The original Bristol Public Library was constructed in the early 1900’s and had been expanded four times in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.The space, however, was still inadequate and based on an updated Building Program prepared by the library for a State Construction Grant, a 20,000 sf addition was needed to bring the total facility up to 56,000 sf.
Additional property was acquired north of the library to support the addition and an expanded parking area.Following a number of design studies, it was agreed that the previous addition would be razed to make room for the new addition.It was also decided the library would remain open during the construction which mandated a phased approach for the construction.
The work was completed in 2007 and the library now has a 12,000 sf Children’s department on the main floor and a 300 seat Meeting Room on the lower floor that can be divided into 3 separate rooms.Many of the original features of the original library such as moldings, ceilings, window openings, frieze details, etc. were preserved and echoed in the new addition.
