Manchester's New Library: At A Glance

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.

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

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.