Library Spotlights

Greetings:

Library Enthusiasts & Bibliophiles:

Finally, I finished digging out from a very impressive snowstorm! The mounds around town and in my driveway are 6ft tall. Luckily, my visit to the West Hartford Library was days before the snowfall. Noah Webster Memorial Library, located in West Hartford, CT, began in the 18^th century. Noah Webster, the father of the Webster dictionary, donated 78 books to jump-start the library. This spacious and lovely library has a dedicated space for infants. As always, experience library joy at a public library near you!

Let’s Visit the Noah Webster Memorial Library

West Hartford, known as the “reading community,” started a library organized by the Congregational Church in 1837. Upon hearing about the library's establishment, Noah Webster donated 78 books, and thus the West Hartford Library Association was formed.

This is a thirteen-and-a-half-foot-tall sculpture of Noah Webster by artist Korczak Ziolkowski.

In 1897, the town established the West Hartford Library and budgeted $250 annually. The library was established at the Congregational Church. Over the next twenty years, the library saw more patron visits and an increase in book holdings. Before you knew it, the church space was too small. A new library was needed for West Hartford.

A fundraising campaign, led by the Sarah Whitman Hooker Chapter of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), raised $ 40,000.00. Many residents contributed to the campaign, and a new library was dedicated in February 1917 and named in honor of Noah Webster. This new building was located on North Main Street.

The North Main Street location quickly outgrew its space. Residents frequently visited the library, borrowed books, and clubs and organizations also used the space. Town Council meetings were held at the library. Collections grew, and before you knew it, a new library was needed. In 1937, planning began for a new library.

The new library was completed and opened in 1938. The new location, which is also the current location of the main library, is South Main Street. During the 1950s and 1960s, West Hartford's population grew, and the Town recognized the need to expand the library. In addition to the expansion, a branch location was included in the North end of the town. These expansions increased the collection, including media and outreach to schools, nursing homes, and community organizations.

Additional renovations in the 1980s improved accessibility and reconfigured the interior.

In 2008, the Noah Webster Library reopened after another renovation. This renovation included spaces for more computers, an expanded children's and teen section, and public meeting rooms. Bishop’s Corner Branch also underwent renovations completed in 2012.

Today, the Noah Webster Memorial Library is a vibrant part of the West Hartford community. It supports patrons and community members with resources and information that will last well into the 21^st century.

The brick facade of the Noah Webster Memorial Library.

“History of WHPL.” West Hartford Public Library, 4 Mar. 2021, www.westhartfordlibrary.org/research/local-history-2/history-of-whpl/.

“West Hartford Public Library Celebrating 120th Anniversary.” Hartford Courant, Hartford Courant, 5 Dec. 2018, www.courant.com/2017/11/10/west-hartford-public-library-celebrating-120th-anniversary/.

“West Hartford Public Library Celebrating 120th Anniversary.” Hartford Courant, Hartford Courant, 5 Dec. 2018, www.courant.com/2017/11/10/west-hartford-public-library-celebrating-120th-anniversary/.