The Guilford Free Library is located on the Town Green along with other historic buildings including the Town Hall, 3 churches and small village shops.  The original building was constructed in 1934 and contained 6,000 sf on two floors.  In 1977 the building was expanded with a 14,000 sf addition which served the community until the mid 1990's.  Faced with inadequate space for programs and materials, the need for new technologies, and inefficient mechanical and electrical systems, the Library launched a new campaign to once again expand the building.

       Guilford Free Library
                        Guilford, CT


The library is located on a very small site, which they share with the Board of Education in a circa 1860 house and a Day Care facility in another small building.  The new 14,000 sf addition, therefore, had to be nestled between these other buildings, driveways, parking and mature landscaping to harmonize with existing features and not change the streetscape from the Green.

The 1934 and 1977 buildings were completely renovated with new ceilings, lighting, heating and air conditioning, fire protection systems, interior finishes and insulated glass windows.  The interior space is now bright and open with wood ceilings in selected areas.  Views into a courtyard and towards the Green have all been enhanced by full height glass walls in the reading areas throughout the building.  

The library reopened in September 2008.