This is a line drawing of Otis Library circa 1888. It shows a horse and carriage driving along the road in front of the library. A large tree with leaves towers over the stately brick building.
This photograph of the original building was taken some time during the late nineteenth century from the steps of the Norwich City Hall. A man crosses the street toward the camera. The same tree from the line drawing is still towering above the building.
This is a photograph of the original building at 261 Main Street in Norwich, CT. This building was originally a department store before being converted to the Library.
Otis Library's current building! The location was completely remodeled 2005-2007 into a red brick building with numerous windows to allow natural lighting and a welcoming environment.

Celebrating 175 Years of Service

Librarians check out a book to a woman. The photo is undated, but the black and white image features fashions and styles popular in the 1950s.

History of Otis Library

In 1849, construction began on a brick building in Norwich, funded by Deacon Joseph Otis, a wealthy merchant, to create a permanent public library. Otis Library officially opened in 1850 as a subscription library with membership fees.  The library became a free institution in 1891, leading to a significant increase in membership. After outgrowing its original location, the library moved to 261 Main Street in 1962, and in 2006, it was completely rebuilt and expanded. 

Full History
One of the first library cards from Otis Library, it is dated to 1857 and is poor condition. There are scalloped edges and tears making it difficult to read everything on the card.
This library card is from 1865 and features the same style as the card from 1857. It has a number acros the top with printed text saying that the cost of the card is $1.
This card shows the first change in design with a printed decorative border and "Otis Library" across the top. It is from 1881.
This card is from the 1970s and features the name, full address, and school of the card holder. Details have been blurred for privacy.
This plastic card features one of our historic post cards with an illustration of downtown Norwich, CT. It shows a trolley system making its way through a vibrant brick city. There is snow on the ground, horses and carriages, and people bustling around. In the bright blue sky is our name and address. On the back is a barcode, along with a place for the card holder to sign.
Our current card! The front of this card is a watercolor painting of the exterior of the library. It is painted in vibrant orange and reds, with blue accents. The back in white with a barcode for the online system and a place for the cardholder to sign it.

Library Cards Through the Years

175 years of service means numerous versions of our library card! Check out the many different styles, all the way to our current card! 

As we usher in the New Year, we are excited to commemorate a remarkable achievement in 2025: the 175th anniversary of Otis Library’s dedicated service to Norwich and the region. This significant milestone not only marks the longevity of our library but also celebrates the countless stories, knowledge, and connections that have flourished over the years.

Since the founding Board of Trustees first met on January 14 in 1850, our dedication to truth, information, and community has remained the cornerstone of our work. We provide a welcoming space to exchange ideas, explore interests, engage in research, enjoy moments of laughter and relaxation, and create lasting connections.

We have so many exciting things planned for our year-long celebration! We look forward to honoring the vision of our founder, Deacon Otis, reflecting on our achievements, and sharing our future plans with our new strategic plan.

In an effort to make sure our entire community knows about our extraordinary 175th anniversary, please share this page with individuals who cherish Otis. We will be calling upon our community to share stories and memories in the coming months. 

With appreciation and hope for the year ahead,

The Board, Staff, and Friends of Otis Library

Share your Otis Story

We love to hear stories and memories about how Otis Library impacted your life. Follow the link below to share your story with us so we can preserve the past while striding into an exciting future! 

Submit Your Story
Two staff members are behind the desk. one hands a book to a man on the other side. They are all smiling at each other.

Support Another 175 Years

Did you know? In 1850, library patrons had to pay a membership fee. Today, our materials, programs, resources, and technology are offered at no charge to our patrons. Of course, there are fees associated with our work, and we are grateful that so many community members help us meet our funding gap by making a gift of support.

Donate
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