I visited the Tunxis Library in Farmington, Connecticut, on August 15, 2024.

It is an academic library, part of the Connecticut State Community College system. Tunxis Community College was established in 1969 and opened in 1970. The library was completed in 2008 as part of a major campus expansion project. Tecton Architects of Connecticut and Rhode Island designed the building.

In 2023, Connecticut combined its twelve community colleges into one organization, Connecticut State Community College or CT State. Campuses are now referred to as Connecticut State Community College + its original name, so Connecticut State Community College Tunxis, which may be shortened to CT State Tunxis.

This eye-catching entrance to the library greets visitors. Window displays flank the doors, and additional displays extend further along the hall.

One of the displays is about the original inhabitants of the land upon which the college now sits, the Tunix Indian Tribe, which was part of the Algonquin Nation.

This poster is part of that larger display. The text reads:

Origin of the College’s Name: Tunxis Community College
The Farmington River Valley and the surrounding area was the home of the Tunxis Indian Tribe. The name “Tunxis” comes from the word, “Wuttankshau,” meaning “the point where the river bends.” This bend is part of the Farmington River — located in Farmington.
The Tribe named this land, “Tunxis Sepus,” (land at the bend of the little river). The territory of the Tunxis people included the towns of Farmington, Plainville, Bristol, Berlin, Southington, Burlington, Avon, New Britain, and part of Wolcott.

The high ceiling of the window-lined main hall draws visitors’ eyes upward as they walk into the library. It is an iconic design reminiscent of the Library of Trinity College in Ireland.

Closer to the entrance, when you walk in on the right, is a new fiction display. Behind this wall is the copy machine and office supplies. There’s also a silent study area down the hall to the right.

Across from fiction is new nonfiction, which is just to the left when you first walk in.

The circulation desk is on the right, just beyond new fiction.

The reference desk. Check out that giant Tunxis Library pencil!

Librarians want to help. Always.

Here’s a horizontal view of the main hall, showing the reference and circulation areas across from one another and the grand staircase.

Following are a couple of photos of study areas on the first floor.

DVDs and a study table. It’s nice to have the focus of working inside the library yet also be next to the green of nature.

Another study area with natural light. I believe this was in the silent study section.

Now, on to the second floor.

This is the view from the second floor atop the main staircase, looking toward the library entrance. The art installation hanging from the ceiling is quite striking. It is “On the Interaction of Particles of Thought” by Alice Aycock. The orbs and curves help balance the straight lines and angles of the architecture.

This photo of sculptor Alice Aycock, taken during installation, hangs in the library. There’s a placard next to this photo that reads:

“On the Interaction of Particles of Thought”

Internationally renowned sculptor Alice Aycock designed this large electrified artwork for the new Tunxis Library.

Hanging from the center peak of the Library, this work is a mix of stainless steal “ribbons,” cobalt blue glass orbs of light, rings varying in diameter from approximately 3 feet to 15 feet, and large scrolls of aluminum sheet.

The installation of the sculpture was completed on April 13, 2008.

Another view of the sculpture with book stacks in the background. Call numbers A-D are on the first floor and E-Z on the second.

Computers, desks, and plush seating on the second floor. The windows look out across campus.

At the top of the main staircase. Notice the exercise bike to the left.

These were a surprise. I don’t recall ever seeing exercise bikes in a library. I was also pleased to see that the “FitDesk” bike on the right is for people 5’2″ and shorter.

Memoirs, Page-Turners, and ESL Collection. The library also has study rooms, conference rooms, and a classroom.

More study tables. Rows of library stacks make me happy. There’s so much to learn!

It took me a second to register that the location information posted inside this bathroom was there not as a general courtesy but for safety and communication during an emergency or lockdown situation.

Leaving the library. Cafe seating is in the hallway just outside the library entrance. The cafe counter is tucked away toward the windows and to the right. It wasn’t open the day I visited. Notice the decorative books on the walls.

An armillary sundial sphere in the courtyard next to the library.

The plaque reads:

The armillary sundial sphere connects the Tunxis campus with celestial movements, the summer and winter solstice, the passing of season, and cycles of growth. In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Tunxis Community College, and in memory of all those who have contributed to the institution, and in gratitude to those who shall walk this campus in the future. Dedicated on April 20, 2022 to: Tunxis Community College on its 50th Anniversary. Class gift from the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021.

The Tunxis Library’s nod to iconic library design, coupled with the space and amenities librarians and patrons need and want today, makes it such an inviting space.

After visiting the library, I walked around campus and enjoyed seeing these signs with positive and encouraging messages. I thought you might enjoy seeing them as well.

Tunxis Library
CT State Tunxis
271 Scott Swamp Rd 700 Building
Farmington, CT 06032
Website

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An older Connecticut public library inspired by Trinity College Library is the Norfolk Library.