The (old) Otis Library
80 Broadway
Norwich, CT
- Built by: Joseph Otis (July 1768-April 1854)
- Opened: 1850
- Architectural style: Greek Revival
- The library opened with 250 volumes and over 1,000 subscribers.
- Hamlin B. Buckingham was the first librarian.
- By February 1865 the library had 6,666 books. A library “ticket” for the year cost $1.
- In use as a library until 1962.
- The building is now known as the William F. Bourgun Memorial, which houses Norwich’s Department of Human Services.
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| Mr. Otis spent $10, 500 on the land, the building, the furniture, and the initial book collection. He also left $6, 500 in his will for the library. |
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| Originally, the first floor was the library and the second floor was the pastor’s study. The lamps are a later addition. |
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| The library is directly across from Town Hall. |
Read some history of the library here.
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| A stylized rendering of how the library looked in its early days. Source: Forgotten Founders |
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| An old postcard of Union Square that shows the library (Source: the new Otis Library’s Flickr account). |
The new Otis Library, which is just blocks away on Main Street, was awarded a 2016 Museum and Library Services national award.
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| Michelle Obama presents the award to Bassem Gayed & Robert Farwell of the Otis Library (source).
Norwich, CT was established in 1659 and was a thriving city by the time of the American Revolution. It was the center of activities for the Sons of Liberty as well as the birthplace of Benedict Arnold. |