After over a decade of preparation, we are excited to open the NEW New Canaan Library in February 2023.
To ensure that our books are on their shelves and that our team is ready to deliver excellent services in our new space, we need to briefly shut our doors to prepare for the move. Our last open day in this building will be Friday, December 16. Stay tuned for information about how we will invite the community to share in our farewell to this building that has been our home for so long. We look eagerly forward to reopening in the new space in February.
While we are closed, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email or voicemail. Here are answers to some questions you might have:
What if I have items checked out?
Our outdoor book drop will remain open, so you can continue to return books while the building is closed. All items will be due February 21. Additionally, we have suspended overdue fees, so no fines will accrue. Feel free to come in on or before December 16 and stock up!
How can I get books in the meantime?
Our Digital Library is always open, so you can continue to download from our library of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more. In addition, you can always use your New Canaan Library card at any Connecticut public library to borrow books, DVDs, and other physical items. Simply take your physical New Canaan Library card and your photo ID to our local library friends in Darien, Wilton, Stamford, Norwalk, or any other Connecticut public library, and they will register you as a borrower.
What will you be doing?
Our team will move 100,000 books and other items into the new building! Moving tens of thousands of books, in order, to their new homes is no small feat! We will be relocating and installing servers, computers, IT networks and infrastructure, wi-fi systems, and telephones. We will be introducing new equipment, including RFID-enabled automatic returns, sorting, and checkout systems. We will be establishing new workflows and efficient and effective processes, providing training to our team, setting up service desks and offices, and of course planning and preparing for the programs, services and collections for the community for the year ahead.
What about the next phase – moving and outfitting the Legacy building and creating the Library Green?
Once we are in our new building, we can focus on this second phase. Follow our progress at newcanaannewlibrary.org! We are still raising funds for the project – please pitch in!
We are so grateful for your patience and flexibility over the last year of our construction. We cannot wait to welcome you to the community’s brand new New Canaan Library in February!
Current Parking Update through December 16:
While our current library building remains open and operational through December 16, our onsite parking lot is now closed. Two spaces for those with accessibility permits and three short-term-parking spaces are still available on the library’s property.
Free Library parking in designated spots is available in the Center School Lot, which is accessible from South Avenue. Please refer to the map below for information regarding parking and pedestrian access.
We are committed to doing our very best to continue to provide safe access and excellent service throughout the construction period. Please do not hesitate to contact us to arrange for special accommodations as needed.
Please visit our project site to follow our building progress at newcanaannewlibrary.org