Guilford Smith Memorial Library

Listen as Afton talks on Wili 1400 am radio about our library.

 Listen Here

Formatted Version of newsletter avaliable for download.
Letter From the director
Winter is almost here!  I am looking forward to all the beautiful snow.  This is such a wonderful time of cheer and happiness.  The library has been open since 1931 and I wanted to share a little bit of the history.  In 1923 Guilford Smith left his legacy by creating a trust for a library at South Windham.  He also left money to the Willimantic YMCA, Connecticut College of New London, the Card Home and the Windham Hospital.  His home was transformed, but some of the furniture remained upstairs such as the cradle in which Mr. Smith was rocked as a baby in 1839.  Many pictures are on display upstairs in the Card Photography Museum depicting the history of South Windham.  On opening day, 890 books sat on shelves waiting to be read.  Today we have over 10,000 books!  The library was built by Charles, Guilford’s father.  The door facing the Machine Shop was actually the front door of their home.  The library still operates today on the investments made from the trust.  Our budget is small and we ask  patrons pay their annual dues of $5 a family to defer costs.  Any donations are greatly appreciated.  We are thankful for Guilford Smith and his generous donation which has touched the lives of many.  You can also leave your legacy at the library by donating funds to purchase books.  -Afton Seal

Thanks to all who bought Pampered Chef products for a fundraiser.  We had a lovely evening in Jane Garrison's home with good food and great friends.  If you missed that evening you'll have another chance to buy Pampered Chef at our Holiday Book and Bake Sale on Saturday, December 8th from 9-2.  Thanks again and happy baking!

Looking for something to do?  We have passes to:

Mystic Aquarium

Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk

State Parks and Forests Day Pass

Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill

Fort Trumbull

Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam

Williard's in Willimantic has donated paint for the library's fence and porches.  On Saturday, September 8th we will have a youth group of 50 and members of the South Windham community here for a fall clean-up day.  We are so grateful for local businesses who donate supplies for the library. 

If anyone is interested in helping us we will be at the library from 9-11:30 AM weeding, mulching and planting bulbs.  Of course donations are always welcome. 

For more information, please call the library at 423-5159.