Burroughs-Saden Memorial Library — Bridgeport Public Library
🏢 Bridgeport Public Library · BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut
Burroughs-Saden Memorial Library
The Burroughs-Saden Memorial Library, Bridgeport's main public library since 1927, houses an internationally noted P.T. Barnum and circus-history collection, offers passport acceptance services by appointment, and runs a Digital Navigator Program to help residents bridge the technology gap.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Thursday | 12 PM – 8 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 925 BROAD ST., BRIDGEPORT, CT 06604
Phone: +1-203-576-7400
Website: bportlibrary.org
Plus Code: 87H85RG5+CX (BRIDGEPORT, CT)
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📖 About Burroughs-Saden Memorial Library
Bridgeport Public Library was established in 1881 through an act of the Connecticut General Assembly; the system's first permanent home came in 1883 when Catherine Burroughs Pettingill bequeathed a building on Main Street, saying she wished 'to benefit as much as possible the inhabitants of my native place.' The present main library at 925 Broad Street opened on April 25, 1927, after two years of construction, and was later named the Burroughs-Saden Memorial Library to honor both Pettingill and George A. Saden — a retired Superior Court judge and Library Board member since 1993 who passed away in 2003. The Bridgeport History Center on the second floor preserves the city's documentary heritage, including manuscripts, photographs, and a nationally recognized collection related to P.T. Barnum, Bridgeport's most famous resident, and the circus industry he built. A 2009 renovation of the Black Rock Branch expanded community capacity; the main library's recent Digital Navigator Program provides one-on-one technology help for underserved residents.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Bridgeport History Center (2nd floor, by appt Wed–Sat) — national repository for P.T. Barnum and circus-history primary sources
- U.S. passport acceptance services by appointment at the main branch (call ext. 432 or 407)
- Digital Navigator Program — free one-on-one technology assistance for residents
- Podcast studio available for community content creators
- Toy Library collection launched for families with young children
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Your free Bridgeport library card unlocks eBooks, streaming films, downloadable music, and Connecticut's statewide digital library.
📚 Services
- U.S. passport acceptance services (by appointment — call (203) 576-7400 ext. 432 or 407)
- Notary services
- Digital Navigator Program (free one-on-one tech help)
- Podcast studio
- Toy Library
- Mobile printing from any device
- Library pickup lockers
- Community meeting rooms
- Bridgeport History Center (genealogy & local history, by appt)
🎸 Programs
- Story time for children and families
- ESL and English-language learner classes
- Medicare workshops and benefits navigation
- Book clubs for adults and teens
- Technology training and digital literacy workshops
- Community organization meeting space
📍 Nearby Libraries in Coastal Connecticut
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in BRIDGEPORT · Browse all Connecticut libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a passport appointment at Burroughs-Saden Library?
Passport acceptance services at the main library are by appointment. Call (203) 576-7400 ext. 432 or 407, or email passportinfo@bridgeportpubliclibrary.org during library hours. Bring your completed DS-11 form, proof of citizenship, photo ID and copies, a passport photo, and the applicable fees ($35 execution fee to the library, plus State Department fees by check or money order).
What is the Bridgeport History Center and how do I access it?
The Bridgeport History Center is on the 2nd floor of the main library and is open by appointment Wednesday through Saturday. It holds books, manuscripts, photographs, and a notable collection on P.T. Barnum and circus history. Contact the library at (203) 576-7400 ext. 505 to schedule a research visit.
What is the Digital Navigator Program at Bridgeport Public Library?
The Digital Navigator Program provides free, one-on-one technology assistance to community members — helping with device setup, internet navigation, online account creation, telehealth access, and other digital skills. No appointment is needed for walk-in help during library hours.
Does Bridgeport Public Library offer a podcast studio?
Yes. The main library has a podcast studio available for community content creators. Contact the library at (203) 576-7400 to inquire about reservation policies, available equipment, and any requirements.
📋 This library offers notary services. See what a library notary can do — what to bring, fees and appointments — and find other libraries with a notary notary services by state.
📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
📅 This library has meeting & community rooms. See how library meeting rooms work — booking, policies and fees — and find other libraries with meeting or community rooms meeting rooms by state.
🛂 This library offers U.S. passport services. See how library passport acceptance works — requirements, fees and appointments — and find other passport acceptance libraries by state.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
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