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We’ve been serving Preston since 1898.
Preston Public Library: A History of Community Service
The history of the Preston Public Library is a story of continuous community support, adaptability, and growth, starting with a generous initial gift and leading to its modern facility today.
The Founding and Early Years
The library was built and donated to the people of Preston in November of 1898. Built by Charles H. Brown of Norwich he wanted the library to be in the fullest sens, the people’s library” officially founded thanks to the generosity of the Brown brothers, lawyer Charles H. Brown and Judge Lucius Brown. They gifted a parcel of land on present-day Route 164 in Preston City, along with the funds to construct the original 500 square-foot building and purchase an initial collection of 300 new books.
A board of trustees, composed of local men and clergymen, oversaw the construction and operations. The library was managed for over five decades by its first librarian, Miss Charlie Hallett, who served for over 50 years.
Funding and Support
In its earliest years, the library relied on bequests; the interest generated was used for new books and maintenance. During times when funds were scarce, board members asked local residents for $1.00 contributions to keep the library running. By the late 1950s, financial support formalized with monies set aside from the Town of Preston, supplemented by donations from the Preston City Fair Association.
Community Integration and Growth
In the late 1970s, the library began to shift its focus, becoming more deeply involved in community activities, including projects with local elementary schools. This marked a period where the library established itself as a true community hub. The Preston Library was very unique “when they opened their doors and allowed anyone in the stat to take out books free of charge, becoming the first library in Connecticut to do so.”
The Modern Facility (1988)
By the mid-1980s, the original structure could no longer meet the needs of a growing population. Rapid technological advances and the community’s desire to enrich its educational opportunities made the old building inadequate.
A dedicated library building committee was formed. Members traveled throughout Connecticut to gather design ideas, leading to the construction of the present-day facility.
Opened: September 1988
Location: Route 2, next to the Preston Town Hall
Size: 5,040 square feet
Total Cost: $665,000 (with approximately half covered by state and federal grants)
The Path Forward
Since its opening in 1988, the modern Preston Public Library has continuously served the residents of the town. The library board of trustees recently recognized the changing needs of the community and completed a community needs assessment. The data gathered from this assessment is currently being used to formulate a new strategic plan to ensure the library continues to better serve Preston’s evolving community needs.