Newly Renovated Tolland Library Celebrates

Tolland residents had the opportunity to explore the newly-renovated Tolland Public Library during an open house held on Sept. 22. There was no shortage of guests, with the library bustling with activity as soon as the event commenced at 11 a.m. With live music performed by The Country Duo at one end of the library, crafts being made at the other, and families browsing through books and socializing in between, the special event was a festive way to celebrate the the attractive new renovations.

Although the library has been open throughout the process, Children's Librarian Ginny Brousseau noted that the "event lets people know the construction is over."

In addition to the morning activities, folks had a chance to meet new library Director Barbara Pettijohn, who said in a press release, “We are grateful for our improved surroundings and the feeling of security that a heavy rainstorm will not damage our materials and the building interior."

The roof and skylight, which had leaked for years, was replaced, and a new circulation desk has been installed. The project also improved air quality, parking and outdoor lighting for library patrons and visitors to Town Hall.

Library staff, Friends of the Tolland Public Library, the Tolland Library Board and the Tolland Public Library Foundation sponsored the fun-filled day, which also featured Irish fiddler Brian Russell, remarks from public officials, the presentation of a gift to honor former Library Director Barbara Butler, and cake and refreshments. A slideshow of library events produced by Tolland High School student Jackson Haigis, demonstrations of educational software which was purchased by the Foundation, a multimedia system presentation, and demonstrations of e-readers and the Consumer Reports and Ancestry.com databases purchased for the library by the Foundation were also part of the event. Face painting, crafts, poetry and essay readings, and a Barnes and Noble Nook raffle were also part of the day's festivities.