Wilton Library was recently presented with a Connecticut State Flag which flew over Hartford’s State of Connecticut Capitol Building on December 10, 2015. This flag was flown in honor of Wilton Library for excellence in service to the community. The recognition was made possible thanks to the efforts of State Representative Gail Lavielle of the 143rd District and the Wilton Delegation. The oversized flag, measuring 5×9 feet, was draped on the façade of Wilton Library for the presentation. To commemorate this recognition, a smaller CT State flag is on permanent display alongside the American flag in the library’s Virginia Adams reading room.
“We are deeply honored to be acknowledged in Hartford and among the Connecticut legislative community for our library’s accomplishments,” said Wilton Library’s executive director Elaine Tai-Lauria. “This honor is particularly meaningful because we work very hard to enrich the quality of life in the community by providing a variety of valuable services and world class programs. We are grateful for this recognition, which in many ways is an affirmation of the important role libraries play in supporting the intellectual, social and cultural well-being of a community.”
Lavielle remarked, “Libraries are integral to Connecticut communities and Wilton Library is one of the strongest in our region. Although Wilton library depends on its public/private partnership for funding, the library utilizes state programs such as ‘deliverIT CT’ which facilitates resource sharing among libraries.” Lavielle continued, “Such programs are in danger as the Connecticut State budget is currently under fire. I urge everyone to express their opposition to cuts to the library system which will impact these programs.”
Tai-Lauria noted, “The funds Wilton Library receives from the Town of Wilton maintain the library facility and provide staffing, however we also rely on several state-funded programs and services. Private donations are particularly essential since these dollars literally ‘stock our shelves’ with print and digital resources, and fund our programs. We hope this honor will indeed remind communities to support libraries, not only through donations but through their legislative voices.”
2015-16 marks the 120th anniversary of Wilton Library’s service to the community. Since its inception in May 1895, Wilton Library has grown from a collection of 120 books to being at the center of the Wilton community. Today, the Library welcomes more than 250,000 visitors annually and offers thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, e-books, digital offerings and internet access for all ages. Art exhibitions, concerts, lectures, author talks, public forums, educational programs, scholarly series as well as the Thomas T. Adams, Esq., Innovation Station maker space round out the library’s offerings. Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Rd..