The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Touring a library full of wonders
Rotarians view historic collections, improvements
TORRINGTON — Unexpected wonders are there to behold in the Torrington Public Library.
The Torrington-Winsted Rotary Club explored the space Tuesday during its weekly meeting.
The library invited Rotarians to visit the building and share what it has to offer, which includes room to host functions and meetings on the lower level.
Among other aspects of the tour, Executive Director Jessica Gueniat showed off the library’s collection of historic items and artifacts to the assembled professionals. In the library boardroom, there are archival books, among other items, and a portion of a gun collection. The program room has an exhibition on city native John Brown and a variety of pottery.
The collection has grown over the decades after the library opened in 1864, Gueniat said. At this point, most people wishing to make a donation of an artifact are directed to the Torrington Historical Society.
The library values what has been bequeathed to it over the years.
“We love (the) collections that we have, and they’re very important,” Gueniat said.
The library was recently renovated, reopening in December after work was approved by the
Board of Trustees in April 2015. As part of the project, more than 13,000 square feet of additional space was added, including community and children’s rooms, and work was done on the original building as well.
A mural depicting characters from children’s books is also being created. On Tuesday, a stenciled portion of the fledgling artwork could be seen in the children’s room.
The changes have refreshed the building, Gueniat said — it is “new again,” considering its more than 150-year tenure in the city.
The library is hoping to serve and meet the needs of the community, Gueniat said.
“We want to be a community center,” Gueniat said.