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About the Library
Mission: to provide the best possible informational, educational, cultural and recreational services in a warm and inviting environment.During 2006/2007, the Library had 54,503 visitors, loaned 93,654 items, answered 14,585 reference questions, provided 1,862 hours of computer use to 2,012 patrons, hosted 1,412 meetings, and shared stories and programs with 5,641 children & families.
The Thompson Public Library/Community Center is a 20,400 square foot facility. The collection consists of about 55,000 items -- books, audio tapes & CDs, videotapes & DVDs, music CDs, 100+ magazine & newspaper subscriptions, and access to various online databases.
Our History
The Thompson Public Library was incorporated in 1902 with a collection of 1,370 books in 1,990 square feet of space. Located on Thompson Hill in a charming stone building, the main library outgrew its space and two branches were opened, one in Grosvenordale in 1958 and one in Quinebaug in 1961.
The year 1966 saw more changes as the Quinebaug branch was enlarged and the Grosvenordale branch was closed. The town of Thompson was the first small town in Connecticut to have a bookmobile service in 1966, acquiring an official vehicle in 1970 that ran until 1993. A new, larger location was established in North Grosvenordale with an innovative After School Program started in 1987.
The new Thompson Public Library/Community Center is a modern facility that serves the residents of the various villages as well as those from surrounding communities. When the new library was completed in 1994 the branches were closed and bookmobile service was discontinued. Today the library has a collection close to 50,000 items with new technology and facilities to offer while maintaining a friendly, personal service.
The book History of the Thompson Library, written by Ron Tillen, is available for purchase at the Library.Homebound Service
A service providing books and other materials for Thompson residents who are unable to visit the Library. This program serves those with a temporary or permanent disability which limits their ability to access the Library. Materials will be delivered by volunteers. Contact Kate at the Library to sign up or volunteer.Machines for Public Use
CD player -- Available for use in the Library. Ask at the Circulation Desk.Computers --
3 Online Catalog computers
2 computers in Children's area
4 Patron use computers for Research, Internet, Wordprocessing (Typing skills and resume software available at 2 stations)
- all with Windows XP systems
- 3 with Office 2007, one Office 2003
Color printer available -- 25 cents per page.
The Library's Internet service uses a T1 line, allowing for very fast response time.
Wireless access is available throughout the entire facility
Two Dell laptops are available for in library use by adult patrons with a library card in good standing.
Please refer to the Laptop Loan Program Policy and the
Laptop Liability Form for further information.
Fax --
Fax service is NOT available at the Library.
MP3 players
Borrow one of our Creative Zen players for an eAudiobook experience!
It's as easy as 1...2...3!!
1. Log in with your library
barcode number & create a free account with NetLibrary.
2. Select the books you'd like to listen to.
3. Request the player - forms are available at the Library Desk.
Library staff will take care of the rest. Please note -- this service is available to Thompson adult patrons
whose account is in good standing with the Library. A $10 deposit is required at time of check out.
Photocopier --
10 cents per copy -- located to the right of the Circulation Desk.
Projector --
Available for use at the Library. See the Director.
TV/VCR --
Available for use at the Library. Request at the time meeting/event is booked.
Typewriter --
Located in Study Room 2. Ask at the Circulation Desk.
Meeting Rooms
As of July 2003 room reservations are now managed by the Library. Non-profit organizations and groups may request a room at the Thompson Library/Louis P. Faucher Community Center in advance.
Space is for use at no fee for approved functions during the following hours:
Mondays - Thursdays from 10am-9:30pm, Fridays from 10am-5pm.
Update...July 2006
The Room Use Calendar is now online!
Check the calendar for availiability and place your request.
Please call Kathy at the library for further information at 860.923.9779. Paper forms are also available at the Library,
although it is strongly encouraged to use the online system - as over 100 meetings/events take place each month @ the Library!
Before booking a room, please read the Room Use Policy.
Special Collections
Connecticut Collection All adult non-fiction books related to Connecticut are now shelved together. Items in this collection can be checked out. Located in the oak bookcases in front of Reference.Chilton Car Manuals Need help fixing your car? Take a look at our Chilton book collection for the answer. Located in the oak bookcases in front of Reference.
Oprah's Book Club Read along with Oprah from our collection of titles selected for her book club. Located in the oak bookcases in front of Reference.
Foreign Language Materials Interested in Beginner Latin? Considered learning Chinese?? Our growing Foreign Language collection offers books, audio tapes and CDs, videos and DVDs. Materials for adults & children are available. Located in the oak bookcases in front of Reference.
Parenting Collection Be sure to check out our parenting collection of books, videos, musical CDs and pamphlets which is conveniently located in the play corner. (Parenting/family magazines can be found in the main magazine section.) The offerings range from birth through the teenage years on a variety of topics.
Other Special Collections include...
- College & Scholarship Information - Located in Young Adults
- Connecticut Table -- Featuring brochures and handouts on a wide variety of topics... local history, arts & entertainment, tourism in the Quiet Corner and Connecticut. Located near the front desk/photocopier.
- Connecticut telephone book collection - Located in open Reference shelves
- Local History & Genealogy - History Room, please ask for assistance
- Pamphlet File - Located in open Reference shelves
Wireless Access
Free wireless internet access is available throughout the entire building.The wireless network is open to any individual with a library card issued by any Connecticut public library. Residents from out of state with proper ID may request a guest card in order to access the wireless network.
For further information, please refer to the following policies:
Wireless Network Policy
Public Access Internet & Computer Use Policy
Directions
Homebound Service
Machines for Public Use
Meeting Rooms
Photo Tour
Policies
Special Collections
Staff & Board Members
Wireless Access