Library Spotlights

Greetings:

Library Enthusiasts & Bibliophiles:

My travels have brought me to the oldest continuously operating library in Connecticut! With over 200 years and counting, this library has a long and storied history, including fees for becoming a library patron. Fees are no longer required, and this public library is open to serve all members of the community. Support your local library: where books, movies, technology, and librarian staff create library joy.

The brick facade of the Cora J. Belden Library welcomes all patrons.

Let’s Visit

The Cora J. Belden Library-Rocky Hill

December 11, 1794, marked the beginning of library service in a building that is now the home of the Rocky Hill Congregational Church. This little library began with just 87 books purchased from a bookshop in New Haven, CT. With just 68 library patrons, each of whom was screened by a committee and had to pay a fee of approximately $1.50 to join, library service began. Of the 68 patrons, 4 were women.

Over the years, this library moved locations and merged with another fee-paying library. At one time, the library was located in a store where you could not only check out a book but also order some bacon. By 1855, under the direction of the pastor of the Congregational Church, the library became known as the Social Library Association. Fast forward another 20 years, and the Rocky Hill Library Association was formed.

From 1877 to 1898, the Rocky Hill Library relocated to several different locations in town, including the current Academy Hall Museum, the Bulkley House, and the former Valley Hotel. The Rocky Hill Library Association met and agreed that a permanent building was necessary. Fundraising plans were developed in earnest, and the first meeting of the association was held on December 1, 1898, in the new permanent library.

In 1926, the Rocky Hill Library Association deeded the building and books to the town of Rocky Hill. They also agreed that fees would no longer be charged to patrons. A Public library was born!

From 1926 to the present day, numerous individuals have been employed as librarians and library directors. Additions and upgrades have been made to transform the library into a prominent landmark in the town of Rocky Hill. The library board continues its work in supporting the library's operations.

Cora J. Belden, former library board chairman and past treasurer, dedicated over 30 years to helping grow the library. She volunteered in the library and even processed books from her home. As a dedicated member of the community, shortly before her passing in 1950, the town of Rocky Hill officially renamed the library from the Rocky Hill Library to the Cora J. Belden Library. Her legacy continues to provide a space for the citizens of Rocky Hill to discover endless possibilities.

The dedication plaque greets patrons upon entry into the Cora J. Belden Library.

Sinclaire, Betty. “Libguides: Rocky Hill Library: Home.” Home - Rocky Hill Library - LibGuides At, rhctlibrary.org/home. Accessed August 17, 2025. History of the Cora J. Belden Library compiled and read at the 200th celebration of the library on April 12, 1995