We, the undersigned residents and stakeholders of the New Canaan community, feel it is imperative that New Canaan's Planning and Zoning Commission, Town Council, Board of Selectman, Audit Committee and Board of Finance prioritize preserving and protecting our town's history, its landmarks, and the character of our downtown neighborhood by preserving the 1913 New Canaan Library. Historic preservation contributes immeasurably to what makes our town great - our shared and varied heritages, our distinct sense of place, and the traditions and donations of those who came before us. 

Well-preserved neighborhoods spur economic development, attract investment, tourists, businesses, and new jobs. 

In service of this goal, we, the undersigned, feel it is imperative to save The 1913 New Canaan Library:

-The 1913 Library is by way of 75 percent annual taxpayer funding a public building. It would not exist without the ongoing generosity of the town's residents. 

-The 1913 Library is historically and architecturally significant and represents the Beaux Arts period of  architecture in our town. It was also part of the country wide City Beautiful Movement of the early 20th Century. 

- The 1913 Library is in excellent condition and its appearance remains the same as it did when it was originally built. 

-The cost to rehabilitate the 1913 Library is under one million dollars.

-A groundswell of residents want 1913 to remain in place. New Canaan Library's 2012 community group indicated a strong preference to preserve the 1913 Library.

-Kirk and Co Feasibility study indicates multiple potential uses for the 1913 Library- community/civic,  hospitality, commercial,  residential or hybrid use. Pro-forma financial analysis indicate the building can be self-supporting irrespective of the use. 

-New Canaan's Plan of Conservation and Development and the CT State Village District Design Guidelines require the preservation of historic and architecturally significant structures such as the 1913 Library.

-The proposed Library lawn, sans the 1913 Library,  is only .31 acres, is not ADA compliant, has no accessible handicap parking, has above ground drainage attracting mosquitoes and has no feasible use given these conditions. 

-New Canaan Library's negative claims about the 1913 building have not been corroborated by public sharing of contrary reports, documents, and/or studies despite being requested. Up until 2019, the New Canaan Library Board President promised 1913 would be incorporated fully into any new proposed design. 

-New Canaan Library in meetings with 1913 supporters have not worked in good faith to save this landmark. A letter to NCL Board members asking to work together  received no responses. NCL's recent offer to move the 1913 building at the expense of 1913 supporters is disingenuous, financially imprudent and not supported by 1913 supporters who want the building to remain in place. Again, 1913 is essentially a public building paid for by New Canaan taxpayers, and it's future should not be decided by an elite, self-selected, unrepresentative group hand chosen by the NCL.  

-The Saving 1913 Plan by Keith Simpson and Associates saves the entire 1913 Building, provides on-grade accessible entrance, ADA restrooms, heating/air conditioning, an open porch, two attractive 20' x 20" paved, fully handicap accessible terrace areas, a large lawn area -well drained and level, underground drainage, convenient handicap vehicular access, allows current walls along Cherry and Main St to remain, and includes simplified, attractive and affordable easy to maintain landscaping. 

-1913 Supporters have a detailed plan, will fundraise to rehabilitate the building once it is deeded to be retained on site,  and will secure a use that enhances our New Canaan Community. 

Sign on to let our current and future New Canaan town leaders know you want to protect and preserve our 1913 Library as a vital part of New Canaan's history -and please share this petition.