Westport Library
 The front entrance of Westport library | |
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Established | 1908 |
| Location | 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880 |
| Access and use | |
| Population served | 26,508 |
| Other information | |
| Director | William H. Harmer |
| Staff | 90 |
| Website | Official website |
The Westport Library is a public library in the town of Westport, Connecticut that was originally established on February 4, 1886 by members of the Westport Reading-Room and Library Association.[1]:132
Morris Ketchum Jesup, born in 1830 to a country doctor,[1]:73 amassed a fortune in the railroad business and became the benefactor of the library, donating the land and $5,000 for the building.[1]:157 In April 1908, the Westport Public Library was completed at a cost of $75,000[2] and dedicated to the custody of the Westport Library Association by Jesup's wife, following the wishes of her husband who died four months earlier.[1]:157
In June 1984, plans were announced to build a new library on a site adjacent to Jesup Green on the Saugatuck River.[1]:308 Considerable discussion took place about how to raise the money for the new library and the proposed site, a former landfill. After a referendum was approved, the new library was built for $4.6 million and opened on Labor Day of 1986.[1]
As popularity of the library increased, another renovation and expansion was completed in 1998.[1]:324 The improvements included an innovative project called the "River of Names," a wall of small handmade tiles, paid for individually by donors, depicting local history.[1]:324
By the year 2000, the library was the second busiest in the state in terms of circulation per capita, averaging 1,200 visitors a day.[1]:7
Embracing a trend in expanding the role of libraries, the library opened a makerspace in 2012, a structure with 3D printers and other tools for people to create inventions and learn about new technology.[3] The name of the library was changed to the Westport Library.[4]
In 2013, the library received a $246,545 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for the enhancement of the makerspace.[5] In 2014, the library became the first library in the nation to use humanoid robots for the purpose of teaching computer programming.[6]
As a "forum for civic engagement and an incubator of new ideas," the Library provides many books and resources geared to fundraising, social entrepreneurship, and non-profit organizations. An example of a book about social entrepreneurship is the memoir, "Start Something that Matters" by Blake Mycoskie, the founder of the global footwear giant, Toms Shoes.[7] The Library has the distinction of being a Funding Information Network partner of the Foundation Center, the nation's leading authority on organized philanthropy. A Grants Center section provides additional guides and manuals for becoming effective fundraisers for causes of all types and sizes.
Coordinates: 41°08′27″N 73°21′42″W / 41.1408°N 73.3616°W
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Klein, Woody (2001). The Story of a New England Town's Rise to Prominence. Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-313-31126-9.
- ↑ "Bridgeport Telegram". April 9, 1908.
- ↑ "Westport Library Unveils New MakerSpace". Library Journal.
- ↑ "Library Drops 'Public' From its Name". westportnow.com.
- ↑ "National Leadership Grant for Libraries". Institute of Museum and Library Services. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
- ↑ Waldman, Loretta (September 29, 2014). "Coming Soon to the Library: Humanoid Robots". Dow Jones & Company. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
- ↑ Mycoskie, Blake (2011). Start Something that Matters. Spiegal and Grau. ISBN 978-1-4000-6918-7.