Howard Whittemore Memorial Library
203-729-4591
In 1894, John Howard Whittemore bequeathed to the Naugatuck public a library constructed in memory of his son, John Howard Whittemore, Jr. The building was designed by renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead and White, which also designed several other buildings in the downtown at the time.
The two-floor library, located at 243 Church Street, features a collection of more than 70,000 books, as well as 135 magazine titles and 10 newspapers. There are also several audio books, DVDs and compact discs. The Howard Whittemore Library belongs to the Bibliomation library network, which allows for inter-library loans of items that the library does not have.
Computers are available and Internet access is free, although there is a 45-minute limit. Patrons may print two pages free, after that they will be charged $1 for five more prints. Library cards are free of charge and can be obtained by going to the front desk and providing proof of residency.
The loan period for books is 28 days, with new books, inter-library loans, CDs and leased books available for 14 days. Magazines circulate for seven days, and entertainment videos are available for two days. Renewals are offered twice per item, and may be requested via phone.
Some of the Howard Whittemore Library specialities are rare and non-circulating books in the Connecticut Room and books on local Naugatuck history. Residents who walk in the building are greeted by a large rotunda that sits atop the foyer area, which is surrounded by portraits and busts of past figures associated with the library.
The Howard Whittemore Library held the distinction of being one of two Connecticut libraries recognized in the book Heart of the Community: The Libraries We Love. The library is governed by a board of trustees.
- Fax: 203-723-7159
- Hours: Tue, Wed, 10am - 8pm; Thu, 10am - 6pm; Fri, 10am - 4pm; Sat, 10am - 2pm; Sat, July and August, 10am - 1pm; Sun, Mon, closed
- Handicap Accessible: Elevator access and ramps on the side entrance.
- Founding Date: Jan, 1 1894
- Parking: Free lot, On-street: free
- Size of collection: 70,000
- Specialties: The Connecticut Room, which houses rare books, and local Naugatuck historical information.
- Services: Audiobooks, Movies, Music CDs, Resources for job seekers
- Internet use policy: A library card is required, or a guest pass for out-of-town residents. The limit is 45 minutes to use the computer.
- Programs/classes: There are several events including book discussions, piano recitals, musical events and children's events. Both the adult and children's sections provide a number of activities throughout the year.
- Book donation information: Used books are accepted that will be added to a collection sold during Naugatuck's Harvest Moon Festival each year. Encyclopedias, magazines, textbooks and National Geographic magazines are not accepted for the book sale.
- Wi-Fi: Free
