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!
New Canaan residents need only bring a photo ID with a current New Canaan address. If your photo ID does not reflect your current New Canaan address, you must bring official proof of residency such a lease, rental or mortgage agreement, utility bill, car registration, or bank statement. Library cards are valid for three years and may be renewed with proof of residency.
How many items can I check out at one time?
There is no limit to the number of physical items that a member may check out. The number of electronic items you may check out monthly is limited by each provider we offer. Further details regarding our electronic offerings can be found on our homepage under “Digital Library.”
How long can I check out items?
Books, magazines, audiobooks, and music CDs may be checked out for three weeks.
Adult feature film DVDs may be checked out for three days.
Documentary, TV series, children’s and Family Movie Cart DVDs may be checked out for one week.
Board games may be checked out for three days.
Museum passes may be checked out for two days.
The checkout policy for electronic material varies by provider.
Are fines charged for items returned late?
The fine for adult books, magazines, audiobooks, and music CDs is $0.20/day.
The fine for children’s books, magazines, audiobooks and music CDS is $0.10/day.
The fine for adult feature film, documentary, and TV series DVDs is $1.00/day.
The fine for children’s feature film, documentary and TV series DVDs is $0.50/day.
The fine for board games is $1.00/day.
The fine for museum passes is $2.00/day.
There are no fines for electronic material as it automatically returned at end of loan period.
Lost or damaged items will incur a replacement charge. Items will be assessed on a case-by-case basis; please contact a staff member for resolution.
Can I use my card from another library to check out material at New Canaan Library?
Yes, all Connecticut libraries have reciprocal borrowing privileges. All you need to do is bring your up-to-date library card and a photo ID for us to register you at our Library. Unfortunately, you cannot check out material using an out of state library card. However, you may purchase a one year membership to New Canaan Library for $130 annually. Electronic material (i.e. ebooks, streaming video, research databases) is exclusive to an individual library’s collection and may only be used by members of that library.
Do I need a library card to use the Library’s facilities or resources?
No, we welcome all individuals regardless of whether you have a library card or not. Borrowing material does require a library card.
Our Mission
To inspire lifelong learning through innovation and discovery. To be the information and cultural center of the community.
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.
