Project Timeline

1935: The Wilton Library is founded when area residents donate books and
money. The 10’ x 20’ library is housed in the former City Council Chambers above the fire station, with memberships of $1 per year.

1938: The Works Progress Administration erects a new Wilton City Hall, with room given to the library in the new structure.

1942: The Library changes its membership structure to a public operation under the city budget.

1968: The Library moves into a room now used for City Council meetings.

1980: The Library moves into its current quarters.

1995- Dr. Richard Grunder heads a community group to study the need for a

1996: community center. The group recommends attaching it to the swimming pool. The project stalls while waiting to see what the school will do.

1997: The Board of Trustees begins discussions on the need for more space for the Library. George and Thelma Nopoulos and family offer to donate land on the 300 block of Cedar Street for a new library in the downtown area.

1998: A Planning Committee forms to review facility options. Library Consultant George Lawson conducts a Space Needs Analysis and Site
Selection Report.

1999: WCDA takes on the community center project. The Wilton Library
Foundation hires an architect. Ruth Elder and her family offer to donate
one of two possible parcels of land for construction of a new library.
Phyllis Dolin offers the Mead House as another possible site.

2000: The Library Foundation begins exploring the feasibility of securing funds
to construct the facility through a capital fundraising program.

2001: The Library Board, Library Foundation and a Community Center
committee join forces to explore a joint facility at the east end of City
Park. The project stalls over uncertainties about location.

2002: Four acres of ground are obtained at the intersection of Cypress and
Division Streets, promising easy accessibility for students and residents
and approximately 200 spaces.

2004: Fundraising begins.

2006: Campaign exceeds $1 million.