At New Canaan Library, we are the community’s center for inspiration and discovery. The Library is the place to discover a new interest, learn a new skill and find a new passion. We make learning straightforward and efficient for everyone–whether it’s hands-on, listening to an expert, finding the right article or simply reading a book. Our team works very hard to deliver the excellent quality library services that New Canaanites expect and deserve!
Current Hours
Please check our Express Service for current hours for holds pickup and returns.
Our Mission
To inspire lifelong learning through innovation and discovery; to be the information and cultural center of the community.
Our Programming Mission
To present members of all ages with stimulating, relevant learning experiences that reflect and inspire their broad, varied interests.
Our Values
Commitment, Service, Excellence
Our History
New Canaan Library has been the town’s intellectual center since 1877, when it began as an Elm Street storefront reading room founded by volunteers with donated books and the funds they raised.
In 1895 the Library became a public-private partnership with the Town, based on the first annual Town grant of $100. Recognizing the benefits of an excellent library, residents Albert Comstock and Jesse St. John made estate gifts to the Library. These legacy gifts allowed the Library, in 1913, to build its present building on the corner of Cherry and Main. In the tradition of Comstock and St. John, New Canaan residents continued to generously support the Library and its capital drives for expansions in 1937, 1952, and 1979.
The desire to support the Library in broadening its offerings has inspired donors over the years to endow valuable programs such as the Salant and Stoddard Lecture series, and to underwrite the cost of programs, services, furniture and much more. This spirit of philanthropy and support continues through gifts to the Annual Appeal, the Patron Society, Endowment, dedicated gifts, and the many programs and collections that make New Canaan Library the focal point of the community and the source for discovery and inspiration.
Today, the Library is a vibrant community resource for learning and innovation, offering an extraordinary print and digital collection, dynamic programming, reader’s advisory services, up to the minute technology, technology assistance, and maker spaces. Each month over 16,000 members come through the doors in search of knowledge, exploration and entertainment.
New Canaan Library looks confidently towards the future, embracing its mission to inspire lifelong learning through innovation and discovery and to be the information and cultural center of the community. Through innovative, thoughtful programming and carefully curated collections the Library seeks to not only reflect, but ignite, community interests. Strategic planning and close attention to community feedback guides the Library in planning for near, and more long term goals. From compelling art exhibitions, musical performances and documentary film series to wellness seminars, workshops in robotics, and coding, New Canaan Library renews and expands upon its founding principal to be not only the intellectual and cultural center of New Canaan, but the place to build connections and foster community engagement.
New Canaan Library By-Laws (Approved July 2020)
Employment Opportunities
As the pandemic situation evolves, our policies are subject to frequent change.
Policies
- Internet and Computer Use Policy (Approved February 2017)
- Library Code of Conduct (Approved July 2017)
- Tutoring Policy (Approved August 2017)
- Community Board Policy (Approved August 2017)
- Library Closure Policy (Approved December 2017)
- Privacy & Confidentiality Policy (Approved May 2018)
- Circulation Policy (Approved March 2019)
- Open Tech Policy (Approved March 2019)
- Proctoring Policy (Approved April 2019)
- Collection Development Policy (Approved May 2019)
- Meeting Room Policy (Approved September 2019) *Please inquire for current updates
- Notary Policy (Approved December 2019) *Not currently available
