Learn more about the New New Canaan Library - www.newcanaannewlibrary.org

About Us

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 library services that New Canaanites expect and deserve!

HOURS
Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm

Friday 9am-5pm

Saturday 10am-5pm

Sunday noon-5pm

Our Staff

Our Board of Trustees

FAQs

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 October 2021)

Strategic Plan

Employment Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

Youth 12 years and older can submit a volunteer application here. Summer volunteer opportunities are filled. We are currently looking for volunteer applications for Fall 2022.

As the pandemic situation evolves, our policies are subject to frequent change.

Policies