In 1874, most libraries were paid subscription libraries. Recognizing the need for equal access to educational resources, Mr. Amos R. Eno, a Simsbury native and successful Manhattan real estate investor, sought to establish a “free” library for public use. He provided a sizeable endowment that a group of public-spirited citizens utilized to establish the Simsbury Free Library.
Located at 749 Hopmeadow Street, the SFL resides in the beautiful 1890 colonial revival building known as the “Gracious Yellow Lady.” Melvin H. Hapgood designed the building, now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. A private nonprofit foundation, the SFL served as the Town of Simsbury’s original “Public” library until 1985. Generations of Simsbury residents passed through the Library and benefitted from its many offerings.
Simsbury had experienced a significant population growth by the 1980s. In response to changing needs, the Town of Simsbury erected a new library nearby that took over as the circulating library. With the construction of a new Simsbury Public Library, the SFL Trustees revised its mission scope. Today, the mission of SFL is to connect people through genealogical research, historical and cultural programming to foster community belonging. SFL envisions a community enriched, inspired, and unified by its heritage and cultural evolution. All mission efforts reflect the values of curiosity, diversity, enlightenment, history, integrity, knowledge, and truth. Despite the change in mission and programming focus, the Library remains a community cultural center. Current SFL programming focuses on historical and contemporary issues.
A tax-exempt, nonprofit institution, the SFL operates through support from its endowment, membership, patron fees, individual donations, and grants. SFL enjoys a collegial relationship with the municipally run Simsbury Public Library but is an unaffiliated private institution and receives no financial support from the town.
By December 2024, we hope to raise $400,000 to modernize and reconfigure SFL’s interior building space to accommodate the full range of our community programming activities. The lower level of the building is in dire need of repair and updating. This area will require substantial modification so the SFL can continue to deliver and increase its community impact. Through unique events and programs, delivered to an increased number of patrons, educational partners, and nonprofit groups, this space will become invaluable. Campaign funding will also enable us to improve our management and administrative capabilities and expand our service hours. We will measure our progress toward this goal by collecting data on donations gathered each week, which will allow us to monitor our progress toward the topline revenue goal of $400,000.
For more information you can reach us here:
SimsburyFreeLibrary.org
860-408-1336
Campaign or Ongoing SFL Volunteerism: sfl150.2024@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media. @instagram.com/simsburyfreelibrary/
Attend our future events. Visit: https://simsburyfreelibrary.org/events/
