Connecticut's Library Heritage
In 1854, forty women of the town of Old Saybrook contributed one dollar toward a book-purchasing fund and formed a reading room, adopting the name "Ladies Circulating Library." The operation was placed in charge of a Miss Hotchkiss, the librarian. By 1865 there were almost five hundred books in the collections, and these were moved to the home of Librarian Harriet Willard on Pennywise Lane.
In 1870, the collection, grown to eight hundred volumes, was moved to the building now known as the Masonic Temple, owned by Thomas Acton. In 1872, having outgrown the Temple, the library was moved to 40 Old Boston Post Road, a building deeded to the town by Mr. Acton. Books were loaned for two weeks, to both residents and non-residents, for a fee of six cents per volume. In 1904, the town agreed to underwrite book fees and expenses, and Acton Public Library became "free to the inhabitants of Old Saybrook, under proper regulations."
The library remained at 40 Old Post Road for eighty-nine years. With each passing year, Old Saybrook grew and use of the library grew with it. Between 1950 and 1960, the town experienced drastic changes as a result of an increase in population from 3,500 to 5,000. Since then the population has increased to 10,000, with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 residents during the summer months.
This growth has taxed all town facilities, including the library. Larger quarters were desperately needed, including expanded, separate reading rooms for adult browsers, eager children, and students engaged in research. This need was accommodated in 1967 with the opening of a new library building located at 60 Old Boston Post Road. Just ten years later the Acton Public Library Board of Directors commissioned Nolan Lushington to do a building needs study. He recommended an addition, but no action was taken. These plans were discussed periodically until a new space needs analysis was done in 1995. This analysis led to the development of a building program by the Board of Directors.
In April 1997 the Acton Library Board reported to the Old Saybrook Board of Selectmen that "the current library facility no longer meets the needs of the community" and awarded a contract for a feasibility study to Tuthill and Wells of Avon. The study determined that it was indeed possible to add approximately 14,000 sf to the existing 7,820 sf building. In February 1999 the town voted to approve $2.4 million to expand and renovate the library. A $500,000 State Construction Grant was sought and awarded. A major boost to fundraising was provided by a $1,000,000 challenge grant donated by residents William and Ruby Tucker, which matched every private donation and reduced the burden on local taxpayers. This, along with a close working partnership with the Friends, raised the remainder of the funds needed for the expansion. Tuttle and Wells were awarded the design contract, and Encon Construction was awarded the general construction contract.
The biggest hurdle faced by the board and the staff was keeping the library open on site throughout construction. For fourteen months our existing operating space was reduced by 3,000 sf but supplemented by one doublewide trailer for administration and one regular trailer for the non-fiction collection. The temporary discomfort of cramped quarters was soon forgotten when the addition/renovation was completed.
A major highlight of the library is the 25' long and 5' high ceramic tile mural, "Tides of Time", that depicts the history of Old Saybrook. Town residents donated this wall in celebration of their community heritage
The library has become a beautiful cultural resource center for Old Saybrook, drawing even more patrons to the children's library and to community programs, and increasing circulation substantially. Patrons now enjoy a separate children's library, a reading room, a young adult section, and dedicated technology space-all located on the first level. Program rooms, a small conference room, storage, and administrative space are located on the second level. The beautiful surroundings graced by wonderful pieces of art are the result of a town-wide effort to support the library.
Reported by: Janet M. Crozier, Library Director