The Norfolk Library is a free, non-sectarian public library in Norfolk, Connecticut, whose mission is to enable learning and literacy, promote culture through the arts, and encourage the sharing of ideas. Standing impressively on the historic village green, the Library has been the centerpiece of civic life in Norfolk since 1889. Generations of townsfolk, young and old, have benefited from an institution that quickly evolved from a reading room to the heart of village life.
The Library was established by Isabella Eldridge as a memorial to her parents, Reverend Joseph and Sarah Battell Eldridge. She named it the Norfolk Library and presented it to the town with the hope that it would be a gathering place for the community rather than just an institution. Her vision for the Library as a place of learning and culture, available to all free of charge, has been carried forward, unaltered.
Open seven days a week, the Library provides a wide array of services as well as exciting, entertaining, and educational programs. The building serves not only as a storehouse of books and digital media for instruction and pleasure, but also as a cultural center with concerts, lectures, and films in the Great Hall. Five-star ratings from the Library Journal place us at the highest level among our peer institutions. A dedicated and talented staff, a loyal group of volunteers, and many generous patrons and friends have ensured that our library is the best of its kind.
The Library is a private institution open to the public and is administered by a Board of Trustees chosen from the community.
In response to concerns with ongoing efforts to challenge and ban books in public and school libraries, the CT State Legislature approved Public Act 25-168 Sec. 322 in June 2025, which implements new statutory requirements for CT public libraries. These new requirements apply to all principal public libraries and include the adoption of statutory policies that have been approved by the CT State Library. The policies provide robust language that protects libraries from being compelled to take down materials because of the creators’ “origin, background or viewpoints expressed.” Instead, materials, displays, and programs may only be removed for legitimate pedagogical purposes or for professionally accepted standards set forth in the policies libraries must create in accordance with the bill’s provisions.
The CT State Library and the Norfolk Library Board of Trustees approved the following policies for the Norfolk Library:
Collections Development and Maintenance Policy (pdf)
Material Review and Reconsideration Policy (pdf)
Request for Reconsideration Form (pdf)
Library interior, looking north to the Great Hall
Our Board of Trustees
Andra Moss, President
Michael Selleck, Vice-President
Tricia Deans, Treasurer
Stephen Fenichell, Assistant Treasurer
Janice Nimura, Secretary
Kent May
Valerie Nelson
Linda Riiska
Susannah Wood
Who are the Board of Trustees?
The Board of Library Trustees consists of nine community members elected by the Board to serve one or two terms of three years each. The Board meets bi-monthly throughout the year.
What functions does the Board perform?
The Board of Trustees is responsible for hiring the Director and works with the Director in establishing library policies, creating a budget, and providing guidance to the staff. The Board oversees management of the library endowment.
How do I contact members of the Board of Trustees?
The Library Director will supply contact information for the Library Trustees upon request.