Guilford Smith Memorial Library

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