We were looking for a quiet cool place to read this afternoon after being in the sun for several…read morehours at the Wethersfield PorchFest on Main St. First we stopped by the Wethersfield Cove which was lovely by the water, but there was no shade. So we checked out their public library. What a beautiful place! The staff are welcoming and kind. The 3 floors of books are conveniently and hospitably set up, with lots of tables/chairs. Brightly lit, with several spacious study rooms along the sides. Basement is children's books, first floor nonfiction, and second floor fiction for the most part.

Love the study rooms!!!…read more This library closes pretty late... They do want you out about 15-20 mins before closing (which is understandable). I always push my luck and stay until the last 3 mins... The man (who I presume is the manager) is a big pacer. He may pace outside your study room but I do believe this is just part of his exercise routine. Books seem to be in tip top shape Overall: 10/10 Would recommend this library!!!

I have been a member of this library for 66 years, and it has grown with the public it serves into…read morean amazing local treasure. The librarian and all of the personnel bend over backward to provide the very best customer service possible, and the selections are always fresh and exciting. In addition, the special programming is fun for adults and kids alike.

A beautiful building in…read more a beautiful borough The Stonington Free Library is located in a lovely building that was built way back in 1900. This was in the time before most towns were broke and when they still had money to spend on making libraries more than just warehouses to store books. The building would be a cool place to visit even if it didn't have any books at all. The site selected was where the famous Wadawanuck Hotel stood a few years before. This was when Stonington was still a hopping transportation center with a multitude of steam ships and trains stopping here between Boston and New York. Before things changed and Stonington became a the quiet little borough it presently is. The library is relatively small by the standards of larger towns but has been expanded several times over the decades but still managed to keep it's charm and unique character. It was built to be more than just a place to store books and that idea has never changed throughout the years. Sure the library has books, a whole bunch of books. plus the usual periodicals, computers, videos, Cd's and other mundane library stuff. The library also has a nice children's department and has various lectures, events and demonstrations. Of course the friendly and smiling small town librarians are present to assist and eager to help with any question or difficulty. But the magic of this library isn't in the books but the wonderful building located in a wonderful and historical town literally surrounded by water. A great place to read, do research or just walk around, look, smell the ocean, and wonder what this town was like a hundred years ago when the library was built.

I stopped by the Raymond Library in East Hartford, since I was in the area. I wanted to pick up…read moresome new reading material for my self. This building is impressive, it looks like it might have been a museum in its old life. I walked inside, and this is where they have their new arrivals, as well as periodicals and newspapers. There are two comfy chairs in this area. There was a "respectful flag disposal" here. It's a nicer looking cardboard box, with a print of the American flag on it. This is the first time I've noticed this. I'm not sure if all libraries have them, but it makes sense. It's good to make others aware of proper ways to dispose of a flag. The computer area was pretty full of users. I couldn't find a place to sit, that's not by the computers. There was some beautiful artwork displayed, that was done by high school seniors. The books were spread out across two floors. The children's area had some clay work from elementary school on display as well as some other artwork. There were puzzles, games and a ton of books for the youngest readers. They even had some guide books for parents dealing with various difficulties in parenthood. Overall, this is a nice library with plenty to offer anyone in the community.

This is a stately library, and a little hard to see from Main Street. The library is set back from…read morethat particular road, and behind an area of greenery. Go down Central Avenue for the parking lot, there seems to be ample space. The library itself is clean, devoted to Connecticut's aviation history, and have rows of books with seasonal decor. A book mobile was even parked in the back!

Slowing down time…read more The Preston Public Library was started in 1898 and still does a whole lot of things that it did for decades.. You can read a book, do some research, ask the friendly librarian stupid questions or just sit and relax. The difference now is that the library has five computers for public use and free wifi and other modern amenities. The Preston Library also offers a great kids area and all kinds of different programs ranging from arts & crafts to story telling. Things don't change much in a small town like Preston and that is usually a very nice thing. The library manages to keep it's small, quaint and unassuming feel of the 20th century while offering the latest technology of the 21st. .

The most recently renovated branch of the Hartford Public Library, Park Branch. Now called Park…read moreStreet Library at the Lyric. The area is very inviting and clean. Plenty of room to sit down and read a book. The branch has many programs too. There are a few parking spots in the back opening on Broad street but mostly occupied by staff. There are plenty of side streets to park at though.

Beautiful library in Haddam! The parking lot is a little small, but looks to be available on both…read moresides of the building. The building itself looks to have been through a renovation or two, with the front looking very classic. Theres a domed ceiling with stained glass on the top; it's positively gorgeous. There are places to sit, lots of books, and a respectful quiet in the building.

Great location. Excellent WiFi6 coverage with 5G access…read more Parking lot is small. I visit the library regularly as a beta tester to download software updates

Great library. Many good memories. I especially liked…read morewriting workshop and annual book sales.

I can't say enough about this library. It's so beautiful inside and out. It's always meticulously…read moremaintained. All of the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. I have so many fond memories visiting this library as a child and getting to see the mummy hand in the attic. The children's programs are excellent, we look forward to attending every week!

A library that will…read more never be built again I have been to a lot of libraries. big ones, small ones, old ones and new ones but i don't believe I have even seen one quite this physically impressive. It looks more like a medieval castle than a library. Being right next door to a 135 foot high obelisk, a cool old fort and great views of the Thames River certainly doesn't hurt. The money for this library was donated by an extremely generous man named Frederic Bill. He made his money in the linen business back in the 1800's and wanted to give back some of it to help his community. He ended up helping to build churches, schools, and of course this library. The library was opened in 1890 and constructed of huge blocks of granite floated down by barge by from the quarries at Stony Creek in Branford, Ct. The library originally held about 1,750 volumes but has grown a lot since then. It had major additions added in 1907 and 1994 and the amazing thing is that the additions blend in so well with the original structure that it all looks like it was built at one time. The inside has all the modern conveniences of most libraries but never lets you forget that you are in a very special place. Something cool to look at in every direction, this is far more than just a place to store books. This is a library that will never be built again. Look inside and you see all types of unique architecture and creative art, if you happen to take a peek out the window you see a monstrous obelisk looming overhead or perhaps an old revolutionary fort. The building, grounds and location are just so damn impressive that the books almost become superfluous. Walk slowly and breath deeply when you go through the doors, this is a very special library.