The Westport Library

MOVE TO/​STAY IN WESTPORT, CT FOR THE LIBRARY
No kidding. If the local public library is a barometer for the cultural health, values, and intelligence of a community, then the current state of the centrally-​located, always busy Westport Public Library suggests the community it serves is vital, open, intellectually curious, and economically advantaged.
While I wish the facility was larger, had a larger collection, and was more ambitious about bringing in speakers and hosting local special interest groups, this gem of a public trust is leaps and bounds ahead of all other local public libraries, except tax base-​rich Greenwich, and the vast majority of other public libraries in this country and throughout the world.
In an era when the creation, use, and popularity of non-​social media written words and longer form exposition is in decline, the WPL stands out as a beacon of both an earlier period of great creativity and accomplishment and a current hope for the future.
Of significance about this particular library, please consider relative to its community size the WPL’s: operating hours (long and proudly open even during horrible weather conditions), large acquisition budget, deep and wide collection, staff strength, quantity and depth of volunteers, in-​library café, constant flow of interesting, accomplished speakers (all free), convenient and picturesque location, outstanding book sales, and exceptional Board-​led, professionally managed governance.
I have lived in this community three different times over a span of five decades. I assure you this is one institution that has gotten better and realized greater utilization as it has aged. Wish I could say that about more Unilocal-​measured establishments.

A wonderful library with green space along the Saugatuck River in Westport. It’s located right by the Main Street shopping district too. Their yearly book sale is truly impressive with big white tents on Jesup Green filled with so many great books for dirt cheap!
Also check out– They have a really nice café on the second floor with large windows serving local sandwiches /​snacks and a selection from Arogya Teas!

I agree… this is the nicest library in the area for sure.

BEST LIBRARY EVER.
(I will start with the fact that when they remodeled the place, many critics around town accused the new design to look strangely «holocaust prison camp-​esque.» but that has long since past.)
NOW this library is HUGE filled with tons of materials. Tons of DVDs, newspapers, magazines, an amazing children’s section. It’s kind of uncanny.
I’ve been coming to this library for over 20 years and it never gets old. The elevator still has the same weird plastic smells as it did back then. As does the only remaining part of the «old» library — The rear staircase. That’s weird I know, but this place has HISTORY, man.
It’s great for kids. It’s great for the elderly. It’s great for students looking to do work. I spent my last two years of college writing terms papers holed up in a back corner of the building. It does wonders for creativity.
It has great lecture series and strong donor support from around town. And it directly across from the Levitt Pavilion and next to the water. Possibly one of the most beautiful locals in the town.

Great views, children and multi-​media resources and has wonderful outdoor seating by the river for those who seek some privacy in the mid-​day hub bub downtown.

The Westport Library is a great place to borrow films and books, or sit to study, read the paper, or get work done. They are in a convenient location– across the street from Starbucks & Crumbs, and restaurant Matsu Sushi. Also located along the Westport River for a great view of the water and the occasional rower or flock of birds.
Staff is friendly and helpful, and the resources here are fantastic. They have 2 reading rooms that are lined with current magazines and newspapers. Reading rooms have big windows (facing the river) that flood with sunlight and plenty of those comfy leather chairs that are so hard to nab at Borders/​B&N.
The computers are flat screen Dells, and have a few scanners that are free to use. Computer sessions are an hour and can extend if you need more time. To fax, copy or print, you have to pay per page. And if you have a library card at another CT library, it takes a few mins to be added into their system.
I studied here for two months and am still coming back. Tends to be chilly so I suggest layers :)