Immortalize Your Name Via New Southington Library's Capital Campaign

Southington Public Library

SOUTHINGTON, CT — In November, one of the Southington community's most momentous occasions will take place when a new, state-of-the-art Southington Public Library opens.

Earlier this month, library officials officially unveiled a new means for the local community to support the library and immortalize their names as part of a major local landmark.

The board of the Southington Public Library and Museum recently announced the launch of the public phase of the capital campaign supporting the new building, going up near the old site on Main Street.

A variety of opportunities are available for community members to be recognized for their contribution to the campaign.

These funds will be used to pay for furniture, fixtures and equipment, enabling public funds to be used to maximize the square footage of the new building.

The Southington Library Board of Trustees has been charged by the Southington Town Council with raising a minimum of $700,000 by September to correspond with when those initial purchases need to be made.

The board’s overall campaign goal is to raise a total of $1 million.

Through the first phase of a capital campaign, more than $620,000 has been raised as of late June thanks to generous supporters.

The donations and pledges are being collected and managed through a fund at the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, which was started over 15 years ago.

The library board has developed a list of naming opportunities, including benches, study areas, and rooms, which are available for donors pledging $5,000 or more.

Donors who contribute over $1,000 can have their name on a plaque that will be displayed in the new building.

Customized bricks to be installed on the patio next spring will be on sale for $175 each.

The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain has also been one of the lead donors and will have their name on the community room.

The children’s program space will be named after the Main Street Community Foundation.

The Friends of the Southington Public Library have made a contribution to name their new bookstore.

“We hope that families, clubs or other organizations take advantage of these opportunities to have their name associated with this exciting project,” said Mary Baker, a member of the library board and the building committee.

Project History

On Nov. 2, 2021, Southington voters approved a $16.9 million appropriation at a referendum to fund the construction of a new library and demolition of the existing facility.

A building committee, which was appointed by the council, developed a plan that maximized the physical building space.

A $5 million State of Connecticut bond grant was obtained in 2023 to increase the square footage and improve the architectural features.

This grant did not include funding for furniture and fixtures inside the larger space.

The building project will address five major issues, in addition to allowing library services to grow with the town’s population and needs.

They are: expanded space for children and teens; meeting and workspaces for individuals and groups; acoustical separation for noisy and quiet spaces; a fully accessible and code-compliant town building; and an efficient building system.

The new building is currently under construction and on target to open in late November 2024.

For more information about making an online donation or pledge, click on this link.

For more information on the Southington Public Library building project, click on this link.

From April 4: 'New Southington Library Construction Forges Onward'