New London dedicates new public library

NEW LONDON — A multi-year dream of a modern library and a new downtown hub officially became reality Saturday, June 27, as community members gathered for the dedication of the “new” New London Public Library.
The grand opening marks a major milestone for the city, transforming a donated former bank building into a state-of-the-art facility designed to serve the community for generations.
“Today, we gather not only to celebrate the opening of a new library, but to celebrate a vision, a partnership, and an investment in the future of our community,” New London Mayor Mark Herter told the crowd.

A community partnership
The project, located at 113 W. North Water St., was propelled forward by a building donation from First State Bank.

Library Board President Steve Hart, who served as the master of ceremonies, expressed sincere gratitude for the donation and credited Kathy Gwidt for writing an award-winning state grant that helped fund the project. Friends of the New London Public Library raised substantial funds in the community to support the project.
Hart thanked Library Director Ann Hunt, Board Secretary Betty Roberts, Friends of the Library President Connie Jess Zolkoske, and former board member Ginny Schlais for their efforts. Schlais served on the design and fundraising committee, meeting every Wednesday for years to plan the facility.
“This building truly is the heart of the community,” Hart said.
The facility features unique design elements created by Stephanie, an interior designer with Keller, Inc., including carpet and structural trees in the youth area meant to replicate the local river.

Evolution of space

For Hunt, seeing the doors open represents the culmination of a 27-year career with the library.
“We have dreamed of having an improved space for a very long time,” Hunt said. “It feels wonderful to see this plan finally become a reality—not just for me, but for everyone who worked tirelessly alongside me to make it happen.”
Hunt noted that when she first studied library science, institutions were primarily viewed as places to house collections and provide access to books. Today, she says, they function as community centers where people come to learn, create, and connect.
The public response has already validated that shift. According to a state grant report compiled by Hunt, approximately 2,900 people visited the new facility between June 8 and June 22 alone. By comparison, the old library recorded 3,600 visitors for the entire month of June in 2025.
“The majority [of visitors] are surprised and impressed by the design, the use of the increased space and expanded ‘maker’ services,” Hunt said, adding that families have been ecstatic over the new children’s department.

Economic and youth impact
Beyond books, the new facility features a dedicated teen space, an audio-visual production room, and spaces for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming.
The building also features a private telehealth room, workforce development room, and a state-certified kitchen for public use. A large conference room adjoins the kitchen, alongside several small conference and study rooms designed for remote work, organizational meetings, and personal use.
City Administrator Chad Hoerth addressed past community feedback regarding a lack of local activities for youth, noting that the library directly fills that void.
“This new facility does provide more opportunities for our youth to build on,” Hoerth said, pointing to the high-tech additions.

Hoerth also emphasized the economic impact the library will bring to the business district as a major anchor. Hunt agreed, noting the facility will create a symbiotic relationship with surrounding shops.
“People will come to visit the library, but they will also have the opportunity to shop, eat, and explore other businesses during their visit, benefiting the entire community,” Hunt said.

Built for connection
The grand expansion does bring new operational hurdles. Hunt noted one of the library’s biggest upcoming challenges would be managing the vast array of new services with only a few additional staff members, who will primarily be stationed in the Makerspace and teen areas.
However, leaders say the flexible environment is built to adapt. General contractor Bert Pieper, founder and CEO of 8Pine, Inc., shared his pride in constructing a facility centered on human connection.

“Projects like this are about so much more than constructing a building,” Pieper said. “They’re about creating a place where this community will gather, where children will discover a love of reading, where families will spend time together, and where people of all ages will continue to learn and grow”.
Following the remarks, rather than a traditional ribbon cutting, Hart invited all the children in attendance to the front to help cut the ribbon and officially open the building for tours, activities, and refreshments.