General Information
History  --  Library Cards --  Books --  Audios/Videos/Computers --  Other Services Available --  East Lyme Room -- LION

History --The first library was started in 1888 and was called the Niantic Library and Reading Room Association. There were 65 founding members. In 1897 the library was formally incorporated as "The Niantic Public Library Association" by the State of Connecticut.  The library moved a few times until a permanent structure was built in 1920 on Main St.  In 1966 a wing was added, and in 1979 another addition was added.  In 1990 the library moved into the new Community Center/Library complex, where we are today.

Library Cards  --   Library cards are available to all East Lyme and Niantic residents at no charge.  
If you are 15 years or older bring proof of your name and current address.  A parent or guardian must sign 
the application and provide identification for any child under 15 years of age.  Temporary residents may have 
a card  after  paying a refundable $10.00 fee.   Your card is a permanent card.  It is valid as long as you live in 
East Lyme  and must be renewed every three years.

Books -- Most books check out for three weeks, but videos and some other new books will have different
 loan  periods.  You may check out 25 items at any one time. All information about your borrowing is confidential.
Your East Lyme card will be honored at most public libraries in Connecticut.  
Books and magazines may be returned  to any Connecticut library.

Audios & Videos & Computers --   The library has many videos and DVDs for the public to enjoy.  We have  educational, travel, instructional, entertainment, and  children's videos and DVDs.  Borrowers must be 16 years old, and there is a limit of 6 per family. We also carry books-on-tape, books on CD, and music CDs.  In addition, the library has Internet access and computers with various programs for the public to use.  We have also recently added wireless Internet access for laptops with wireless cards available for use in the library.  The library also has a scanner for the public to use, and that computer has a CD rewriteable drive available.  We also provide basic Internet instruction and  instructions on using our library's computer catalog.  
Please call the library to schedule times. 

Other  Services Available --   copy machine, fax machine, and a typewriter for the public to use. 

East Lyme Room --  The local history collections contained in this room include books, manuscripts, maps 
and other historic materials. These are being indexed by a group of volunteers - the East Lyme Room Historical/
Archival Group. Indexing includes occasional archival preservation, when warranted, and the collections are made available to the public by appointment, or on a regular schedule of each Monday from 9:15 to 12:00 noon and every Saturday in winter from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. In addition, we store scarce and rare books here which can be brought out for use by the public under staff supervision.  Notable among local history items is the Caulkin's Tavern Ledger (1782-1785) and among scarce items the Cajun Night Before Christmas. More rare is Ye Sundial Booke by Geoffrey W. Henslow with Forward by Beverley Nichols. With the continuing inventory and indexing of the collections, a work in progress, enquiries should be directed to the Reference Desk.

LION -- The library is a member of the LION (Libraries Online) consortium. This shared online circulation system enables users to search for and request materials from other LION libraries.  LION libraries include:

LION (Libraries Online Inc.) 
James Blackstone Memorial Library - Branford 
Durham Public Library - Durham 
Rathbun Free Memorial Library - East Haddam 
East Lyme High School Library - East Lyme 
East Lyme Public Library - East Lyme 
Essex Library Association - Essex
Guilford Free Library - Guilford 
Brainerd Memorial Library - Haddam 
Ivoryton Library - Ivoryton 
Bill Library/Gales Ferry Library - Ledyard 
E.C. Scranton Memorial Library - Madison 
Meriden Public Library - Meriden 
Russell Library - Middletown 
Mitchell College Library - New London 
Public Library of New London - New London 
Otis Library -- Norwich
Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library - Old Lyme 
Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library - Stony Creek
Wallingford Public Library - Wallingford 
Westbrook Public Library - Westbrook 
Woodbridge Town Library - Woodbridge