Library Project

Our Next Chapter

First State Bank gifted their current 26,000 square foot, two story building located on North Water Street to the New London Public Library in April 2022. This generous gift will allow everything in the current library and the needed technology spaces that have been in the planning stages for the last three years to be housed under one roof. The bank building will be remodeled to fit the needs of the library. The museum will move upstairs from their current location in the lower level of the library/museum to occupy the entire building. *All images are concept renderings

First Floor

The first floor will house both youth and adult services along with all administrative services. In addition to books, Youth Services will also include a computer area, comfortable seating, and a large program room with plenty of storage and space. There will be a wellness room which could be used for both nursing mothers and a calming space for children. Youth Services will have an Interactive Play Area which will feature toys and games to inspire children’s imagination.

The adult section will feature more computers, study areas, and seating in addition to books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and more.

Second Floor

The second floor will feature the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) area for discovery/learning opportunities. Also included is an industrial area geared to the trades which may include a CNC machine, laser cutter, woodworking equipment, etc. The teen space is also located on the second floor. This supervised area will allow teens to “hang out” with friends, do group school projects, play video games, watch TV or purchase a snack.

Also planned for the second floor is a video room with a green screen and equipment to create and edit videos. A music room will be available to musicians to practice, produce or record music. Another feature of the second floor will be the community meeting room with a commercial kitchen for educational and organizational events. The newly remodeled building will have small meeting rooms that can be used for study groups, tutoring, mentoring, etc. Friends of the New London Public Library will have their own space to collect, sort and sell used books.