Groton Public Library
🏢 Town of Groton · New London County, Connecticut
Groton Public Library
Groton Public Library has served Connecticut's Submarine Capital since 1854, anchoring a community whose waterfront hosted the christening of the USS Nautilus — the world's first nuclear-powered submarine — just miles from its doors.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–9pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–9pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–9pm |
| Thursday | 9am–9pm |
| Friday | 9am–5:30pm |
| Saturday | 9am–5pm |
| Sunday | 1pm–5pm (Sept–May only) |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 52 Newtown Rd, Groton, CT 06340
Phone: (860) 441-6750
Website: grotonpl.org
Plus Code: 87H98XXC+32 (Groton, CT)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Groton Public Library
One of the eight oldest public libraries in Connecticut, Groton Public Library opened in 1854 and moved into its landmark building on May 18, 1893, designed pro bono by Boston architect Arthur Rotch. A sweeping 1999 renovation expanded the facility to 17,140 square feet, tripling its original footprint and adding gallery and teen spaces. The library holds more than 150,000 items and fields roughly 30,000 reference questions each year. Its James L. Streeter History Room — dedicated in March 2017 — preserves thousands of photographs, maps, manuscripts, and artifacts documenting Groton's history from its 1705 separation from New London through the modern submarine age. Groton Public Library is a municipal department of the Town of Groton and a member of the statewide borrowIT CT cooperative, lending over 57,000 items to Connecticut residents outside the town in fiscal year 2025.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded 1854 — one of the eight oldest public libraries in Connecticut, predating the organized public-library movement
- 1893 landmark building designed pro bono by Boston architect Arthur Rotch; 1999 expansion tripled the footprint to 17,140 sq ft
- James L. Streeter History Room (opened 2017): thousands of photos and manuscripts including images of Mamie Eisenhower christening the USS Nautilus on January 21, 1954
- Authorized U.S. passport acceptance facility open by appointment Tuesday–Thursday, 10am–4pm
- borrowIT CT net lender: loaned 57,000+ items to Connecticut residents statewide in FY2025
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Groton cardholders can borrow, stream and research free through Connecticut's statewide and local digital collections:
📚 Services
- Passport acceptance facility — authorized U.S. passport agent, appointments available Tue–Thu 10am–4pm
- James L. Streeter History Room — naval/submarine history photos, Groton maps, manuscripts and local ephemera; open during regular library hours
- Book-A-Tech one-on-one technology help — Tuesday and Thursday 2–3:30pm
- Homebound delivery for Groton residents unable to visit in person
- Exam proctoring for distance-learning students
- Museum passes — complimentary and discounted passes to regional museums
- Interlibrary loan (ILL) for Groton residents
- Meeting rooms available for nonprofit groups
- Library of Things — borrowable specialty items including tech and tools
- Public computers, high-speed Wi-Fi and wireless printing
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes, crafts and STEM programs
- Teen area programming (grades 6–12) — dedicated space added 2010
- Adult book groups and author events
- Connecticut Submarine Century lecture series — community history programming
- Free computer instruction classes
- Summer Reading Program (all ages)
📍 Nearby Libraries in New London County
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Groton · Browse all Connecticut libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Groton Public Library have materials about the U.S. Navy submarine base and local naval history?
Yes. The James L. Streeter History Room, dedicated in March 2017, holds thousands of photographs, maps, manuscripts and ephemera documenting Groton's history — including materials related to Naval Submarine Base New London and photographs from the January 21, 1954 christening of the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, which took place just miles from the library. The room is open during regular library hours; visitors register at the Information Desk.
Are Sunday hours available at Groton Public Library year-round?
No — Sunday hours are seasonal. The library is open Sundays from 1pm to 5pm from September through mid-May. Sundays are closed from late May through August. Monday through Thursday hours are 9am–9pm year-round; Friday runs 9am–5:30pm and Saturday 9am–5pm.
Can I apply for a U.S. passport at Groton Public Library?
Yes. Groton Public Library is an authorized U.S. passport acceptance facility. Appointments are available Tuesday through Thursday, 10am–4pm. Call (860) 441-6750 or visit grotonpl.org to schedule. Bring your completed DS-11 application, proof of citizenship, a valid photo ID and the applicable fees.
What free digital resources can I access with a Groton library card?
A Groton library card unlocks OverDrive/Libby for e-books and audiobooks, The Palace Project for Connecticut's statewide e-book collection, and Mango Languages for self-paced language learning. In-library computers provide access to Ancestry Library Edition for genealogy research. Job Now and LearningExpress are also available for career coaching and test prep. All are included at no cost to cardholders.
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