Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library

<p>What was once a town controversy, the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library has become a meeting place for literary growth and community bonding.</p> <p>When Stony Creek resident Willoughby Adelbert Wallace died in 1946, he left $93,000 for the construction of a library or for the Congregational Church of Christ to distribute unrestricted. After a heated meeting on the same night that funding was approved for the present-day Branford High School, the town approved to build the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library just in time before the gift from Wallace automatically went to the church. </p> <p>Construction began in 1956 under the guidance of architect Douglass Orr. Also local to the area, Castellucci Brothers gifted all of the granite used in the construction of the natural-meets-modern structure. Both parties donated all time and services. Today, there is quite an homage paid to area residents by way of granite-sculpted benches commemorating the work of Stony Creek quarry men and a mural depicting Creek life inside of the library painted by local artist Robert Reynolds.</p> <p>The library is a hidden gem in its secluded Thimble Island Road location and is a perfect spot for browsing, reading quietly or surfing the web. In addition to taking out books and media, library card holders can reserve museum passes, apply for a U.S. passport and use the notary service on site. It also contains the Keyes Art Gallery, which features monthly juried art exhibits.</p>