Page 15 - Bristol Magazine Spring 2025

What about when you visit the li-
brary? When you visit us in-person
you will be able to enjoy a cup of cof-
fee at the Friends Café, visit the exhib-
its and historical archives of the Bristol
History Room, pursue your family his-
tory by making use of Ancestry Library
Edition, read the daily papers, and,
of course, read or borrow our many,
books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and
physical audiobooks.

On the subject of books and audio
materials, did you know that Bristol
Public Library is one of a limited num-
ber of hubs in Connecticut for The CT
Library for Accessible Books (CT LAB),
a network library of the U.S. Library
for the Blind and Print Disabled? Our
librarians can help bring blind or print
disabled patrons together with cus-
tomized collections of items in braille
or in audio format on accessible devic- dren and young adults ages 0-17 can serves as a crafting and social club tai-
es at no cost. participate in age-appropriate story lored for adults with disabilities. The
times, STEM and arts & craft activities, Manross Library also has a popular
A visit to the library might also include Summer Reading, special musical and butterfly garden and a homeschoolers
using free wi-fi or computers, visiting educational programs, and the sum- program that is entering its twentieth
the computer lab for free classes or mer lunch program, which provides year. Your Bristol library card is good
one-on-one assistance with technolo- a free meal daily to students 18 and at the Manross branch as well.
gy (that new device you are struggling under.
with?). If you are community minded Bristol is also fortunate to have more For our library users who would like to
you might also make use of our meet- than one library location in the com- help the library accomplish its mission
ing rooms with a local organization munity. Thanks to the generosity of of serving the community, Bristol’s li-
(for more information on meeting the Manross family, there is a library braries have an active Friends of the
room use, contact the library or go the branch in Forestville: The Manross Library group. The Friends of the Bris-
bristollib.com). Memorial Library on Center Street. tol Public Library, Inc. was formed in
Besides providing many of the same 1980 as a non-profit volunteer orga-
The library also maintains a robust library services as the main branch, nization. The Friends promote Bristol
schedule of cultural and information- the Manross Library takes pride in Public Libraryas a cultural, education-
al programming for all ages. Adults fostering a vibrant neighborhood at- al and recreational asset to the city of
might enjoy one of our monthly Li- mosphere. The Manross Library hosts Bristol. The Friends volunteer in many
brary Coffee House concerts, after- a unique biannual Plant Swap, which capacities at the library and help fund
noon movies, book groups, or pre- draws plant enthusiasts from Bris- activities or projects that would not
sentations on history, gardening, or tol and visitors from surrounding ar- otherwise be possible. The Friends
cultural interests to name a few. Chil- eas. The innovative CREATE program used bookstore and annual used book
sale are popular and help raise funds
to benefit both of Bristol’s public li-
brary branches. To find out how you
can help the Friends, visit bristollib.
com, call the Friends at 860.584.7787
X 2033, or email [email protected].

The Bristol Public Library has been
serving the Bristol community since
1906. Times and technologies have
changed, but Bristol’s public library
continues to provide a friendly, knowl-
edgeable atmosphere where educa-
tional, informational, recreational,
cultural, and professional materials
and services are available to all. All
you need is your library card!

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