What a beautiful Greek revival style building! It was built in 1917 and was the main library in…read moreFarmington until 1983. There is a playground and ample parking. Like other libraries, this place is a great resource for the community. The children's area was nice. There were plenty of books and some computers for them to use. There was a separate room with toys, magnetic tiles, dollhouse, and more. Overall, a beautiful library and the kids and I enjoyed our time there.

A lot more than…read more just books There are lots of libraries in the state of Connecticut. Huge efficient ones, small quaint ones and cool historical ones. But there are few libraries anywhere than can match the resplendence, elegance and comfort of the Barney Library. Built back in 1919 and called the Village Library until 1999, the Barney Library was the main library in the town of Farmington until 1983 when a much more modern and larger library was completed. Fortunately the Barney Library was kept open and given three million dollars in renovations. Walking into this library is an experience. You immediately notice such niceties like fireplaces, wooden floors, antiques, spiral staircases and artwork. One of the cool librarians that works here told me that many people ask if the building was once someones private mansion or residence but no, it was built as a library from the very start. Of course the Barney Library has books, computers, and all the other mundane things found in typical libraries. It also has plenty of programs for kids and various lectures and demonstrations. However if you go up the grand spiral staircase you will find something not so typical. Several beautiful rooms that hold art sales and concerts, complete with a kitchen and stunning antiques. The Barney Library is a very special place. Perhaps not the most efficient library around because of all the open spaces and gorgeous paintings and antiques that prevent certain areas from being packed with books. That doesn't matter, it is a library that takes you back in time, when libraries were much more than just a place to find a book.

Today I stopped by The New Britain Public Library to look for some cook books and for some fun new…read morebooks to read to my class. I haven't been to this library in a long time, since I was in college and avoided paying the extravagant prices the school bookstore charged for the classic literature books. The large windows and the construction of the library make it obvious, it has been here for a long time. The library first opened in 1853. I first went to the children's department. This area of the library was filled with kids playing with wooden blocks and legos, as well as a plethora of books categorized by interest. I selected around five brand new books for my class. They also have computers and movies in the kid's department. The adult section was much quieter and I couldn't hear any of the noise coming through from the adjacent children's area. I took the third floor on the elevator to find the area with the books that interested me. This was a super quiet space with shelves and shelves of organized books. I found two. They also have a selection of magazines, puzzles, CDs and DVDs available to borrow. I was very pleased with my experience at this library today.

The New Britain Public Library is beautiful building with stained glass windows and gorgeous…read morearchitecture. The staff is well informed and friendly. And their children's department is one of the best I have visited. Sometimes I like to take my laptop there, sit by the big windows, take in the natural sunlight and get some work done. It's a great place.

Bristol library first opened in 1892; it moved to another location in 1896. Then, in 1907, a…read morecolonial revival style building was built for the growing library. Renovations were done throughout the years and even an addition in 2006. The library is architecturally beautiful. There were plenty of parking. It was large, organized, and quiet. We went to the children's section and it was massive. There was a class going on for the kids. I noticed it's more catered to elementary/middle school kids. There was a small preschool section, but there was only a play kitchen with no accessories for it; toy pots and pans, toy food etc. They had a sensory board wall and some play costumes. They had a fish tank and so many fun decorations. The library is a great resource; they offer free and discounted museum passes and more. This is a great asset to Bristol for sure, but wish there were more entertainment for kids 4 and under.

Some of the front end staff are just smugly alienating. Others lurk, ogle, and creep around…read moreintensly scutinizing patrons. Nice library but come on, I don't need to be treated like a circus sideshow by someone with a bad purple-hair dyed job and guy who glares at you like you stole land from his ancestors.

This library was established in 1904, originally at a different location in Forestville. It moved a…read morecouple of times and now, it is located on Frederick N. Manross' former property; he was a resident of Bristol. His home was used as a library then a new building was built in 1975 in place of it. This quaint and quiet library is the second library located in Forestville which is a neighborhood in Bristol. There were plenty of parking. I loved the high ceilings. The children's section had toys, blocks, puzzles, and stuffed animals. I liked the children's section here because of this; it was more suited for kids 4 years old and under. There were plenty of books and other resources. My kids and I enjoyed our time there.

Art books and plants…read more The Manross Memorial Library is the Forestville branch library in the Bristol library system. Not a particular large place but definitely good size for a branch. A modern and impressive building from the outside, the library becomes very warm and cozy once you walk in the doors. Certainly not an historic or stunning interior, it has subtle interest and charm everywhere you look. Lots of cool art and models of lighthouses and ships are on display and cozy little spots and corners to sit and read or just relax. An abundance of live plants gives a very homey feel to the library. An impressive little library that manages to turn a place of study and books into a very interesting, friendly and comfortable place to spend some time.

