A Tale of Two Libraries

Believe it or not, The Simsbury Free Library and the Simsbury Public Library are, in fact, two separate libraries.

If you've lived in Simsbury long enough, you might remember spending time browsing through books and magazines in a familiar yellow brick building prominently placed along Hopmeadow Street.

The Simsbury Free Library, the town's first public library, was for a long time the only game in town. These days, Simsbury is a two-library town and the Simsbury Free Library Board of Trustees and Executive Director Amy Zeiner are now working to reintroduce the library and its historical significance to the community.

"We're an under-utilized town assett," Board of Trustees Chairman James Flynn said.

Whether it's a genealogical research project, an afternoon movie, an engaging book discussion, a speaking event or just a visit to see some historic artwork, the Simsbury Free Library wants residents to know about the programs available inside the building know by some as "The Gracious Yellow Lady."

"We have a beautiful building.  We have a great facility, and it belongs to the town and everyone here.  All of the citizens should be able to use it." board member Tara Willerup said.

The Simsbury Free Library was founded in 1874 and was designated as the "free" library to distinguish itself from the common subscription-based libraries of its time. The library was formed by a group of citizens and endowed by a generous grant from Simsbury native Amos R. Eno, a successful financier in New York City, according to board chairman James Flynn.

The library was originally housed in the Hopmeadow District School until it was moved to its current location in 1890, Flynn said.

In 1970 the town assumed the responsibility of operating the public library and in 1986 moved the library to the new Simsbury Public Library building down the street.

The Eno Trust document specified that the building must be used as a public library and the board of trustees decided to utilize the historical research collections that remained in the building after the opening of the new library.

The Simsbury Free Library then became the home of the Genealogical and Historical Research Library and has since added many additional resources for its members.

"That was for a long time the main function that was carried out in this building," Flynn said.

Now that the majority of genealogical research is done online, members of the Simsbury Free Library have access to the library edition of Ancestry.com in addition to the traditional resources.

The library also provides a home for the William Phelps Eno Memorial Center and the Ensign Bickford Corporate Archives. The Phelps Center was entrusted to the library by the Eno Transportation Foundation, headquarted in Washington, D.C.

"The building itself is worth the trip," Flynn said. "The building is on both the national and state registry of historic places."

Although the library is no longer a “free” library, members benefit from the unique resources, collections, and special events and activities offered there. A membership to the library costs $20 annually. Day passes are also available for $5. Special events and activities cost $5 for members and $10 for non-members.

Executive Director Amy Zeiner said she hopes the community will begin thinking of the library as a place for activities as well as research.

“When you’re looking for something to do, look on our calendar, sign up for our email newsletter,” Zeiner said.

For more information on the library or to check for upcoming events, visit the Simsbury Free Library website.

http://simsbury.patch.com/articles/a-tale-of-two-libraries