Simsbury Public Library

The Simsbury Public Library is a public library located in Simsbury, Connecticut.

The Simsbury Public Library, which serves more than 800 residents daily, functions as the community’s living room, discussion forum, learning center, free bookstore, information desk and technology lab. The Library offers many programs and services including homebound delivery, public computers, a museum pass program, a Business Resource Center, 24/7 reference assistance, downloadable audios and videos, meeting rooms, a/v equipment loans, extensive programming and an art gallery.

In the year ending June 30, 2006, the library maintained a collection of 163,000 print, audio, and video items, offered the contents of 40 databases, circulated 436,000 items, answered 57,000 requests for information, and offered 756 programs to the various constituencies that the Library serves. There were separate offerings for children, adolescents, younger adults and seniors as well as general programs where the different groups came together.

In the last five years, the Simsbury Public Library has ranked among the top five of
Connecticut’s Public Libraries according to . In 2002, it ranked among the top 100 in the country (out of 9,000).
It has a quality program, dedicated staff, and motivated patrons but competes yearly for the Town’s limited financial resources.

The Library is governed by a Library Board of Directors which is responsible for establishing the philosophy of library service and setting policies to implement this philosophy. This includes overseeing plans and budgets, managing gifts, bequests and endowments. The Library Director, is responsible for the implementation of these policies and plans.

History
The Simsbury Public Library can trace its history back to 1872 as the
Town’s Social and Literary Club. In 1890 the town built a library as part
of the Town’s center and it operated until the present library was
constructed nearby in 1985. Today, there are 13,000 library card
holders in Simsbury who come to the library for purposes that were not conceived of in 1985. This
includes access to the Internet and specifically, online databases.

The Future
After many years of planning, in 2006 the renovation and expansion of the Library was approved by referendum. The Ground Breaking Ceremonies for the Simsbury Public Library were held in early May of 2007. The Library is expanding by . and is undergoing extensive code upgrades and renovations. It is expected to re-open in late Spring 2008 with a larger Children’s and Adult area, more meeting and study rooms, expanded parking and a Technology Learning Center.

A temporary, full-service library is now operating at 540 Hopmeadow Street in Simsmore Square and will remain open throughout the construction.

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