WOOD MEMORIAL LIBRARY


A fascinating past history

Wood Library was built by Will Wood between 1926 and 1928. Wood was a major dealer in oxen, and built the Library in memory of his parents, Dr. William Wood and Mary Ellsworth Wood. For four decades, the building served as the public library for South Windsor until the town built the new library on Sullivan Avenue.


More than a Library today

In 1971, Friends of Wood Memorial Library, a non-profit company, was formed by residents of Main Street to operate the building as a library, community center, and cultural resource for the town and region. Initially working on a shoestring and with a large cadre of loyal volunteers, programs were organized to provide opportunities for children and adults alike that did not exist in other public facilities in South Windsor.


What’s doing at Wood now

From September to June, there is something going on at Wood nearly every week. Whether it is a free Sunday afternoon concert, (part of the South Windsor Cultural Arts Series), or a hands-on Young Artist Program, or a lecture series and field trip led by noted scholars and historians, or a garden tour, or an art exhibit, Wood’s programs are unique, dynamic, and varied.


A Center for History

Wood has one of the most extensive collections of Native American artifacts in the region. Educational programs using these artifacts augment and enhance South Windsor students’ studies in the classroom.

A whole wing of Wood is devoted to books on the history of South Windsor, Connecticut and the U.S.

A team of volunteer archivists, under the direction of Jean Klein,
manage the growing volume of material in Wood’s archives--documents, photos, journals, and maps—history’s raw materials.


How is all this funded?

Wood’s programs rely on the ongoing generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations, and granting agencies. Annual Golf Scrambles as well as an Annual Fund campaign are two important fund raising programs.

In addition, the value of capable, experienced volunteers’ time is substantial in support of the small staff in achieving Wood’s goals.


Getting the Word out

The best way to learn about Wood is to make a visit. The Library is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 A.M. to 8 P.M. and by appointment.

In addition, Wood’s website, http://www.woodmemoriallibrary.org has all the up-to-date information on Wood’s programs as well as many pictures of the collections.

Plan to visit us in person or on the Internet. You’ll be amazed with all that Wood has to offer.

WOOD MEMORIAL LIBRARY
P.O. Box 131 783 Main Street
South Windsor CT 06074
289-1783 email: wood.memorial.lib@snet.net

THE HISTORY IS USED WITH PERMISSION.
COPYRIGHT BY THE WOOD MEMORIAL LIBRARY.