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 well being 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.
Public Libraries: Return on Investment!
Economic Impact of the Mary Cheney Library (Manchester, CT)
- “More than ⅓ of [library] visitors made another stop Downtown either before or after their library visit.”
- [The Manchester Public Library] generates $8.8 million in annual economic activity, compared to $3.4 million budget.”
- “…we are confident that a new, larger, modern library facility with robust programming space and programs would generate more traffic and activity in the Downtown, resulting in increased community and economic benefits.”
The Returns to Public Library Investment
“…public library investment increases children’s attendance at library events by 18%, children’s checkouts of items by 21%, and library visits by 21%. Increases in library use translate into improved test scores in nearby school districts…”
Texas Public Libraries: Economic Benefit and Return on Investment
“Collectively, in FY2015, Texas public libraries were found to provide $2.628 billion in benefits while costing $566 million, a return on investment of $4.64 for each dollar.”
“Total economic benefits from Texas’ public libraries in FY2015, therefore, were
approximately $2.629 billion.”
Minnesota Public Libraries Return on Investment
“…other benefits of significant value include the collection and the many services of the library; the educational programs, as well as the educational benefits of the library’s mission including literacy of the citizenry; technology for use in the library; the expertise of the library staff; the library facility as a community gathering place; the “halo” spending by library users at establishments close to the library; and the value of a library’s enhancement to neighborhood real estate and community partnerships.”
Reports & Recommendations
Library Vision Committee Report
The Committee determined that Middletown’s library facilities should be:
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
Russell Library 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.”
Middletown Press
Feasibility Study Committee
- Anthony Mangiafico
- Stephen Nelson
- Phil Pessina
- Jonathan Pulino
- Joseph Samolis
- Eamonn Wisneski
- Julie Yulo-Medeiros
- 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)