Manchester officials officials are touting the new library as a blend of traditional design and modern features. (Chris Dehnel/Patch)
MANCHESTER, CT — As the town gets ready for a transition to a new library, town officials are touting the building as a blend of traditional design and modern features.
Manchester Mayor Jay Moran this week put it in perspective
"The new 21st Century Library was intentionally designed to honor Manchester's rich industrial heritage," he said. "The building prominently features custom brickwork selected specifically to reflect the historical palette of the Cheney Brothers mills, as well as exterior window profiles directly inspired by the iconic multi-pane windows of the historic Cheney factory buildings."
Moran also highlighted what he called , "a significant architectural net positive."
He explained, "The new library replaces a former bank building, a structure with zero historic character or architectural value. When viewed in full context, the deliberate, high-quality Cheney-like design of the centerpiece library significantly increases the overall historic character and visual harmony of the area."
Here are some highlights:
Grand opening: Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Location: 1041 Main St., Manchester.
Building size: Approximately 75,000 square feet over three stories.
Cost: Approximately $50 million, with about $49.5 million spent on construction.
Distinction: Connecticut's first net-zero energy public library.
Energy features:
All-electric building.
Geothermal heating and cooling.
Rooftop solar array.
Battery energy storage system.
Public amenities include:
Children's department.
Dedicated teen space.
Makerspace.
Audio-visual studio.
Private study rooms.
Meeting rooms.
Large community meeting space.
Expanded technology resources.
Accessibility: Designed as a fully accessible, code-compliant facility with flexible spaces for multiple community uses.
Purpose: Replaces the 1937 Mary Cheney Library as Manchester's primary public library while expanding space and services for residents.
Existing library:
Mary Cheney Library's final day of public service was Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
Whiton Branch Library, 100 N. Main St., remains open during the transition.
The Mary Cheney Library building will be repurposed, with the town seeking redevelopment proposals while preserving its historic exterior.
Funding sources:
Town bonding.
$5 million U.S. Treasury Capital Projects Fund grant.
$3.5 million Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development grant.
$2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding.
Additional state, federal and energy-related funding sources.