~ HISTORY OF THE WINDSOR LOCKS PUBLIC LIBRARY ~
~ The Windsor Locks Public Library ~
The Memorial Hall Association formed on June 27, 1905 to provide a "lecture and entertainment
course" for the citizens of Windsor Locks. A Library Committee was formed on November 15, 1905 after the Association adopted a
constitution and bylaws, which set forth the purpose of the Association as "intellectual and social improvement of the community."
On June 29, 1907 the Association voted to authorize the Library Committtee to proceed with locating space for a free library and
reading room to serve the town of Windsor Locks.
Windsor Locks's first library opened its doors on October 7, 1907. Located then in the Converse Block on the corner of Main and
Spring Streets, the library's collection consisted of 1,250 volumes, 450 of which were donated by the Women's Christian
Temperance Union of Windsor Locks. Seventy one books were checked out by borrowers on its first day. The town's first permanent librarian, Miss
Lula Stockwell, served from 1907 until April, 1918, when she was suceeded by Alice Coffin.
By 1920 the library was open 6 days a week, for a total of 19 hours and in 1924 the library relocated to rooms in the Windsor Locks Bank Building.
In May, 1928 the name was changed from the Memorial Hall Association to Windsor Locks Public Library, Inc. By this time there were 6,158
books on our shelves and annual circulation was 10, 336. 1,200 people used the library on a regular basis.
In August, 1940 the library received a bequest of $5,000 from the late Mr. J.J. Burke and land from Mrs. Conant
for the purpose of building a library. It is on this land that the library presently stands.
Mae Egan was appointed librarian in May, 1941, replacing Alice Coffin. Miss Egan had previously served on the library's Board of Directors
as chairman of the book committee and secretary. Discussions about erecting a library building went on for several
years, and in 1947 it wasa decided that building would be delayed for at least 2 years. In 1954 the library was offered the Swindell home, which had to be moved due to
construction of the town's new high school. This offer was accepted, the building was moved and remodeled, and on February 1, 1955 the
beautiful new library was opened. A new wing was added in 1962 and professional librarians were added to the staff
in 1963.
Linda Most was named head librarian in September, 1969. Ronald Hubbs was hired to lead the library's staff in 1979, and
in June, 1990 the current building was dedicated under his able direction. Ronald Hubbs served as head librarian until his
retirement in 1998. Terry Crescimanno served as Director from 1999 until April 2001 and David Brown managed the library from
August, 2001 until September, 2003. Gloria Malec has been serving as Director of the Windsor Locks Public Library since January 2004.
Today the Windsor Locks Public Library's collection includes about 60,000 items, including
books, subscriptions to 80 magazines, audio books (on tape, CD, and playaway), more than 1,000 entertainment and
informational videos, CDs and CD-ROMs, and a growing number of DVDs. We are also in the process of
developing an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) collection and updating our Reference collection to
include more online resources that can be used in conjunction with our print materials. INFOAnytime 24/7 virtual reference service is available for all of our library users.
On March 1, 2006 the library, along with 22 other consortium members, began offering downloadable audio books for our users.
In addition to the director, our staff includes an Adult Services Librarian (Eileen Pearce), our new Children's Librarian
(Kristin Raiche), our Head of Technical Services (Beth Morrill), 6 part-time library assistants,
a page, several fill-in clerks, and numerous dedicated volunteers. During 2007 our staff invites the community to join with us in celebrating our 100th anniversary!
Information on this page was compiled from various local sources, including "The Story of Windsor Locks: 1663-1976",
published by the
Windsor Locks Bicentennial Commission in 1976.
Updated 1/23/2007
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