Connecticut's Library Heritage
Prepare to be wowed when you enter the new children's wing at Hartford Public Library. Nine thousand square feet of soaring sunlit space greets you. Sleek electronics, critical tools for a technological era, invite use. Past is present with a display of antique dolls donated to the library by its first librarian Caroline M. Hewins, who collected these figurines from around the world for the children of Hartford. This engaging room proclaims the library's historic commitment to the young of this city and its mission to go beyond the traditional in providing library services.
The recently completed addition to Hartford's central library, the hub of its nine-branch system at 500 Main Street, exults in the realtor's mantra: "location, location, location." In the new children's library, a commanding view of the beaux-arts municipal building and the historic Hartford Times Building lies to its north. To its east, Adriaen's Landing emerges from the cityscape. When the library's capital improvement project is complete, a three-story curved glass facade will open onto Main Street and affirm the library's place in the heart of the capital city.
The library traces its history to 1774 when a group of the city's financial leaders banded together as The Librarian Company. Incorporated in 1799, it soon changed its name to the Hartford Library Company and occupied space at various locations throughout the city.
In 1838, the Hartford Young Men's Institute was formed; it drew from the city's leading financial citizenry and loaned books, scheduled lectures, and developed a collection that absorbed the Hartford Library Company's volumes. Approximately half of the Library Company's original collection, cataloged in 1797, exists today as part of the archival Hartford Collection.
In 1892, with taxpayer support, the Library Association was opened to the general public. By a special act of the Connecticut General Assembly on May 9, 1893, its name was changed to Hartford Public Library. It was and remains today a private corporation, supported by the city.
The changeover to public use in 1892 was aided by substantial private philanthropy. Among the major gifts were $100,000 from Junius S. Morgan, $50,000 from J. Pierpont Morgan, $50,000 from H. & W. Keney, $25,000 from Rowland Mather, and $25,000 from the Watkinson Library. Annual support from the city in the early years was between $9,000 and $11,000.
Prior to 1892, the library was served by a number of librarians, beginning with Timothy Reed in 1838. But it was librarian Caroline M. Hewins, coming to Hartford in 1875 to work at the Hartford Young Men's Institute, who became the first librarian of the newly designated Hartford Public Library. During her 50 years of service, the number of volumes increased from 20,000 to 150,000. Hewins' most applauded initiative was the creation of the Children's Library in 1904, one of the first in the country. She traveled, wrote, and lectured in support of libraries and was recognized internationally as a pioneer in library service, advocating for the establishment of public libraries in communities throughout the state of Connecticut. On the national level, she was instrumental in the formation of the American Library Association.
By World War II, the Wadsworth Atheneum was filled beyond capacity and its occupants in search of new homes. Although the Hartford Public Library announced plans to build a new facility in the downtown area, they did not have the means to do so. Fortunately, the citizens of Hartford rose to the challenge and approved a 1951 bond issue for $2,700,000.
The 96,448 square foot building, designed by Schutz & Goodwin with H. Sage Goodwin, partner in charge, was finished in 1957. This new building included an inviting plaza leading library customers to its door. The design for 500 Main Street also allowed for one problem inherent to the site-it was split by the Conlan Whitehead Highway. The solution was a system of five steel Vierendeel trusses to bridge the 104-foot span fifteen feet above the highway. The basement is carried on the lower chord and the first floor on the top chord. Upper floors were hung from the roof structure to ease the load on the trusses.
Community support for the library is still much in evidence today. It is through the leadership of the mayor, the Court of Common Council, and the citizens of Hartford in passing two bond referendums that this current capital improvement project moves forward. Many individuals, corporations, and foundations have also generously supported the library's capital campaign.
The project is being completed in two phases: 1) The construction of a 44,000 square foot addition was just finished, and 2) The renovation of the existing 1957 building is scheduled to begin early this year. By breaking the project in two, the library is able to operate without interruption throughout the construction period.
Features of the library's expansion and renovation project include:
A welcoming destination in the heart of our capital city, the library provides cutting-edge technology, award-winning library and information services, and presents a regional stage for cultural arts and programming. From its early origins to this spectacular 21st century facility, Hartford Public Library continues to deliver on its historic commitment to people of the City of Hartford and its unbroken legacy of service to the greater community.
Reported by: Brenda Miller, media relations officer for the Hartford Public Library.