Strategic Plan
The New Britain Public Library's Board of Trustees approved a new Strategic Plan on August 23, 2023 after a thoughtful and deliberate process of research, assessment and input from residents, library users, community leaders and staff. This plan will guide the library in its work to improve lives through education and enrichment opportunities while celebrating the cultural diversity of our community for the next five years.
Annual Reports
Learn more about the work of the New Britain Public Library by exploring our annual reports.
In 1853, a group of public-spirited community members started the New Britain Institute. Its mission was to promote a series of lectures and establish a library and reading room. Rooms were opened in the Miller Block on Main Street. The Connecticut General Assembly incorporated the New Britain Institute in 1858. During the Civil War, the library room was closed due to a lack of funds. The library reopened in the Hart Block located on Main Street in 1869. Mark Twain gave the first lecture of the season. Other lecturers at Institute programs included Frederick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Thomas Nast.
In 1900, funds donated from the estate of Cornelius B. Erwin enabled the construction of a new library building on the corner of High and West Main Street, today known as New Britain’s Main Library. The dedication and opening of the new building were held on January 19, 1901.
In 1931, The Hawley Memorial Children’s Library was built and opened to the public. Money for this building was received from the estate of Benjamin Hawley.
The Thomas Jefferson Branch Library opened in 1956.
1976 saw the completion of a renovation that joined the Erwin building with the Hawley building.
Children Reading (1953)
Erwin Building
