The library State of Connecticut Willimantic, also known as the Willimantic Public Library, was established in 1895. It was founded by the Willimantic Women's Club, a local organization dedicated to promoting education and literacy in the community.
At the time of its establishment, Willimantic was a bustling industrial town with a growing population. The Women's Club recognized the need for a public library to provide access to books and resources for the community.
The library was initially housed in a small room in the Willimantic Savings Institute, but as its collection and popularity grew, it moved to a larger space in the Town Hall. In 1905, the library received a generous donation from Andrew Carnegie, which allowed for the construction of a new building specifically for the library.
Over the years, the library has undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate its growing collection and services. Today, it continues to serve as a vital resource for the community, offering a wide range of materials, programs, and services to promote literacy and lifelong learning.
1. Fiction Books Collection: This collection includes a wide range of popular and classic fiction books from various genres such as romance, mystery, science fiction, and more.
2. Non-Fiction Books Collection: This collection includes books on various subjects such as history, biographies, self-help, cooking, and more.
3. Children's Books Collection: This collection is specifically curated for children and includes picture books, chapter books, and young adult novels.
4. Reference Books Collection: This collection includes dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases, and other reference materials for research and information purposes.
5. Local History Collection: This collection includes books, documents, and other materials related to the history of Willimantic and the State of Connecticut.
6. Audio-Visual Collection: This collection includes DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks for entertainment and educational purposes.
7. Large Print Books Collection: This collection includes books with larger font sizes for readers with visual impairments.
8. E-Books Collection: This collection includes a variety of e-books that can be accessed online through the library's website.
9. Periodicals Collection: This collection includes magazines, newspapers, and journals on various topics.
10. Special Collections: The library also has special collections such as rare books, local author collections, and book club kits.
The library in Willimantic, Connecticut offers a wide range of rare books, history archives, and manuscripts for readers to explore and discover. These materials provide a unique and valuable insight into the history and culture of the state of Connecticut and the town of Willimantic.
Some of the rare books available at the library include first editions of classic works of literature, such as Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin." These books offer a glimpse into the literary landscape of the past and allow readers to experience these timeless stories in their original form.
The history archives at the library contain a wealth of information about the state of Connecticut and the town of Willimantic. These archives include documents, photographs, and other materials that chronicle the development of the town and its people. Readers can explore the rich history of Willimantic through these primary sources and gain a deeper understanding of the community.
The library also houses a collection of rare manuscripts, including handwritten letters, diaries, and journals from notable figures in Connecticut's history. These manuscripts offer a personal and intimate look into the lives of individuals who played a significant role in shaping the state and its culture.
In addition to these materials, the library also offers access to online databases and digital collections that contain rare books, historical documents, and manuscripts. These resources allow readers to access these materials from the comfort of their own homes and provide a convenient way to explore the library's extensive collection.
Overall, the rare books, history archives, and manuscripts available at the library in Willimantic, Connecticut offer a unique and valuable resource for readers interested in the state's history and culture. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply a curious reader, these materials provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and offer a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Services:

1. Book Borrowing: The library offers a wide range of books for subscribers to borrow, including fiction, nonfiction, reference materials, and children's books.
2. Online Resources: Subscribers have access to a variety of online resources such as ebooks, audiobooks, digital magazines, and databases for research and learning.
3. Interlibrary Loan: The library has a partnership with other libraries in the state, allowing subscribers to request books and materials from other libraries if they are not available in the local collection.
4. Computer and Internet Access: The library provides free access to computers and the internet for subscribers to use for research, job searching, and other educational purposes.
5. Printing and Copying: Subscribers can use the library's printers and copiers for a small fee to print or make copies of documents.
6. Programs and Events: The library hosts a variety of programs and events for subscribers and the community, including book clubs, author talks, workshops, and children's storytime.
7. Reference and Research Assistance: Librarians are available to help subscribers with research and reference questions, as well as provide assistance with using library resources.
8. Meeting Rooms: The library has meeting rooms available for community groups and organizations to use for meetings and events.
9. Outreach Services: The library offers outreach services to bring library materials and programs to homebound individuals, senior centers, and other community organizations.
10. Special Collections: The library has a collection of local history materials, including photographs, maps, and documents, for subscribers and researchers to access.
11. Book Sales: The library holds book sales throughout the year, offering subscribers and the community the opportunity to purchase books at discounted prices.
12. Volunteer Opportunities: The library offers volunteer opportunities for subscribers and community members to get involved and support the library's services and programs.

