Our History

The History of the Avon Public Library

The Avon Public Library opened its doors to the public from one room on the second floor of an old fire station, in November of 1892. After relocating several times, the current library building was erected in 1948 and expanded in 1971. Both times with trust funds from the H. Lawton Blanchard Trust. A spacious 50-car parking lot was added in 1992, and several years later the entire roof was replaced and a new HVAC system installed, all with municipal funding.

A member of the Old Colony Library Network, online since 1992, the library enjoys all privileges and benefits of that membership, including access to the internet, SEMLS and MLS sponsored reference databases and expanded access to literally millions of materials. AT&T Broadband donates a high Internet connection that is available to the public, as are five full-service OPAC terminals with internet access.

The ARIS report for FY2017 shows a collection of 54,334 items including audio and video formats, wiith a total circulation of 25,436. There are 3,272 registered borrowers, of whom 2,363 are Avon residents.

A Special Town Meetingin February 2000, approved funding for three library projects totaling 58,700(gutter replacement-$3,700, foundation leaking level solutions - $25,000, replacement of public restrooms - $30,000.)

The FY2017 operating budget is $416,940, with salaries amounting to $267,960; materials, $87,500; and expenses, including membership in the Old Colony Library Network, amounting to $64,975. Capital funding of $59,363 for repair of the library roof and carpet replacement.

In July of 2003 the Library Trustees accepted the final report of JMA consultants, INC. of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The "Space Utilization Study and Building Program Outline for the Avon Public Library" assessed the building, concluding, "The Avon Public Library is out of space. Reorganization of services can be made to maximize current space but and expansion may be necessary if the library is to meet the long term needs of Avon.

The study further recommends a two-phase approach with phase one to include inproved ADA compliance; direct access from the parking lot; collection reorganzation; adequate staff work space; and a set schedule for resolving building maintenance issues in the aging structure. Phase two involves consideration of the creation of and expanded library.