About Us:
On December 27th 1902, the Derby Public Library was officially presented and dedicated by Colonel H. Holton and Mrs. Wood in memory of their son, Harcourt, who died February 1897 at the age of eleven. With this opening, Derby ceased to be the only city in Connecticut without a free circulating library. A memorial plaque in Harcourt's memory is displayed at the front entrance and flowers are placed throughout the library on Harcourt's birthday.
The Woods made an offer to donate land, building and $5,000 for books provided the city would match funds and promise to upkeep the Library.
1902 - Work began on the library. Hartley Dennett, the architect, focused his design on lasting interior, as well as external beauty, which is evident in the Colonial Revival style, Flemish gables, and granite ashlar walls. The original 7,500 square foot building is now listed on the National Historic Register.
1990 - Because of space limitation, plans for renovation and expansion began in 1990. A 7,200 square foot addition was added and carefully matched to the existing structure. Interior restoration work included renovation of the stenciled walls, woodwork and original brass lighting fixtures.
2000 - Derby Public Library is rededicated on May 21, 2000.
Click here to View More Information About Derby Public Library Newsletter - January/February…
Read More »Click Here to view the Derby Neck Library Happenings Newsletter for November/December 2023.
Read More »July/August 2023 Newsletter Dear Derby Neck Library Patrons, Keep an eye out for some new faces--we've added Adult Services Assistant Kate Hellman and Youth Services Assistant Victor Vega to our staff! They are both excited to join our team…
Read More »PUT THE BEAR IN BEAR-DSLEY ZOO! Come paw through bear books at Derby Public Library to find zoo prizes! On Saturday, June 17, children and their families are invited to search through books on bears, both fiction and non fiction, in our…
Read More »Summer Reading Program registration for Adults, Young Adults, and Kids will start on Monday, June 19. Join us on the front lawn of the Derby Public Library on Saturday, June 24 from 10 am - 1 pm for an outdoor Kick-Off Celebration to sign-up for our…
Read More »Derby Public Library Newsletter: May 2023 2 TUESDAY 1:00 pm Tuesday Movie Matinee, Cast Away starring Tom Hanks 3 WEDNESDAY 10:00 am Baby Steps (ages birth to 18 mos) - a first introduction to story time featuring songs, rhymes and interactive…
Read More »Click Here to view the Derby Public Library Upcoming Programs In May 2023
Read More »Click Here to View the Information About Derby Public Library Newsletter: March-April 2023
Read More »The Library is now accepting essay submissions for its 2023 Annual Scholarship Prize of $1000 The subject of the essay is: The Role of Libraries in My Life This Essay Competition is open to all high school seniors living in Derby, regardless of…
Read More »Click Here to view the Derby Neck Library Newsletter - January/February 2023
Read More »Here is the Library Newsletter for November and December 2022 highlighting our upcoming free programs and events! Some programs do require registration which can be done either on our website at www.derbypubliclibrary.org, by calling us at (203)…
Read More »Dear Derby Neck Library Patrons, Although it's sad that Summer Reading has drawn to a close, there's still so much to look forward to at the library. And there's a BIG announcement to make this month! But before that, let's cover some of the…
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