MANCHESTER, CT — In about a week, the transition from the old library to the new library will begin in Manchester.
The process will take about a month, according to town officials.
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Here's a look at the new library:
Specifications
- Location: 1041 Main St., Manchester
- Building size: Approximately 75,000 square feet
- Stories: Three
- Project cost: About $50 million
- Opening: Scheduled for September 2026
- Replaces: Mary Cheney Library, which opened in 1937
Sustainability features
- Designed to be Connecticut's first net-zero energy public library.
- Geothermal heating and cooling system.
- Rooftop solar photovoltaic array.
- Battery energy storage system.
- High-performance, energy-efficient building envelope.
- All-electric mechanical systems designed to reduce fossil fuel use.
- Large windows to maximize natural daylight and reduce energy consumption.
Public amenities
- Expanded collection space for books and other library materials.
- Dedicated children's library.
- Teen area.
- Makerspace for hands-on learning and digital fabrication.
- Audio and video production studio.
- Multiple private study rooms.
- Community meeting rooms.
- Large multipurpose community room for programs and events.
- Flexible programming spaces.
- Public gathering areas.
- Improved accessibility throughout the building.
Technology
- High-speed public Wi-Fi.
- Expanded public computer access.
- Technology classroom and collaborative work areas.
- Audio-visual production equipment.
- Infrastructure designed to accommodate future technology upgrades.
Design goals
- Flexible interior spaces that can adapt to changing community needs.
- Quiet study areas alongside collaborative workspaces.
- Downtown civic gathering place.
- Spaces supporting lifelong learning, workforce development and community programming.
Funding
- Approximately $39 million from a voter-approved bond referendum.
- $5 million from the U.S. Treasury Capital Projects Fund.
- $3.5 million from the Connecticut Community Investment Fund.
- Approximately $2.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding.
Timeline
Construction began in 2025 following demolition of the former Webster Bank building. Mary Cheney Library closed in August 2026 to prepare for the move. Grand opening of the new main library is scheduled for September 2026.The Transition
- Specifically, the Mary Cheney Library building will close to the public after Saturday, Aug. 8, as the town prepares to move its collections and operations into the new main library.
- Beginning Monday, Aug. 10, professional movers pack library materials and relocate them to the new facility, according to the town.
- During the transition, patrons can continue using the Whiton Branch Library at 100 N. Main St., which will remain open during its regular hours.
- The new library is scheduled to stage its grand opening at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14.