Westport Library: A Local's Guide to Westport's Community Hub

Much More Than a Library

The Westport Library sits on the banks of the Saugatuck River, just steps from downtown. Locals treat it less like a quiet reading room and more like the town's living room.

On any given day you'll find students studying, remote workers on laptops, kids in story time and musicians recording in a professional studio. There's a cafe, a MakerSpace and a full calendar of talks, concerts and workshops.

Whether you live in Westport or you're just passing through, here's how to make the most of a visit.

From a Rented Room to a Riverside Landmark

The Westport Library started small. In 1886, a local reading-room association opened it in a rented room on State Street.

In 1908, the library moved into its first dedicated building, made possible by land and a gift from philanthropist Morris Ketchum Jesup. His name lives on in Jesup Green and Jesup Road, where the library stands today.

The library moved to its current riverfront site in 1986. The site was a former town dump, and the plan was controversial at the time. Moving day meant packing up more than 154,000 books.

The biggest change came with the Transformation Project. After two years of construction, the library reopened on June 23, 2019, with a redesigned building built around community events, creativity and technology.

What to See and Do

The library has something for every age, and most of it is free to use.

  • Verso Studios. A professional recording and media studio inside the library. In 2023 its label, Verso Records, released what the library calls the first vinyl record recorded, produced and released by a public library.

  • MakerSpace. Open since 2012, with hands-on tools for building, tinkering and learning.

  • Children's and Teen Libraries. Dedicated spaces with programs, story times and study areas.

  • Art at the Library. Rotating exhibits throughout the building.

  • Library of Things and the Seed Library. Borrow useful items beyond books, or pick up seeds for your garden.

  • The Cafe. Grab a coffee and settle in by the river.

The library also hosts a steady lineup of author talks, concerts and community events. Check the events calendar on westportlibrary.org before you visit.

Planning Your Visit

The Westport Library is at 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880, on the Saugatuck River just south of the Post Road. You can reach the main desk at (203) 291-4800.

The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 9 pm, Friday from 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm. The cafe keeps slightly shorter hours.

There are several parking options around the library and downtown, including the library's upper lot. Free Wi-Fi (network name "WLPublic," no password) covers the building, the picnic area and the parking lot.

Tips Before You Go

  • Anyone can visit and use the space. Borrowing usually takes a library card from Westport or another Connecticut town.

  • Need a room for a meeting or study group? Rooms of several sizes can be booked online.

  • Public computers can be reserved the same day at the station on the Riverwalk Level.

  • Holiday and weather closures are posted on the library's website.

Make a Day of It Downtown

The library sits right at the edge of downtown Westport, so it's easy to walk to lunch or a little shopping after your visit.

  • Jesup Green. The open lawn next to the library is a nice spot for a break by the river. The nonprofit Westport Book Shop sits across the green.

  • Main Street. A short walk away, with local shops, boutiques and cafes.

  • The riverfront. Restaurants along the Saugatuck River make it easy to turn a library stop into a lunch out.

  • Compo Beach. A few minutes' drive south if you want to end the day by the water.

Technology Support for Westport's Businesses

The Westport Library shows how much a community runs on technology, from studio equipment to public Wi-Fi. Local businesses are no different. Your email, files and customer systems need to work every day.

Your Tech Team provides managed IT services and cybersecurity for businesses in Westport and across Fairfield County, from our office nearby in Wilton.

  • Proactive monitoring and help desk support

  • Cybersecurity that protects your data, email and devices

  • Local technicians who can be on-site when you need them

One quick tip from our team: public Wi-Fi is great for browsing, but avoid logging in to work accounts on any open network without a VPN.

If your business is in Westport, Wilton, Stamford or anywhere nearby, we'd love to help. Call our team at (203) 884-8729 to start the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to live in Westport to visit the library?

No. Anyone can visit and use the space. Residents of other Connecticut towns can borrow with their hometown library card. Others can buy a Westport card for $200 a year per person or $400 per family.

What are the Westport Library's hours?

Monday to Thursday 9 am to 9 pm, Friday 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm.

Is there free Wi-Fi?

Yes. Connect to "WLPublic" with no password. It covers the building, the picnic area and the parking lot.

Can I book a meeting room?

Yes. Rooms of several sizes are available for community use and can be booked on the library's website.

What is Verso Studios?

The library's professional recording and media studio, home to the Verso Records label.

Where do I park?

There are several lots around the library and downtown Westport. The town's parking map is at discoverwestportct.com/parking.

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