203-272-2245 · 104 Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410
Cheshire Public Library
Est. 1892

 

The Cheshire Public Library transforms lives and strengthens the community.

History of the Cheshire Public Library

Community support for the Cheshire Public Library began in 1888 when a group of concerned citizens gathered together to form the Village Improvement Society. After the Society met its initial goals, they turned their attention to the establishment of a library. In order to stock that first library, Mary Baldwin and her friend Mary Dickerman spent many hours collecting books. In 1892, a Library Association formed, with Mary Baldwin volunteering to serve as Librarian, a post she would hold for the next 29 years. The first Cheshire Public Library officially opened in one room, once a school building belonging to Dr. Horton on Horton Avenue.

Two years later the Library moved to a house owned by Mary Baldwin’s father, presently known as the Belknap House.

In 1896 the Library moved once more, to a room in the public school building on the site of Humiston School. It remained there until 1909 when the building was condemned. Dr. George Williams resolved the Library’s housing dilemma by offering the use of his home on Main Street. The Library remained there rent-free for over 40 years. Upon the death of Dr. Williams in 1937, the Association purchased his home and the site for $7,500.

A new two-level library, next door to the Dr. Williams house was built in 1958. By 1961 all Library materials were housed in the new building and the Williams house was vacated. A library addition was completed and dedicated in 1975.

As of 1957, the Cheshire Public Library Association became what we know as the Friends of the Cheshire Public Library. The assets of the Library Association were turned over to the town and a citizens’ advisory Library Board was appointed by the Board of Selectmen.

Growth, expansion and the need for faster retrieval and processing of materials caused the Library to become automated. In 1978, the Library went “on-line” with four other towns, forming the first automated Library consortium in the state of Connecticut.

By the time the 1990’s rolled around it was obvious that change was needed to the physical structure. The building at 104 Main Street closed temporarily to the public in May 1995. In late summer 1996, the new Library opened. Interior space was increased by fifty percent and a third level was added. A larger programming room (named for Mary Baldwin) and sophisticated telecommunications links were among the improvements.

As the Library enters the 21st century, many of the changes are technological. Library users want to borrow more than books. Computerized retrieval and storage of information have streamlined the reference process. With all of this, Cheshire Public Library has not lost sight of its mission and remains a welcoming environment for relaxing and learning.

Library Directors

Beth Piezzo (2018–Present)


Ramona Burkey (2005–2018)
Ann Wrege (1984–2004)
Susan Bullock (1976–1984)
June Shapiro (1973–1976)
Evelyn Moss (1955–1973)
Gertrude Cutler (1949–1955)
Helena Williams (1925–1949)
Ruth van de Bogart (1921–1925)
Mary Baldwin (1892–1921)

Library Board

The board consists of seven members with four year overlapping terms. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month. The board oversees matters relating to the programs, activities and facilities of the library. Library Board Minutes are available at cheshirect.org.

Harold Kramer, Chair
Kathleen Nankin, Vice-Chair
Terry Grahame, Treasurer
Tod Dixon, Corresponding Secretary
Jodee Heritage, Member
Jennifer Johnson, Member

Friends of the Library

Since 1887, the Friends of the Cheshire Public Library have worked to meet the needs of the Library. For more information, visit the Friends of the Library page.

Awards! We've got them.

Our talented Librarians have won many awards over the years.

Youth Development Award

Cheshire YMCA. An award to recognize significant contributions to youth in the community. Our Children’s Department won for their excellent community outreach activities.

Excellence in Public Library Service Award

Connecticut Library Association. This award honors public libraries that have provided an outstanding program or service to their communities.

Mover and Shaker Award

Library Journal. An award that celebrates emerging leaders in the library world who are innovative, creative, and making a difference.

School Partnership Award

Cheshire Public Schools. Given to staff, parents or community members who have made exemplary efforts to go above and beyond expectations to improve the quality of education for Cheshire school children.

Intellectual Freedom Award

Connecticut Library Association. This award recognizes an individual for the demonstration of extraordinary personal courage in the defense of intellectual freedom.

Excellence in Library Services to Young Adults Award

Young Adult Library Services Association. One of only 25 programs featured in the book, Excellence in Library Services to Young Adults, 5th ed.

Outstanding Energy Achiever Award

Cheshire Energy Commission. An award for energy-conscious practices and savings from the library’s solar panels.

Publicity Award for Electronic Media

Connecticut Library Association. An award for materials designed by a library to promote a library concept or event. The Cheshire Library won for its outstanding Instagram page!

All-Star Award for Electronic Newsletter

Constant Contact. This award recognizes organizations that excel at engaging with their customers and building great relationships.