Avon Public Library Hosts History Exhibit

From the Avon Historical Society:

The Special Projects Committee of the Avon Historical Society is pleased to present a new one-month exhibit about the history of the original books that were a part of early Avon’s (Northington) first public library in 1798. “Follow the Books: The History of the Northington Public Library” will be open from May 2-30, 2016 in the area outside the Marian Hunter History Room of the Avon Free Public Library, 280 Country Club Road, Avon.

Some of the original books, which are kept in the original wooden cabinet that was taken by wagon around to homes in Northington (early name of Avon), are on display inside the History Room. A broadside, with the names of the original books, was used to advertise the library’s holdings. Over the years, the books went to many places around town and the collection was added to over time. The original Northington Public Library was the pre-cursor to the modern Avon Free Public Library.

Contained in the exhibit will be a timeline and photographs of the evolution of the library from its earliest inception to modern day, including library ephemera such as the program for the grand opening of the first library building on West Main Street in 1932, photographs of the renovation of the building on Country Club Road, and other items of interest.

Visitors are invited to learn about the library’s beginnings as they “follow the books” to tell the story of the Northington Public Library. There will be books available for purchase displayed on the bookshelves from the gift shop of the Avon Historical Society including the last remaining first editions of Avon, Connecticut-An Historical Story by Frances L. Mackie, copyright 1988. The Society has formed a committee that is in the process of discussing the creation an e-Book of the original book as supplies of the original are running low.

Photo attached of original wooden cabinet of the traveling library on display in the History Room. Photo credit: Wick Mallory