Russell Library
Planning for the Future
Strengthen the Community
The community will experience Middletown’s public library as a launch pad for community engagement.
Create a Safe & Welcoming Destination
The community will enter physical and virtual spaces that encourage them to learn, grow, and connect.
Foster a Thriving Economic Ecosystem
The community will have opportunities and resources for skill–building, networking, co–creating, and incubating ideas that support economic wellbeing in collaborative physical and virtual spaces.
Promote a Lifelong Love of Learning
From birth through adulthood, the community will experience interactions that spark curiosity, foster critical thinking skills, and stimulate the imagination.
Strategic Plan
“… we must plan for change. To paraphrase the ancient Greek
philosopher Heraclitus, “Change is the only constant.” We must ready ourselves to anticipate and respond to the rapidly evolving needs of our community in order to truly serve it.”

MISSION
We empower people to grow, connect, strive and thrive.
VISION
Everyone feels welcomed and included.
FOUNDATIONAL STRATEGY
Practice equity and inclusion, and listen to youth voices.
Reports & Recommendations
Library Vision Committee Report
The vision plan’s five themes:
1. Human-Centered
2. Accessible
3. Fun, Dynamic and Flexible
4. Connected, Inspirational, Aspirational
5. Sustainable
Facilities Assessment & Space Planning Recommendations
How can Middletown best make its public library facilities future-ready for all?
1. Repair
2. Renovate
3. Relocate
4. Repurpose
2020-2030 Middletown Plan of Conservation and Development
Middletown 2030:
The Vision
1. Thriving
2. Vibrant
3. Connected
4. Sustainable
Return to the Riverbend
A vision for the transformation of Middletown’s riverfront.
1. A People-Driven Process
2. A Vibrant, Mixed-Use Riverfront
3. Environmental Stewardship
4. Accessibility and Affordability
5. Community Health and Equity
6. Attract Private Investment
Middletown Press
Feasibility Study Committee
- Faraneh Carnegie-Hargreaves
- Anthony Mangiafico
- Stephen Nelson
- Philip Pessina
- Sandra Russo-Driska
- Joseph Samolis
- Eamonn Wisneski
- Ramona Burkey, Library Director (staff, ex-officio)
- Mayor Benjamin Florsheim, (staff, ex-officio)
Make a Donation
Russell Library is here for you, but we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our benefactors.
If you would like to show your appreciation for all we offer our community, online giving is secure and easy. We even take PayPal!
Your donation will instantly help us provide world-class library services in the heart of Middletown.
Russell Library
123 Broad Street, Middletown CT 06457
Phone
860-347-2528
Events
Online Calendar
Library Hours
Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm, Fri-Sat 9am-5pm
Sunday 1-5pm (October-March)