Beyond the Stacks: Stonington Free Library Resources You Didn’t Know About
Written by Taylor Donovan
The Stonington Free Library is an iconic landmark in Stonington Borough. Located in Wadawanuck Square, the library has been a hub for a thriving community since the late 19th century. Locals are familiar with the library’s most popular offerings, however, the library’s resources go far beyond what is offered among the stacks.
Quick links to the library’s many digital offerings:
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Find the same great titles from your library in Libby, a modern, easy-to-use app. Plus, you can enjoy offline reading, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto support, push notifications, and more.
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Kanopy is a video streaming service made available to you by your library. With it, you can stream from a collection of over 30,000 independent and documentary films, including videos from The Criterion Collection, The Great Courses, Media Education Foundation, and more. Kanopy’s collection focuses on titles offering social, cultural, and educational value.
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PressReader is a website and app that gives SFL cardholders access to 7,000 magazines and newspapers from all over the world on any internet connected device. With PressReader you will have unlimited access to publications as soon as they are available on the shelf and you will have access to back issues for up to 90 days.
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We usually have a reading challenge happening, and right now, we have three! Join us!
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On our YouTube channel, you’ll find recordings of some of our most popular programs.
The Stonington Free Library offers resources catered to community members of all ages
Children
SFL works to develop the love of reading early on in children’s lives via its Youth Library, located on the lowest level of the building.
Summer Reading
The library’s Summer Reading Program is well renowned among community members – in the summertime, kids can log reading hours to earn raffle tickets and prizes. During Summer Break, the Youth Library is bustling with children eager to receive their rewards.
Story Time
The library hosts weekly story times where young children and their families can come for a read aloud and playtime. The program seeks to develop early literacy skills within children and to show caregivers how to practice these skills at home. Check out the upcoming Story Times here.
Programming
From author spotlights to weekly therapy dog visits, SFL’s children’s programming keeps kids learning, playing, and asking questions. We especially love the Grab & Go craft kits that families can pick up to assemble at home. Although enrichment for children starts at the library, it’s what the kids bring home that’s most important.
Teens
As children age up, the library provides even more ways for them to get involved. The Summer Reading Program is open to children up to grade 12, but many teens prefer to get involved on the other end of the program.
Volunteering
Teens can volunteer for the library and help with events, children’s programming, organization, and social media. Teens can contribute remotely by writing book reviews for volunteer hours.
Events
Adolescence is a formative age range for children, and SFL offers programs that allow teens to develop interests and friendships. Teens have their own space where they can use computers, do homework, and get together with friends for game nights. Check out teen events here.
Adults
SFL workers believe that love of reading and learning should not stop in adulthood–if anything, it should increase.
Reading Challenges
Inspired by the kids’ Summer Reading Program, the library offers reading challenges for adults, where logging reading minutes can win prizes. The library also organizes monthly book groups that create a space for adults to discuss readings.
Technology
At the library, visitors stay connected–free Wifi and computers are available to all guests, making it the perfect place to come and get some work done. Additionally, Chromebooks, Wifi Hotspots, and Nintendo Switch games can be checked out with a library card.
Enrichment
SFL has a wealth of resources that allow adults to learn more about themselves and their community. SFL hosts a Lecture Series where guest speakers give advice on various topics. The library is also part of an interlibrary loan program which greatly expands its book offerings, and they have partnered with Historic Stonington’s Woolworth Library to curate a collection of Stonington archival materials. If that’s not enough, you can also get free or discounted museum passes through Stonington Free Library. As an adult, visiting the library guarantees that you remain a lifelong learner.
Seniors
The Stonington Free Library offers unique opportunities for senior citizens. Although the library serves as a valuable hub for residents to visit, the library also prioritizes outreach.
Homebound Service
For those who cannot easily come into the library, the library comes to them. Those who sign up for SFL’s Homebound Service receive hand-delivered, personalized librarian picks each month at their homes. Learn more about the Homebound Service here.
Tech Help Program
Librarians host one-on-one troubleshooting sessions for technology problems in order to help visitors access and understand the technology that they need within their lives.
Knitting Group
Beyond more practical offerings, SFL hosts events for seniors to have fun! The knitting group takes place each Wednesday in-person and on Zoom, where members can log on, knit, and chat. We love how this group brings community members together.
One of the SFL staff members, Millie Donovan, has been working at the library since 2021, but she has been visiting the library for much longer. Mrs. Donovan speaks of SFL as an important community resource and rewarding workplace, mentioning,
“Having moved around a lot throughout my life, one of the first places where my family found a place to belong was at the library. It was a no-brainer that my kids would be library kids–they participated in the Summer Reading Program up until they were old enough to volunteer at the library. No matter where my children might settle as adults, my hope is that one of the first things that they do is get their local library card.”
Whether it’s the Summer Reading Program, the volunteering opportunities, the Homebound Service, or the events for all ages, the library stays steadfast in its mission to “enrich lives and build community by bringing information, ideas, and people together.” If you’re looking for a way to stay connected, entertained, and informed, visit the Stonington Free Library at 20 High Street in Stonington Borough, to register for a library card and see what they have in store.
LIBRARY HOURS
Monday, 10-7
Tuesday, 10-7
Wednesday, 10-7
Thursday, 10-7
Friday, 10-5
Saturday, 10-3
Sunday, 10-3