Nice library located in downtown Norwich. Seems very diverse and appealing. Lots of books to choose…read morefrom. Book sales held twice a year. Nice staff as well.

Books genealogy and…read moreOtis The first Norwich library was built in 1849 with money donated by Deacon (Joseph) Otis; Like most of the libraries back then it was a subscription library and only became a free library in 1891. The old Greek Revival building was pretty cool but it was just to small to accommodate the growing community and so a new, larger but more ordinary building was built in the 1960s. Over the years the new building also proved to be inadequate so the library managed to receive a 4.5 million dollar grant in 2004 for renovations and improvements. This was the largest library grant in state's history and certain turned the library into a wonderful place to research and visit. Unfortunately over the last few years money has been scarce and the library has been losing funding, resulting in loss of hours and programs. Hopefully this will change in the near future. Lot of open space, cool places to sit and a extremely useful local history and genealogy room. A lovely area for kids and even a pleasant little courtyard outside. Not a historical or stunning building like lots of the many of the old libraries in the area but one that has a charming and friendly atmosphere and is a library that is a very pleasant place to work, learn or just look around.

Charming location, incredibly friendly staff, what more could you ask for?…read more Every possible resource is available or can be located. This is what small town America is all about. It encourages happiness and contentment.

The road to…read moreknowledge The Gales Ferry Library is a quaint little library located in the quaint little village of Gales Ferry. The first library was started back in 1917 when a bunch of donated books were just shoved on a shelve in a country club and the first real library was constructed shortly after in 1921. The diminutive library continued pretty much unchanged until 1971 when it was moved to a larger facility next to the community center and was expanded once again in 1991. The most distinctive feature of the library is the wonderful balcony with the lattice railing. It gives nice views of the downstairs as well as a nice place for some peace and quiet. The library has a very obvious small town feel to it and is friendly and inviting. It's not nearly as architecturally stunning as the nearby Bill library but is warm, cozy and unique. A very pleasant library in a very pleasant location.

This is really a COMMUNITY library. Its in a quiet spot on a busy street with a pond on one side…read moreand a large parking lot in back. Inside the library is well divided and labeled. Large signs leave no question about where you're going. There's someplace for everyone, and bold advertising about upcoming events, other community actions, and what donations are being accepted.

Second "office" of the day, this is a medium-sized library that has a lot of technology available…read morefor patrons. Rows of computers and some that can be borrowed as well. I had my own laptops and found a table in the corner with power outlets. Plugged in and charging, I did one quiet Zoom meeting and sent a bunch of emails while writing a Yelp review of two. The wifi is free was and fast enough. Many resources available including a staffed reference desk, stacks of books and plenty of reading material. [Review 18670 overall - 85 in Connecticut - 2192 of 2022.]

Wonderful librarians; great selection of materials; local historical items - What's not to love?!read more

Prior to Cragin Memorial I hadn't been in a public library in a couple of years. This is a decent…read moresized library with a good selection of books and other media. Ample seating (even some hidden away seating in case you are scared of people reading books). Plenty of tables and they have free wi-fi. I was looking for a quiet place to work for a couple of hours and Cragin filled that need. Worth a visit - Dan.

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.

This is a beautiful library. The Salem Library is located in a cluster of other town buildings…read morealong a busy road. They are all surprisingly brightly painted white. The parking lot is in the back, and has lots of room unless perhaps there's an event. The ceilings in the middle are huge, with lots of cute decor on the shelves. The sides each have more customized areas, like children's and a wall of movies. The people there were very friendly and charming, even though I popped in close to their closing time!

I have not been to the library for a decade. I came by with my teenage son. He is very picky about…read morebooks and needed to write a Senior essay for school. He has ADHD so it's very challenging for him to read and remain focused. The two librarian were so impressively patient and knowledgeable. They worked hard with him to pick his interest. They managed to find him two great books. And I walked out with a new library card and new book. I'm so excited to start reading again.

A whole bunch of…read more Bills The history of the Ledyard, CT area is filled with Bills. Not only is this library named the Bill Library but another Bill Library is in the nearby town of Groton. All these Bills makes the history a bit confusing. The beginning of the Ledyard Bill Library actually started in 1878 when a fellow named Ledyard Bill decided that a Civil War monument would look nice in town. So he got together some money and erected a nineteen foot high obelisk and stuck it on a little plot of ground near the town center. Ledyard's brother Henry Bill liked the monument so much that figured that a library would look nice in front of it so he donated the money to have one built. The obelisk now stands behind the library. The library today is quaint, pleasant and pretty impressive for such a small town. Like most small town libraries everyone is friendly and the library has lots of programs and demonstrations. The other Bill library in Groton was donated by Frederick Bill in memory of his two sisters and curiously also has an obelisk in the back of it. The Bill Library is a nice part of the town's history. It's pretty cool that what started out as an obelisk turned into a library.

This library is amazing, especially for children. The children's area is packed with books and toys…read morefor all ages. The programs are great and all of the staff are so kind and welcoming.

I have visited libraries in RI and CT and I love that my parents live close to this one. For kids…read morethey have the best area, away from the adult section with plenty of books, computers and toys. They have events almost everyday and really try to get the community involved. A great selection of movies for adults and kids alike. Books and magazines galore along with an adult computer area where you can get online and print out what you need (for a small fee). This library can request books from within the seconn system (southeast Connecticut) interlibrary and they will notify you when you can come pick up your holds. A wonderful place to occupy the kids on a rainy day or even come read some books for summer. The hours are good and the staff is always helpful.

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. .