Ansonia Library
🏢 Ansonia Library · Ansonia, Connecticut
Ansonia Library
Ansonia Library occupies a Richardsonian Romanesque landmark gifted to the city in 1892 by philanthropist Caroline Phelps Stokes — its two-foot-thick brownstone walls, clock tower, and rose window have stood on South Cliff Street for over 130 years, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 53 SOUTH CLIFF ST., ANSONIA, CT 06401
Phone: (203) 734-6275
Website: ansonialibrary.org
Plus Code: 87H88WWF+27 (ANSONIA, CT)
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📖 About Ansonia Library
The Ansonia Library building was completed in 1892, a gift from Caroline Phelps Stokes as a memorial to her parents and maternal grandfather. Designed by Connecticut architect George Keller in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, the structure measures 82 by 70 feet in plan with load-bearing brownstone walls over two feet thick, an asymmetrical silhouette dominated by a square clock tower with a pyramidal copper roof, and a main entrance framed by a large round arch and rose window. The library was formally transferred to the city in 1896 after negotiations over control and maintenance funding were resolved. A significant addition in 1960 — designed by Bridgeport architect O.C.S. Zircoli — expanded the southern end of the building. Today Ansonia Library serves the Lower Naugatuck Valley through its borrowIT CT membership, giving cardholders access to materials from 191 libraries statewide, and offers a Toy Library alongside museum passes to a dozen Connecticut cultural institutions.
⭐ What makes this library special
- National Register of Historic Places since 1985 — Richardsonian Romanesque brownstone completed 1892
- Museum passes to 12 CT institutions including Mystic Aquarium, Beardsley Zoo, and Mark Twain House
- Toy Library: borrow toys for children just as you would borrow books
- borrowIT CT member — access 13 million items at 191 Connecticut libraries with your card
- Serving Ansonia continuously since 1896 — over 130 years of community service
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Ansonia Library cardholders access multiple digital platforms and statewide Connecticut resources at no cost:
📚 Services
- Museum passes — 12 CT cultural institutions (Mystic Aquarium, Beardsley Zoo, Mark Twain House & more)
- Toy Library — borrow children's toys
- borrowIT CT reciprocal borrowing — 191 CT libraries
- Computer workstations and internet access
- Free Wi-Fi
- Fax services
- Curbside pickup
- Online databases and research resources
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytime programs
- Summer Reading Program (all ages)
- Adult programming and book discussions
- Passport to CT Libraries program participation
📍 Nearby Libraries in the Lower Naugatuck Valley
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in ANSONIA · Browse all Connecticut libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What museums can I visit for free with an Ansonia Library museum pass?
Ansonia Library offers passes to 12 Connecticut cultural institutions, including Mystic Aquarium ($5 off per ticket, up to 4), Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo ($10 off per person, up to 6 guests), Mark Twain House & Museum, Wadsworth Atheneum, Lyman Allyn Art Museum, Connecticut Science Center, Connecticut's Old State House, and more. One pass per household at a time; reserve up to 30 days in advance online or at the circulation desk. Passes must be returned within three days.
Is the Ansonia Library building historically significant?
Yes. The library at 53 South Cliff Street was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 (reference 85001828). Designed by George Keller in the Richardsonian Romanesque style and completed in 1892, its two-foot-thick brownstone walls, clock tower with pyramidal copper roof, and rose window above the main entrance make it one of the most distinctive historic structures in the lower Naugatuck Valley.
What is the Ansonia Toy Library?
The Ansonia Library's Toy Library allows patrons to borrow children's toys — games, puzzles, and developmental items — just as they would borrow a book. Items are available to check out at the circulation desk during regular library hours.
Can I borrow materials from other Connecticut libraries with my Ansonia card?
Yes. Ansonia Library participates in borrowIT CT, Connecticut's statewide reciprocal borrowing program, giving cardholders access to 13 million items held at 191 participating public libraries. Search the statewide findIT CT catalog to locate items and have them transferred to Ansonia for pickup.
🎨 This library lends museum passes. See how library museum passes work and find other libraries that lend passes museum passes 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.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
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