Things To Do:

1. Art Exhibitions: The library regularly hosts art exhibitions featuring the works of local artists. These exhibitions showcase a variety of mediums such as paintings, sculptures, and photography.
2. Author Talks and Book Readings: The library invites authors to discuss their books and hold book readings for the community. This is a great opportunity for book lovers to meet their favorite authors and discover new books.
3. Children's Storytime: The library organizes regular storytime sessions for children, where they can listen to engaging stories and participate in fun activities. This is a great way to encourage a love for reading in young children.
4. Book Clubs: The library hosts book clubs for different age groups, where members can discuss and analyze a selected book. This is a great way to meet new people and engage in meaningful discussions about literature.
5. Writing Workshops: The library offers writing workshops for aspiring writers to improve their skills and get feedback on their work. These workshops cover various genres such as fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
6. Film Screenings: The library hosts film screenings of classic and contemporary movies for the community to enjoy. These screenings are often followed by discussions about the film.
7. Local History Exhibitions: The library has a collection of historical artifacts and documents related to the local area. These are displayed in exhibitions that provide insight into the history of the community.
8. Music Performances: The library hosts live music performances by local musicians, covering a variety of genres such as jazz, classical, and folk. These performances are free for the public to attend.
9. Technology Workshops: The library offers workshops on various technology-related topics such as coding, digital photography, and social media. These workshops are designed to help individuals improve their digital skills.
10. Health and Wellness Events: The library hosts events focused on health and wellness, such as yoga classes, nutrition workshops, and meditation sessions. These events promote a healthy lifestyle and well-being.

1. Respect the library's rules and regulations: Make sure to familiarize yourself with the library's policies, such as noise levels, food and drink restrictions, and borrowing limits. These rules are in place to ensure a peaceful and organized environment for all patrons.
2. Keep your voice down: Libraries are meant to be quiet spaces for studying and reading. Be mindful of your volume when talking to others or using your phone. If you need to have a conversation, move to a designated talking area or step outside.
3. Handle books and materials with care: Treat library materials with respect and care. Avoid bending pages, writing in books, or damaging them in any way. If you accidentally damage a book, report it to a librarian.
4. Return books on time: Be mindful of due dates and return books on time. This allows other patrons to have access to the materials they need. If you need to renew a book, do so before the due date.
5. Use technology responsibly: If you are using a computer or other electronic device, be considerate of others around you. Avoid playing loud music or videos and use headphones if necessary.
6. Keep your belongings with you: Do not leave your personal belongings unattended. If you need to step away from your study area, take your belongings with you or ask a friend to watch them.
7. Be mindful of personal space: Respect the personal space of others and avoid invading it. If you need to use a shared table or study area, make sure to leave enough space for others to use as well.
8. Ask for help: If you need assistance finding a book or using a library resource, don't hesitate to ask a librarian for help. They are there to assist you and make your experience at the library more enjoyable.
9. Keep the library clean: Help keep the library clean by throwing away your trash and returning books to their proper place. If you notice any messes or spills, report them to a librarian.
10. Be aware of your surroundings: While libraries are generally safe spaces, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to a librarian or library staff member.
11. Follow COVID-19 safety guidelines: During the pandemic, it's important to follow all safety guidelines set by the library, such as wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. Be respectful of others and their safety.
12. Be considerate of others with disabilities: If you see someone with a disability, be mindful of their needs and offer assistance if needed. Make sure to leave designated accessible spaces open for those who need them.
13. Do not disturb others: Avoid disturbing others who are studying or reading. This includes loud conversations, phone calls, or disruptive behavior.
14. Respect the library staff: The library staff works hard to maintain a clean and organized space for patrons. Treat them with respect and follow their instructions.
15. Do not bring in outside food or drinks: Many libraries have restrictions on bringing in outside food and drinks. Make sure to follow these rules to avoid any potential messes or disruptions.

The library State of Connecticut Willimantic offers a variety of subscription plans for its patrons. These plans are designed to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of the community. The following are the subscription plans offered by the library:
1. Basic Plan: This plan is free for all residents of Willimantic and provides access to the library's physical collection of books, magazines, and newspapers. It also includes access to the library's computers and Wi-Fi.
2. Premium Plan: This plan is available for a nominal fee and includes all the benefits of the Basic Plan, along with access to the library's digital collection of e-books, audiobooks, and online databases.
3. Family Plan: This plan is designed for families and offers a discounted rate for multiple members. It includes all the benefits of the Premium Plan for up to four family members.
4. Student Plan: This plan is available for students of all ages and offers a discounted rate. It includes access to the library's digital collection, as well as resources for research and homework help.
5. Senior Plan: This plan is available for senior citizens aged 65 and above and offers a discounted rate. It includes access to the library's physical and digital collection, as well as resources for lifelong learning and leisure activities.
6. Non-Resident Plan: This plan is available for non-residents of Willimantic and offers access to the library's physical and digital collection for a fee.
All subscription plans are valid for one year from the date of registration and can be renewed annually. Patrons can also upgrade their plan at any time by paying the difference in fees. The library also offers a trial period for all subscription plans, allowing patrons to experience the benefits before committing to a full year.

Monday: 9:00 AM  8:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM  8:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM  8:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM  8:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM  5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM  5:00 PM Sunday: Closed

The library in Willimantic, Connecticut can be easily reached by public transport. The Willimantic bus station is just a short walk away, with multiple bus routes connecting to the library. Additionally, the Amtrak train station is also nearby, providing another convenient option for visitors. With these public transport options, getting to the library in Willimantic is hassle-free.