The Torrington Library, a handsome, marble grand dame of a building, 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.

In fact, the library is bursting open its walls to bring a brand new library to the community.  We’re determined to live our dream, to make the Torrington Library each and everyone’s downtown destination.

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. It’s time to address the barriers that hold us back from this dream.  It’s time to meet the expectations we have for our library. We need your help!

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 and feature easy access in and out of 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 kid-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.

With these changes come significant challenges.
 
In 1864 a group of philanthropic individuals who wanted to do more for their community founded the Library.  Lauren Wetmore, Elisha Turner, the Coe family, the Brooks family and others donated generously. With their substantial funds as a foundation, and the contributions of additional donors, scrupulous financial management enabled the library to build a healthy endowment.

The Board of Trustees, knowing a renovation and restoration was long overdue, boldly took steps to update the library. To do this they set aside roughly one million dollars from the endowment each year over a period of three years beginning in 2012. In addition, the Board borrowed an additional three million from the endowment to see the ambitious project through to completion.
 
Here’s the paradox and our dilemma. The Library has sold $5+ Million of its investments to pay for the building project, resulting in a reduction in income of approximately $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 an annual appropriation in Litchfield, which contributes $40 and New Canaan which contributes $115.
 
The Library is proud to have been able to provide the services that it has without burdening the City’s taxpayers.  But 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.  A future that will include a larger budget to:

• Purchase more circulating materials such as books, online resources, audiobooks, DVDs and much more. There is a direct correlation between a higher materials budget and increased  library usage.  More variety and a wider selection enable us to better meet the needs of community and, at the same time, increase our usage statistics in a competitive library  market.
• 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.
 
Will you join our distinguished list of philanthropic givers and support the New Torrington Library today?
 
“I have no fears for the future. I would say make use of this hall and the  fixtures  as it is and the greater use you can make of it the better I shall be pleased. This institution can go on with  increased vigor. One man cannot do everything, but united we can do everything necessary to insure success.”
- Lauren Wetmore
 
Lauren Wetmore, one of the original founders of the Torrington Library, didn’t fear for our future.  He knew that generous people would support the Library and keep the momentum going. Will you help us keep his dream alive?
 
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.