Westbrook, CT - The newly renovated and expanded town library is in full operation and the Barbara Spencer Children’s Room is brimming with activities.

The library hosted a festive “official” Opening in January and hundreds of townspeople and special guests toured the 7,328 square feet of new and renovated space, featuring the 2,770 square foot Children’s Room, where visitors enjoyed a piece of celebration cake.

The Children’s Room addition was made possible by a $150,000 Grant from the Westbrook Foundation. “This commitment is something special”, says Lew Daniels, town librarian. “73% of the new space on the Main level is for children’s book collections, activities and related materials.” The Grant enabled us to buy quality furniture, furnishings, durable shelving and other items that provide an attractive and exciting library space. The cupola enables additional, valuable natural lighting for easier reading and research”.

“The Barbara Spencer Children’s Room is all about having a comfortable place for kids and parents that feels like home, we think the public library should be a quality place to spend time”, says Children’s Librarian Mary Nyman.

“We have a sink for playtime, the perfect environment for story telling, room for school visits, and programs that go from toddlers, to pre-school to elementary and middle schools. The pre-K story hours are popular, along with beach story times when we do nature crafts”, says Mary. “We look forward to lots of use after school and in the evenings for children, their families and caregivers”.