A community is defined by feelings of fellowship. The Library serves as the centerpiece of all small town communities. The Tri-State region is home to several incredible libraries that epitomize the inexplicable personalities of their respective surroundings. Our local libraries culminate the fluctuating cultural, spiritual and sociological desires of each unique Litchfield Hills, Berkshire Mountains & Hudson Valley sub-culture. Aside from providing cozy corners to fully engulf oneself with a good read, they offer story-hours, cultural events, teas, concerts, art shows, seasonal parties, historical lectures, evening soirees, parent-child groups, crafting opportunities, and anything else that each community chooses to bring to life.
The synergetic energy of a community is powerful, omnipresent, unique – and often inexplicable; our libraries epitomize this feeling.
Click each image below to learn more about our local libraries throughout the Tri-State Region:
Connecticut
The Hotchkiss Library of Sharon:
Built in 1893, local legend has it that when the Hotchkiss family offered funding to the town to build a school or library, Sharon residents voted that, at the time, a library was most appropriate.
David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village:
Since its founding in 1891, the Hunt library has lived by the vision: “that it be a house of learning fitted to the wants of our youth and the high purpose of promoting the intelligence and welfare of this community.” Bring your young ones to a Tuesday or Thursday morning story-hour & craft with the incredible Rita for proof that they continue to promote this vision!
Scoville Library in Salisbury:
Originating in 1771, Salisbury became home to the first free children’s library in the United States in 1805 after receiving a gift of books from Salisbury native, Caleb Bingham; thereby creating the Bingham Library for Youth.
Douglas Library in Canaan:
Centrally located on Main Street in Canaan, the Douglas Library is always alive with excitement- be it live bats (seminar), live music, holiday crafts or the Charlie H. Pease Museum of Natural History that is located on the second floor – there is always something to see!
The Norfolk Library:
Designed by George Keller of Hartford, The Norfolk Library was presented to the town by Isabella Eldridge in 1889. A water dish for visiting 4-legged friends, paired with the architectural beauty of an arching entryway, rightfully signifies the inviting warmth that this library radiates throughout the community.
New York
NorthEast-Millerton Library:
This library was founded in 1867 with a total of 326 books as the Millerton Reading Association. The library now houses approximately 27,000 items and hosts many wonderful events – including some that invite children to bring their American Girl Dolls as guests!
Millbrook Free Library:
Whether you are looking to learn how to knit, need information on how to fix your car, want to dance to live music or need some cooking lessons, the Millbrook Free Library has it all! The mission of the Millbrook Free Library is to “be a dynamic lifelong learning center…” and they continue to excel in doing so!
Amenia Library:
This sweet library was founded in 1938 and has a special feature of rare historical books.
Massachusetts
Bushnell Sage Library in Sheffield:
The Sheffield Public Library was originated in 1876 and has a long history of moving buildings before its new location and structure was built in 1997. However, contrary to its multiple locations, this library is so well-loved that it has had very few librarians – it seems that those who visit tend to stay!
New Marlborough Town Library:
Originally a colonial-style building constructed by Marcus Rogers in 1920, the beautiful structure was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1996. Through much hard-work and a dedicated community, the library was reconstructed in 1999 and reopened with renewed energy and an expanded scope to serve its devoted community.
