about
the library

introduction

The Association of the Free Library and Reading Room of Rowayton upholds the principles of intellectual freedom by providing people of all ages with access to information that reflects varying points of view. The Library strives to offer an attractive, comfortable setting in which to read, study, research, and learn with the help of a dedicated staff. The Rowayton Library aims to foster a lifelong love of words, language and learning among the community's youth. Finally, the Library serves to act as a resource to the local governing bodies, community associations and interest groups.

The Association of the Free Library and Reading Room of Rowayton is governed by a board of trustees, serving terms of three years. New Trustees are elected each year at the Association's Annual Meeting, held on the third Monday in September.

The Sixth Taxing District provides the major part of the Library's yearly budget. Proceeds from special events, income from a small trust fund and gifts also help finance the Library. Gifts to the Library are tax deductible. For further information regarding gifts, please contact the Library Director or a member of the Library's Board of Trustees.

history - time line

1903
The Rowayton Library was organized by a group of public-spirited citizens and housed in a room in Craw's Hall at 101 Rowayton Avenue. It opened with capital of $154, a loan of 100 books from the State for three months and 25 books from the Bodley Book Club to be exchanged monthly.

1905
July 12: the Library was officially incorporated.

1926
Having outgrown the first home of the library, the Board held a special meeting and approved the purchase of 145 Rowayton Avenue, former firehouse of the Reliance Hook and Ladder Company (and now the Rowayton Arts Center).   The Library paid owner, Frank Machette, $5700 for the property and the building.  Upon moving in, the first floor was used to house the collection and the second floor was used as a community meeting place, known as the Library Hall.

1966
The present building and surrounding six acres at 33 Highland Avenue were purchased by the Sixth Taxing District to become the Rowayton Library and Community Center. Originally this Tudor-style building, constructed in 1912, was a part of the extensive estate of James A. Farrell. It was later purchased by the Sperry Rand Corporation which developed the first commercial computer on this site. In 1966, the Library entered into an agreement with the Sixth Taxing District whereby the Library gave the Sixth Taxing District the property and building at 145 Rowayton Avenue and would continue to perform the services of a "public library" for the community of the Sixth Taxing District in exchange for their new home at 33 Highland Avenue for the next 99 years and a funding grant every year.