Library Spotlights

Greetings:

Library Enthusiasts & Bibliophiles:

Sweater weather has arrived in Connecticut! Beautiful fall foliage abounds along with plenty of pumpkins, gourds, and cider doughnuts! There is nothing better than a pumpkin latte and a warm-from-the-oven cider doughnut. Pair that with a good book, and you are all set. My latest public library visit included a stop at the Cromwell Belden Public Library—a library rich in history and an eye for the future.

Let’s Visit

The Cromwell Belden Public Library

The Cromwell Belden Public Library

The first home of the Cromwell Belden Public Library was in the Academy Building, built in 1834. The original purpose of the building was not a library. The Congregational Church initially owned the building.

The Church operated on the second floor, and “Literary Purposes” were on the first floor. After some time, the Church utilized the first floor for a school.

On February 16, 1888, a group of Cromwell residents held a meeting to discuss creating a town library. The group made a document for the creation of the Cromwell Library Association. A little over ten days later, it was approved, and solicitation for donations began. One of the biggest donors was Josiah Belden, who contributed $1,000. With this very generous donation, the association was renamed the Belden Library Association.

The BLA operated the library on the second floor of the Academy Building. When the school located on the first floor moved out, the library expanded to include both floors. In 1938, the Church presented the deed to the BLA.

Fifty years later, growing pains became apparent, and residents knew that a change was needed. In 1986, the library moved from the Academy Building to its present location in the Town Hall complex. At this location, both town officials, residents, and seniors can easily access the library.

As with all buildings, needs change and grow over time, and Cromwell Public Library was no exception. In 2019, with a one-million-dollar grant from the Connecticut State Library, the library was renovated once again. The renovation created additional space for programs and technology upgrades, as well as an excellent selection of books and literary materials.

“Cromwellct.” Cromwell Belden Public Library Elizabeth Maselli History Room Walk 1, www.cromwellct.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif2976/f/uploads/historywalk1withcropmarks.pdf. Accessed October 30 2025.

Library | Town of Cromwell CT, Cromwell Belden Public Library Policy Manuel, December 14 2022, www.cromwellct.com/library.