Barney Library

This library across from miss porters is lovely. Its just one floor 1st floor and the great room has a beautiful fireplace that you can sit on many couches and enjoy. Very well clean and maintained. Staff was friendly.
Feb 22nd, 2023

Nov 12th, 2022

Oct 25th, 2022

This is a very nice and unique library. The building was designed in the Greek revival style by Stephen Brainerd Lawrence in 1917. It has always been a library. I dropped in to take a look because I had 45 minutes until it was time for the Farmington Freedom Trail and Armistad Tour which is at church next to library. The ladies who were working (Kim and Lori) were very friendly and informed me of other sights to see in Farmington. There is an art gallant on 2nd floor which is very nice. The Childrens library is so cute and there is even area for toddlers. I highly recommend visiting this library if only to view art and just relax. And tell Kim and Lori, that Rosie from MS said hello!
Aug 12th, 2022

It is one of two public libraries in Farmington and it is a branch location of Farmington Libraries. The main library is on the other side up north of Farmington which is nearby Unionville (section of Farmington). Here is the history of Barney Memorial Library: D. Newton Barney gave The Village Library to the people of Farmington, as a memorial to Sarah Brandegee Barney, his mother. A portrait of D. Newton Barney, by Rogert Brandegee, can be viewed in the main reading room along with Sarah Brandegee Barney and other notable Farmingtonians. The building was designed in the Greek revival style by Stephen Brainerd Lawrence in 1917. A plaque in memory of Mr. Lawrence is located in the librarys front hall. The Village Library remained the principal town Library until the Farmington Library was commissioned in 1983. This new modern 52,000 square foot building consolidated Farmington and Unionville libraries into one Farmington Library. The Village library was renovated three times: The Childrens wing in 1959 and again, in 1983, after being closed a year, the library reopened as the renovated Village Branch Library. In 1999, the Village Library was renamed, Barney Library, in thanksgiving to William and Harriet Barney Lidgerwood and the Barney Family for their largesse. They have served Farmington quietly, effectively and with great generosity giving of their time, talent and treasure to support and sustain that which makes Farmington unique. The latest modifications were affected between 2008 and 2009 and reopened as Barney Library on December 1, 2009. The following lists the people who together supported the renovations and additions project with $1,000,000, which in conjunction with a $1,000,000 State Grant and $1,000,000 Town referendum provided for the magnificent building and destination place standing at 71 Main Street.
Jan 9th, 2023