Southington Library Construction Project Set To Begin

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The sometimes rocky journey to a new Southington Public Library appears to have smoothed out a bit, with town officials this week announcing work will begin this month.

Once the new library is built, the old library at 255 Main St. will be demolished nearby.

Town and library officials said a temporary construction fence will go up July 17 and work will begin, with leaders hopeful of a completion date of September 2024 with an opening date later that December.

"The Southington Public Library is pleased to announce that our new building construction project is about to begin and we are delighted," reads an announcement from the Town of Southington. "Whiting Turner, our construction management company, will install a temporary fence around the new construction site."

The $16.9 million facility has been the subject of some controversy in town since voters approved the project at a referendum in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In November 2021, voters approved spending $16.9 million for a 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 throughout 2022, town and library officials learned cost overruns associated with the ever-present supply chain and inflation issues meant the $16.9 million could only fund a 24,000-square-foot building.

After much debate about whether to seek more funding from voters for a 30,000-square-foot library, it was decided to build to the amount of cash approved at the polls.

Then, last April, the Southington Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-2 to approve the special permit to build the structure, but doing so with a heavy dose of criticism over the building's design.

Some members — even those who voted "yes" — said plans for the building and its new sign were "ugly."

With a timeline now set for construction, library officials said the work "will limit parking to the lot East of the existing building which is accessible from Meriden Avenue," according to a statement.

The current facility will remain open until the new site opens next year.

"During construction the library will continue to be open and we will continue to provide our usual excellent services to the public," wrote the town.

"The Southington Public Library is grateful for the support of the community and we look forward to your continued support. Together, we will build a library that will provide a space for the community for the enrichment, enjoyment and educational needs of all the residents of Southington."

Interested folks can check the library website for building project updates at this link or call the library at 860-628-0947.

For the full Southington Public Library announcement on the project, click on this link.

From April 19: 'Southington PZC Rips Library Building Plans, But Still OKs Project'

From May 31: 'Southington Library Seeks Opinions On New Furniture'