This place is amazing for educational literature mostly related to addiction, mental health…read moreillness, bullying etc. You have to be a member in order to get multiple free copies of the pamphlets and brochures. The membership fee is $10. The place has useful resource for those people who work in the human service arena. Teachers, health professionals, parents, and consumers who know someone who might have mental health issues should utilize the resources available here. The literature you find here are the mini books many of us might have been given when we were in grade school. I've recently read a few of them and the content is amazing. It's great for parents who want to educate themselves prior to sitting down and talking to their children about drugs, bullying, anxiety or suicide. Whatever the issue there seem to be resources available you can take with you and read in the comfort of your own home. They have books and audiovisuals that you can borrow for 21 days. Great for school projects or a confused parent seeking information. They also offer tons of information on seminars for health professionals. Seriously Yelpers if you have children who are being bullied or wet the bed there will be material you can find to help your child get through it all!! I think this place is great and wish more people knew it existed. I know this is the age of computers but some of the printer material here can't be found on the internet. I like having the resources here available for patients because it makes life easy and it is a nice review. Reading material is available in both English and Spanish for most topics.

great for training and learning about substance abuseread more

This library is so involved! It's a good size for children and adult, with a book sale (apparently)…read morein the basement. In addition to the regular services of books, movies, and computers, they've gone above and beyond to catch your eye. There are binge movie boxes, a seed library, a "guess the character" end cap... There is art on the wall, and plants in the desk. The whole building is just so alive and bright (although since it is a library, it's quietly alive and bright).

Clean pleasant and…read more friendly Southington Public Library is one of those strange places that looks rather small on the outside but once you get through the doors just seems to go on forever. It's not one of the beautiful, quaint, old and historic buildings that many of the New England libraries have taken residence in but it certainly does have a unique charm and style all it's own. Bright, spacious and extremely comfortable, the Southington Library is a very cool place to grab a book or magazine, stretch out and relax. Lots of very comfy chairs and places to ruminate, thaw out or unwind. One of the things that really stands out is how clean everything is. No nasty stains on the carpets or dust on the shelves, everything is spotless and fresh in a very casual and informal way. Of course it has the usual books, magazines, CD' s, programs and computers that are now ubiquitous in modern libraries but it also retains the pleasant feel and inviting atmosphere usually reserved in older and smaller libraries. A nice juxtaposition of the charming old and the convenient new. The staff working at the library are especially friendly and pleasant, none of the stern, strict and severe attitude found in some urban libraries. This is a library that welcomes exploration and inquisitiveness. Even though the building doesn't stand out with any charismatic or historic characteristics, the extremely pleasant, comfortable and friendly atmosphere makes the Southington Library one of my very favorites in all of Connecticut.

Berlin library has a history that started in 1829. This particular library opened in 1989. It's…read morelocated in a lovely campus across the street from the town hall. There were plenty of parking and the library was spacious and had an open layout. When you first walk in, the children section is to the right. They had a large children section which was nicely decorated with fake trees and a variety of kids decor. They also had so many toys for the kids; from a toy train table, kitchen sets, cash register, dollhouse, and more. They had a wide array of books too. My family and I spent about an hour in there and loved it. It was pretty busy since it's a weekend and cold out; other families had the same plans as us. Overall, it's definitely a nice library. I didn't talk to the librarians so I can't comment on if they're nice or not.

Books for all ages, video of all formats (and apps for that), kids craft events, video games, a…read moreseed bank, museum passes, puzzles and games, periodicals, study cubbies and study rooms, a genealogical history room, and comfy reading chairs. As of late, this library has everything but the late fees. The children's department has an excellent scavenger hunt to find The staff are knowledgeable and friendly as you'd hope, and there are so many neat finds to grab as you walk by. There is a self-checkout, but when your library card finally curls beyond reading the staff are ready to help. This library always confirms how awesome a community resource can be.

This Little Free Library is located in Norton Park, in Plainville, CT. It's right near the…read moreplayground. Another pleasant surprise to stumble upon one. This was is so pretty and well painted. There was even a little bench connected to it. There is a plaque that says: "Plainville High School National English Honor Society with the Banned. Est. 2023." It was built by the Plainville High School Advanced Construction Technology class and the Environmental Club. It was painted by the classes of 2034 and 2035 at Linden Street School. The only minor issue was, it didn't have any books in it. I will make note to bring some books here next time.

I did not come to tour the museum, but did get to see part of it as part of a hearth cooking class…read more The Stanley-Whitman is part original house arranged how it may have been with the original owners, and part new structure with a gift shop and modern restrooms. There is also an herb garden outside, and an apple tree grown based on the teachings of Benjamin Franklin. Apparently having fruit took more than a grocery store way back when. The house is very interesting to experience. Everything was smaller back then, and cooking was a task and a half. The employees/docents are obviously learned about their subjects, and you'll learn a lot. Definitely check out their special programs - parking may be a challenge (so carpool!) but if they're food related they'll be delicious.

Stopped in for a short tour during the day. The docent was very knowledgeable. It's a small place…read morebut tons of information. Great way to spend an hour.