Library Spotlights

Farmington Public Library

The Barney Library Branch

Greetings:

Library Enthusiasts & Bibliophiles:

Spring has arrived! Flowers are blooming, and the grass is green. Time to get outside and enjoy the spring air, unless you have allergies; then staying indoors may be your best bet! I recently went to the Farmington Public Library's Barney Library branch. What a cozy library! Polished hardwood floors, a spiral staircase, and comfy nooks for reading. Read below to find out more, and as always, experience library joy at a public library near you!

The Barney Library- Branch Library of the Farmington Public Library

This is the rear entrance to the Farmington Public Library branch. Welcome to the Barney Library.

In 1882, it was the official start of what would become the Barney Library. It started with just 14 books, and patrons had to pay a fee.

Mr. D. Newton Barney gave the Village Library to the people of Farmington, Connecticut, as a memorial to his mother, Sarah Brandegee Barney.

The cornerstone was laid in 1917. The library design was created by Stephen Brainerd Lawrence.

White columns and stone steps lead to another entrance to the Barney Library.

The Village Library was the main library until 1983. In 1983, a brand-new library was commissioned.

The Village Library was renovated three times. In 1959, the first renovation included a children’s wing. The second renovation was completed in 1983, and the building reopened as the Village Branch Library.

1999 saw the Village Library name change. It would now forever be known as the Barney Library.

The new main library underwent renovations in 2003.

2008/2009 were the final renovation years for the Barney Library.

In 2017, Farmington, CT celebrated The Barney Library's platinum anniversary.

 Agarval, Savi. “A Hundred Year Journey.” YouTube, YouTube, 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAmzsNw6HZ0.