The Torrington Library is experiencing a rebirth with a distinguished 13,000 square foot addition and restoration. While this structure will be the newest toast of downtown Torrington, that’s only part of what’s happening at your library.
Currently, we introduce readers to new writers and research methods every day. We’re proud of the number of programs we offer to all ages. BUT, we want to do more! We want to be the community’s gathering place that engages, enriches and empowers lives.
In the past we’ve heard people say that the library is overcrowded, that there are not enough computers, that the lighting is poor, that access into the building is limited and that the overall aesthetics are lacking. For years, the Library team has worked under less than ideal conditions in the basement and cramped office spaces.
Your new library will address all of these issues. Imagine the following …
The Library has reinvested $5+ million of its endowment to pay for the building project, resulting in a reduction of investment income of $150,000 per year.
The Library does not want to ask the City of Torrington to contribute what other cities and towns contribute to their libraries. The City gives the Library $25,000 a year, which enables it to qualify as a public library entitled to State grants. This amounts to about 70 cents per resident, compared to a state average of $43. Compare this to the annual appropriation in Litchfield, which contributes $40 and Harwinton, which contributes $31. The Library is proud to have been able to provide the services that it has without burdening the City’s taxpayers.
The Library has not and will not be able to provide all the services which the community needs and deserves without your help.
We need to replenish the endowment to restore the lost income. We are asking for capital contributions for investment in the Library’s future that will include a larger budget to:
¨ Purchase more circulating materials such as books, online resources, audiobooks, DVDs and much more.
¨ Host more special events and programs for ALL ages to encourage community-building and face-to-face interaction in an increasingly isolated electronic world.
¨ Expand outreach to our schools and early childcare centers to encourage the value of lifelong learning and a love of reading.
¨ Increase partnerships with local organization such as the Torrington Historical Society, the Warner Theatre, KidsPlay, Five Points Gallery, White Memorial and more to link library users with educational, entertainment, and cultural venues in town.
Past benefactors didn’t give to the library so that we could give less, but with the expectation that we would follow their example and give generously, in order to accomplish more.
Please join the library’s founders and the current Board of Trustees, Corporators and Library team, who unanimously support this project. We ask you to become a member of our team and make a generous gift to the New Torrington Library.
Currently, we introduce readers to new writers and research methods every day. We’re proud of the number of programs we offer to all ages. BUT, we want to do more! We want to be the community’s gathering place that engages, enriches and empowers lives.
In the past we’ve heard people say that the library is overcrowded, that there are not enough computers, that the lighting is poor, that access into the building is limited and that the overall aesthetics are lacking. For years, the Library team has worked under less than ideal conditions in the basement and cramped office spaces.
Your new library will address all of these issues. Imagine the following …
- With a 13,000 square foot addition, your library will have more usable space, allowing for better browsing capability and a more welcoming environment.
- Your new library will be completely ADA compliant with easy access to and from the building, as well as convenient access throughout the building.
- The new Children’s Room on the second floor will boast a larger, more secure and child-friendly atmosphere to encourage young readers.
- The 120-seat community room will ensure that the library is a prime gathering space to host events, lectures, activities and more.
- A robust, state-of-the-art integrated technology system with top-speed internet will attract students, job seekers, and technology driven individuals.
The Library has reinvested $5+ million of its endowment to pay for the building project, resulting in a reduction of investment income of $150,000 per year.
The Library does not want to ask the City of Torrington to contribute what other cities and towns contribute to their libraries. The City gives the Library $25,000 a year, which enables it to qualify as a public library entitled to State grants. This amounts to about 70 cents per resident, compared to a state average of $43. Compare this to the annual appropriation in Litchfield, which contributes $40 and Harwinton, which contributes $31. The Library is proud to have been able to provide the services that it has without burdening the City’s taxpayers.
The Library has not and will not be able to provide all the services which the community needs and deserves without your help.
We need to replenish the endowment to restore the lost income. We are asking for capital contributions for investment in the Library’s future that will include a larger budget to:
¨ Purchase more circulating materials such as books, online resources, audiobooks, DVDs and much more.
¨ Host more special events and programs for ALL ages to encourage community-building and face-to-face interaction in an increasingly isolated electronic world.
¨ Expand outreach to our schools and early childcare centers to encourage the value of lifelong learning and a love of reading.
¨ Increase partnerships with local organization such as the Torrington Historical Society, the Warner Theatre, KidsPlay, Five Points Gallery, White Memorial and more to link library users with educational, entertainment, and cultural venues in town.
Past benefactors didn’t give to the library so that we could give less, but with the expectation that we would follow their example and give generously, in order to accomplish more.
Please join the library’s founders and the current Board of Trustees, Corporators and Library team, who unanimously support this project. We ask you to become a member of our team and make a generous gift to the New Torrington Library.
