Library Buildings Restoration Project

The New Britain Institute is proud to own and maintain multiple buildings that are landmarks in New Britain’s historic downtown. The oldest of these was design by William F. Brooks as the Library of the New Britain Institute, now the New Britain Public Library, built in 1900-1901 on the corner of High and West Main streets with bequests from Dr. Lucius B. Woodruff and Cornelius B. Erwin. The library building is constructed of yellow brick and has elaborate terra-cotta reliefs.  Currently the terra-cotta is deteriorating.  Some has already fallen from the building, and more is jeopardy of failing. Our goal is to restore all the artistic reliefs and preserve them for future generations.

In 1931, The Hawley Memorial Children’s Library was built and opened to the public. Money for this building was received from the estate of Benjamin Hawley. With its slate roof and oversized stained-glass windows, maintenance on this building has been challenging. Rain, snow, and ice continue to take their toll.  Our goal is to complete renovations to the roof and windows to prevent future damage and allow complete restoration of affected areas.

The cost for these renovations exceeds $1.4 million.  To date, the Library Board in cooperation with the Institute Board of Managers has received almost half of the needed amount through donations and grants. Additional financial help is still needed. And we look to the greater New Britain community for assistance.  If you would like to know more about making a donation  to advance this project, please contact the New Britain Institute through the email link on our home page or by calling 860-224-3155.