Derby Neck Library Celebrates Grand Opening

The Renovated Derby Neck Library is now officially re-opened following the formal dedication held on Sunday, October 27. Derby's oldest library dates back to 1897 when a donation of $50.00 by Wilbur F. Osborne led to the purchase of new books to augment some others found on the second floor of the Derby Neck School. In 1907, the famous library promoter Andrew Carnegie donated $3,300 to another donation from Osborne to build a new 1,500 square foot facility adjacent to the school.

By 1972 the Derby Neck School, now known as the Hawthorne School, was no longer needed bu the city and it was demolished making way for an addition to the library which expanded to 6,500 square feet.

The new facility dwarfs the old building at 14,950 square feet, but the same friendly neighborhood feeling still pervades the operations of a thoroughly modern facility.

The Grand Opening was marked by a brief speaking program with local political officials, staff members and board members addressing the crowd. Board President Shirley Erickson served as master of ceremonies. Refreshments were served as a fiddler and harpist provided the musical backdrop. You can get a sense of the day by clicking on the pictures below. You can also take an on-line tour of the new building by clicking here.