In 1897, Mr. Thurlow built a grocery store at 64 Main Street. According to stories collected by the first librarian, Mary Cousins, perishables, sides of beef and other meats hung in the back of the building, where the free public access computers now are. Over the years, this location has been the site of many businesses, including a millinery shop and a ladies’ dress shop. On June 9, 1959, the Stonington Library Association bought the building for $3,500. With energetic fundraising, including cream teas, the newly formed library board paid off the mortgage in three years. Over half a century later, the community continues to appreciate the foresight and hard work of those early board members. The library today is much different from the one they imagined. It not only lends books, but provides free Wi-Fi, computers, eBooks, audio books, videos, classes, book and author events, exhibits by local artists, children's programming, including a gaming room, and much more.
