Scoville Library

Scoville Library is a public library in Salisbury, Connecticut, featuring Romanesque architecture built from native stone with large windows on Main Street. The building houses a diverse collection of books, periodicals, maps, and local history materials available for public use.

The library was established in 1803 as the first public library in the United States to offer free access to its collection. The current stone building was funded by Jonathan Scoville's bequest in the 1890s and expanded with a new rear section in 1981.

The library houses a 15th-century stone carving from Salisbury Cathedral in England, decorated with quatrefoil patterns, a shield, and eagles. This notable artwork demonstrates the connection between this small town and English heritage.

The facility is accessible during weekday hours and its stone building is easily visible from Main Street. Visitors can explore the structure and its interiors without special requirements or restrictions.

The collection preserves rare maps and local history materials that show how this part of Connecticut developed over time. These materials offer visitors deeper insight into the regional past.