New $1.6M Roof At Pequot Library Will Protect Landmark Building

SOUTHPORT, CT — A new, $1.6 million roof on Southport’s Pequot Library will shield the historic structure from the elements and safeguard its holdings for decades to come, according to library officials.

“This completed restoration symbolizes what the library stands for,” Executive Director Stephanie Coakley said, remarking on how the library is a source of both renewal and comfort, while addressing the crowd Thursday at a ceremony and barbecue for donors who helped pay for the roof.

The library opened in 1894, and had the same roof for 127 years, despite the original roof having been given a roughly 50-year lifespan, according to Coakley. Repairing the roof was found to be an urgent priority in a 2019 architectural assessment.

“We had to replace it to preserve the building,” said Coakley, who noted the roof already had some patches and had leaked in the past.

Founded in 1889, Pequot Library was designed in the Romanesque Revival style by noted American architect Robert H. Robertson, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“Our goal was to protect this historic building, and the library’s holdings, its rare books,” said Nelson North, president of the library Board of Trustees.

The project is expected to take about a year to complete, with work wrapping up in August, according to North. The same supplier that provided the terracotta roof tiles back in the 19th century, Ludowici, supplied the tiles for the replacement, including some that were custom-made.

The undertaking came in at about $100,000 over the $1.5 million estimated cost. Pequot Library is a public association and nonprofit, and receives 20 percent of its annual general operating support from the town of Fairfield. In addition to its annual funds for operational costs, the library was allocated $100,000 by the town as part of a matching agreement with a donor who also gave $100,000 to the effort.

“It was a unique and unconventional idea, and this is a landmark in the town,” First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said. “To me, it was worth the investment.”

The remaining expense was covered by private fundraising.

“The generosity of the community has been truly inspiring,” Coakley said. “We could not have met our goals without the support of our local municipality and residents.”