Facts about North Branford's Public Libraries

For library hours, address, phone, fax, email, etc.:
return to
Library Information

  For library cards, due dates, fines, renewals, etc.:
go to
Library Rules

Library Home Page

The North Branford Library Department operates the Atwater Memorial Library in North Branford, CT and the Edward Smith Library in Northford. The libraries maintain collections of books, magazines, videos and DVD's, reference materials, books on tape and CD, music and computer CD's, pamphlets, large print books, and more. Total collection size for both libraries combined is about 55,000 items. Young children and families enjoy story times and reading programs. Students rely on the public libraries for assistance with research, homework, and reading requirements. Each of our libraries has four Macintosh computers for public use, three of which are Internet-connected. Any person with a library card can use a computer; those under 18 need written parental permission to go on the Internet.

As a Town Department, our libraries' staff and budgets are under the supervision of the Town Manager. The North Branford Library Board supervises library services, hours, and collections. The Library Director reports directly to the Town Manager and to the Library Board.

We have one Library Director who is in charge of both libraries. Each library has a Children's Librarian and an Adult Librarian. A Technical Services Librarian orders and catalogs new materials for both libraries. There are several part-time staff, who perform a wide variety of duties in all departments. Student volunteers assist in our children's departments. To email any of our full-time staff, go to the Library Information page.

Summary of Library Statistics, 7/1/00 - 6/30/01

Adult materials loaned 65,115
Children's materials loaned 47,807
Reference questions answered 4,005
New items cataloged 3,648
New borrowers registered 649
Children's program attendance 4,171
Public computer users 1,811
Inter-library loans received 1,127
Items reserved for patrons 2,430
   

Library History

1933: The League of Women Voters converts the "Little Red Schoolhouse" to the Northford Public Library.
1936: The Town forms its first Library Board, to govern the Northford Public Library and the future Atwater Memorial Library.
1943: With construction funded by a bequest from James Atwater (in memory of his father Charles), the Atwater Memorial Library opens to the public.
1956: Service begins at the Edward Smith Library in Northford, built with funds from Clara Smith (in memory of her father Edward), on land donated to the town by the Northford Congregational Church.
1967: The Town builds additions to both of its libraries (there has been no expansion since 1967).
1979: The Library Department joins LEAP, a cooperative effort providing automated library services.
2000: The libraries begin work on the web page you're using right now!

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