Welcome to Behind the Stacks, the go-to column from the West Haven Public Library! We’ll bring you lists of upcoming programs, book recommendations, hidden gems in our collection, and ways to make the most of your library. Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a curious learner, or just looking for your next great adventure, we’re here to connect you with all the resources we have to offer, all available with your library card! Stay tuned—there’s always something new to discover at your library.
We currently have two branches that you can visit. The first is our main location at 300 Elm Street. This is the original Carnegie building that opened in 1909. We’ve expanded on the building over the years, but you can still see much of the original architecture in our Reference Room. Our second location is the Ora Mason branch, located at 260 Benham Hill Road. This branch started off in the basement of the Colonial Park School and moved locations a couple times until we were able to move into our current space in 1967. The building was named after long-time director, Ora M. Mason. Our third location is the Louis Piantino branch at 1 Forest Road. This branch was sadly closed in September of 2020 after operating for 40 years in that space. This branch started off in a small storefront before ending up in its long-term location on Forest Road. It was named after Louis Piantino, a local resident who made a large donation to the library. We have been working diligently on reestablishing a library presence in the Allingtown area and hope to open this library in the next few years.
No matter which location you visit, we have collections and activities for all ages! Adults can browse our large collections of fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs, and audiobooks. Some popular sections are our large print books, graphic novels, world language materials, “Oldies but Goodies” films, and themed Binge Boxes that come with movies and popcorn. Children and teens can browse a collection that includes fiction and non-fiction books for all reading levels, DVDs, manga, young adult fiction, and Playaway devices pre-loaded with early learning materials. Looking for something to do over the weekend? Borrow one of our museum passes! Each pass offers a discount on admission prices and can be used by individuals and families alike!
The library is more than just books, we also offer a large selection of programs designed to assist residents with their information needs, create social opportunities, and provide outlets for fun and creativity. Adults can attend Medicare seminars that explain and simplify Medicare options, Homebuyers classes that outline the steps for first-time homebuyers, and Small Business events that allow for attendees to have their business questions addressed by qualified representatives. We also provide a number of recurring monthly events for adults to enjoy, including movie showings, yoga classes, cooking club, quilting club, seasonal craft events, take & make kits, and book clubs. Check back every month for different events! For instance, as part of Women’s History Month, the Connecticut Museum of History will be hosting a presentation at the Main Library on March 29th highlighting some of the courageous Connecticut women who fought for the right to vote.
Children and teens also have a large assortment of events to choose from! For toddlers, there are weekly Storytimes, music and motions, and other programs that encourage little ones to move, talk, and play. Children can express their creativity through craft events, Lego club, and healthy cooking workshops. And teens can come together and hang out at video game club and go wild with food tasting programs. We also offer themed scavenger hunts throughout the year that kids of all ages can participate in, such as the Leprechaun scavenger hunt taking place all throughout March at Ora Mason and the Eid scavenger hunt starting on March 31st at the Main Library!
Can’t get to the library? We can bring our materials right to your home or to certain local venues. Our bookmobile provides library services to West Haven residents that are homebound and makes frequent trips to the Senior Center, the Errera Center VA Clinic, the CT Food Bank, and local beaches, laundromats, and farmer’s markets. The bookmobile has also been providing library services for Washington School while they are temporarily displaced.
As you can see, your library has a lot going on besides books (but remember we have plenty of them too!) All of this is available to you for free so be sure to stop in and check out some materials, attend a program, or just hang out! Give us a call or stop by the library for more information. And be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date with all the exciting things your library has to offer!