"Bill Library is adjacent to Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, and was founded in 1888. Frederic Bill, a teacher who later became a bookseller, publisher and manufacturer, founded the library in memory of his sisters.The library is built of brick and stone, and includes fireplaces, stained-glass windows and a collection of original artwork. The library holds best-selling fiction, non-fiction, periodicals, books on CD and cassette, DVDs, videos and materials in large print. Other services include access to electronic databases for homework and research." (
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"Mr. Bill, on October 15, 1888, sent identical letters to a group of Groton citizens in which he stated that he wished to found a library to honor the memory of his two sisters, Eliza and Harriet. For this purpose he had selected some 1700 books and provided cases to be installed in an upper room of the First District schoolhouse, which then stood on the site of the present Groton Heights School.
His aim in the selection of these books, according to his letter, was that "in the volumes collected there may be found that which will tend to stimulate a high ambition, strengthen good resolve, cultivate the taste an afford pleasure to all who may read them."
The library was opened for the distribution of books on November 20,1888, with 1750 volumes on hand.
During the next year, Mr. Bill had plans drawn up for a new library, choosing for it a site upon the summit of Groton Heights overlooking the Thames River. The original library building, designed by Stephen C. Earle of Worcester, Mass., was constructed of Stony Creek granite, trimmed with Maynard freestone, and finished with a red slate roof. It was dedicated on June 18, 1890." (
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"The BML currently holds approximately 21,000 items in both the adult and children's collections. Featured in the main room are novels, including current "New York Times" bestsellers, current non-fiction, classics, and large print books, DVDs, and audio books and CDs. The reference room houses newspapers and magazines. The children's room has a good selection of popular and classic fiction, non-fiction, picture books and books on CD. The reference room features quiet study, reference and public access computers. The Young Adult room offers current print and graphic novels, computers, and a comfortable seating area. The BML also has a genealogy/local history collection available for research.
Programs include storytimes for 2s, 3-5s and grades 1-3 and 4-7 on a regular basis. Summer Reading Clubs are held for grades 1-8.
The BML has an active Friends of the Library group, which sponsors such activities and fundraisers as the annual Booksale. They also provide hours of volunteer service to the library.
The BML also has a public access copier, public access computers with Internet access [including WiFi] and fax machine.
The library is a member of the Connecticut Library Consortium through in which it participates in cooperative buying, interlibrary loan, continuing education workshops and other activities. It is a Connecticard library permitting reciprocal borrowing statewide, book return delivery through Connecticar, and is a participant in iConn, the statewide database. The library also offers downloadable e-bboks book delivery to shut-ins through the generosity of the Friends of the Bill Memorial Library." (
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The Bill Memorial Library is located at 240 Monument Street, near the Groton Battle Monument and Fort Griswold.