Russell Library Voted “Best Cultural Attraction for Families”

Middletown’s Beloved Public Library Comes Out on Top in Statewide Poll

Russell Library is thrilled to announce that it has been voted Connecticut’s “Best Cultural Attraction for Families” in Connecticut Magazine’s annual readers’ choice poll.

Featured in the magazine’s July 2026 issue, this statewide recognition reinforces Russell Library’s reputation as a beloved cultural destination.

“We are over the moon to receive this honor from Connecticut Magazine and, most importantly, from the people who walk through our doors every day,” said Ramona Burkey, Library Director. “The fact that the award is driven entirely by reader and patron votes means it truly belongs to our whole community. Our staff pour a ton of energy into making the library an inviting, magical space where families can learn and play together, and of course our patrons then bring it all to life.

Recently, we’ve heard from people all over Connecticut that they’re making a point of coming to Middletown because we have the reputation as ‘the fun library.’ So it’s not surprising we received so many votes!”

In addition to more traditional yet well-loved staples such as books and storytimes, the Russell Library boasts offerings like Tonie boxes and Yotos, multiple highly-interactive play-based environments, “mega chess” and other games in the Teen Space, chick hatchings, and much more – all free of charge.

Families are welcome to stop by the library to make use of the extremely popular Children’s Activity Room. “It’s a terrific place where you and your child can just ‘be,’” says Burkey. “You don’t have to pay an entry fee; just come in, play in the ball pit, read a book, do an impromptu puppet show… it’s up to you; we just want you here.”

The library also offers free family programming such as Science Saturdays, Yoga for Littles, concerts, petting zoos, and more, including on weekends.

“We need to be here for working families, particularly as everything just keeps getting more expensive these days,” says Burkey.

“A visit to the public library includes something for everyone, and you can’t beat the price of admission.” Burkey adds that while it feels great to have this honor bestowed upon Russell Library, every public library has something unique to offer.

“All of our public libraries in Connecticut are great, so you should visit them all.”

Russell Library has won two other awards so far this year: the Excellence in Public Library Service award from the Connecticut Library Association, and the Friends Group Award from the Friends of Connecticut Libraries.

The “Best Cultural Attraction for Families” designation from Connecticut Magazine comes at an exciting moment, as the library celebrates its 150th anniversary while continuing to plan for a future major expansion at its current site on Broad Street. As part of that planning process, an economic impact study concluded that the library draws tens of thousands of visitors to local downtown businesses every year, and provides a return of at least $2 in value to the community for every $1 invested.