Old Southington Library Turning To Rubble

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Last month, Southington dedicated a brand new, state-of-the-art public library building that is a major source of pride to the town.

On Thursday, however, the Southington Public Library posted images of the demolition of the old library which was abandoned last November for the new one on Main Street nearby.

"It's the end of an era," wrote the library via social media.

"As our 1975 building begins its final chapter with demolition, it's hard not to feel a wave of nostalgia."

Dedicated Dec. 7, 2024, Southington's new library ended a long and, sometimes, controversial journey.

It all started in November 2021, as voters approved spending $16.9 million for a new 30,000-square-foot library, a project deemed necessary to meet fire and building codes, provide modern services and amenities, and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

But on Thursday, the library staff was interested in stories from residents about the old site, which was finished when Gerald Ford was president and served Southington for nearly 50 years.

From Dec. 4, 2024: 'New Southington Public Library Is Open, Dedication Is Saturday: UPDATE'