldn't change it for an tinsel town hobnob stuck up snot nosed town. The elders in this community genuinely care for the wellbeing of its citizens and to me that's worth its weight in gold. Now back to the Library in my opinion it's the best kept secret in Litchfield County and most drive by it without realizing this, the Mayor of town has done the most for it and the Police Chief has made some great improvements to the force all in all this town has lots of veterans who grew up and live here for that we are thankful.

Very friendly librarians and clearly run by people with a love of books. They even have books on…read moretheir sign outside. The children's section is on the lower level by the entrance, and the adult section is upstairs. My only qualm is the parking lot off Terryville Avenue is very narrow and hard to turn around in. It can also be difficult to turn left with the significant flow of traffic.

This library was established in 1904, originally at a different location in Forestville. It moved a…read morecouple of times and now, it is located on Frederick N. Manross' former property; he was a resident of Bristol. His home was used as a library then a new building was built in 1975 in place of it. This quaint and quiet library is the second library located in Forestville which is a neighborhood in Bristol. There were plenty of parking. I loved the high ceilings. The children's section had toys, blocks, puzzles, and stuffed animals. I liked the children's section here because of this; it was more suited for kids 4 years old and under. There were plenty of books and other resources. My kids and I enjoyed our time there.

Art books and plants…read more The Manross Memorial Library is the Forestville branch library in the Bristol library system. Not a particular large place but definitely good size for a branch. A modern and impressive building from the outside, the library becomes very warm and cozy once you walk in the doors. Certainly not an historic or stunning interior, it has subtle interest and charm everywhere you look. Lots of cool art and models of lighthouses and ships are on display and cozy little spots and corners to sit and read or just relax. An abundance of live plants gives a very homey feel to the library. An impressive little library that manages to turn a place of study and books into a very interesting, friendly and comfortable place to spend some time.

This library is top notch in every way. It is also very enormous. One full very large floor for…read moreonly kiddos. The second floor is for teens and adults. The staff is great, and they have lots of events.

I did not expect to find the Farmington library as part of a larger town government complex. If I…read morewere a betting person, I'd blame the seventies. The outside of the building is very austere and gray. There is a fair amount of parking available, so watch out for pedestrians. The building itself is huge; there is a map in the lobby and it is helpful. The lobby has so much on its own - a used book sales area, movies, space to sit.... There used to be (if memory serves over several years) a coffee station but now holds maps for planning information. There is, off the lobby, also a whimsical duck statue. The Friends of the library do a book sale once a year. On the last day, it starts as a normal sale, and in the afternoon goes to $10 per bag you fill with books. There is a gap between those two sales, and a place to queue until the bag sale opens. You're not going to pull one over on the Friends and sneak in as the first part of the sale ends. You'll be asked to wait outside.

Definitely one of the nicer libraries I've been to. There is even a seed library in there. On the…read moreleft side when you first walk in, there is a children, teen, and middle school section. On the right side, that's the adult section and there was a seating area and fireplace. The librarian and staff were friendly. The parking lot had plenty of spaces and even an electric vehicle charger. In the children's area, there were computers, train table, blocks, play kitchen, and magnetic tiles. The library was very clean and organized. There are plenty of events, activities, and services; check out their website for updates. Overall, one of my favorite libraries I've been to so far.

This library is set far back from the chaos that is route 4. Inside it's very scholarly but fun!…read moreHow else do you explain study carrols with bright green chairs? There are many sections to sit and read quietly, a self service check out, and an electric car charging station outside. It is next to several sport related fields. They also have a lovely Friends of the Library association who do book sales and (if memory serves) a cookie walk.

It's a great place to not only check out books but also free museum passes or discounted passes!…read moreI've been to two museums for free already!

Today I stopped by The New Britain Public Library to look for some cook books and for some fun new…read morebooks to read to my class. I haven't been to this library in a long time, since I was in college and avoided paying the extravagant prices the school bookstore charged for the classic literature books. The large windows and the construction of the library make it obvious, it has been here for a long time. The library first opened in 1853. I first went to the children's department. This area of the library was filled with kids playing with wooden blocks and legos, as well as a plethora of books categorized by interest. I selected around five brand new books for my class. They also have computers and movies in the kid's department. The adult section was much quieter and I couldn't hear any of the noise coming through from the adjacent children's area. I took the third floor on the elevator to find the area with the books that interested me. This was a super quiet space with shelves and shelves of organized books. I found two. They also have a selection of magazines, puzzles, CDs and DVDs available to borrow. I was very pleased with my experience at this library today.

What a beautiful Greek revival style building! It was built in 1917 and was the main library in…read moreFarmington until 1983. There is a playground and ample parking. Like other libraries, this place is a great resource for the community. The children's area was nice. There were plenty of books and some computers for them to use. There was a separate room with toys, magnetic tiles, dollhouse, and more. Overall, a beautiful library and the kids and I enjoyed our time there.

A lot more than…read more just books There are lots of libraries in the state of Connecticut. Huge efficient ones, small quaint ones and cool historical ones. But there are few libraries anywhere than can match the resplendence, elegance and comfort of the Barney Library. Built back in 1919 and called the Village Library until 1999, the Barney Library was the main library in the town of Farmington until 1983 when a much more modern and larger library was completed. Fortunately the Barney Library was kept open and given three million dollars in renovations. Walking into this library is an experience. You immediately notice such niceties like fireplaces, wooden floors, antiques, spiral staircases and artwork. One of the cool librarians that works here told me that many people ask if the building was once someones private mansion or residence but no, it was built as a library from the very start. Of course the Barney Library has books, computers, and all the other mundane things found in typical libraries. It also has plenty of programs for kids and various lectures and demonstrations. However if you go up the grand spiral staircase you will find something not so typical. Several beautiful rooms that hold art sales and concerts, complete with a kitchen and stunning antiques. The Barney Library is a very special place. Perhaps not the most efficient library around because of all the open spaces and gorgeous paintings and antiques that prevent certain areas from being packed with books. That doesn't matter, it is a library that takes you back in time, when libraries were much more than just a place to find a book.

I love this library because of architectural standards plus it has a massive collection of novels…read moreand movies for everyone. It also features the local history reference room. There are lots of interesting book displays all over the place. There's even an ongoing book sale too. Check out a wall of characters from popular children's books in the Children's room. It is very beautiful plus the mural next to the entry of its room as well. The staff are courteous and very nice people in charge of this library. Outside library premises, it also features the Little Free Library. The exterior building is spectacularly awesome. It's worth stopping by if you're in the area and love reading books.

This library is always doing fun things! So many kids ideas from Lego club to sticker printing to…read moreyouth vendor shows! They have lots to choose from, movies and categories of books. They have a computer area, and even a library pet bearded dragon! Adorable. The staff were helpful and nice.

I visited this library for their annual book and bake sale. If the people streaming out with bags…read moreof books is any indication, they have a fairly loyal following. The selection seems to be ample, and the people working there were actually smiling. I've never seen that in a real life work environment (which may say more about me than them). Getting in and out change be a little challenging, especially if you're using a GPS. Parking is available behind the town hall/police station, and the actual building is on the street but if you're coming from the right, is across a split road. My dog and I drove around for quite a while before this dawned on me.

Great people working and volunteering here!! The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. My…read morefavorite place to go!!