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Burnham Library

62 Main Street South
860-354-6937

History:

The Bridgewater Library Association was established in l904, but it wasn’t until l909, when a room for library purposes was established at the recently built town hall, that the first public library in Bridgewater was born. Mabelle Sanford, a member of a prominent Bridgewater family, was a driving force behind this effort. She sent out subscriptions to many people who were associated with the town. Among them was Captain William Dixon Burnham.

Captain Burnham, who was born in Litchfield in l847, had lived in Bridgewater and in Sharon as a boy and all his life he retained fond memories of these towns. When he was fourteen years old, he went to sea and ultimately became a shipmaster. Burnham made many voyages around the world and, after the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands in l898, was instrumental in establishing the American-Hawaiian Steamship Company. As the fortunes of this company prospered, so did those of Burnham, who was the general manager.


Recent News

Memory Care Kits and Care Partner Support Project

Memory Care Kits and Care Partner Support Project Bridgewater, CT - December 30, 2023 Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT - Burnham Library is thrilled to announce the launch of a new initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity and support for…

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Burnham Library News - December 14, 2023

The Burnham Library announces a new art show, “The Pencil”, a collection of works by Liotta Studios of New Milford. The show will run from January 2 through February 17, 2024. Artist Clayton Liotta has worked in countless different…

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Afghan Artists Showcased at Burnham Library

The Burnham Library proudly presents an exhibition featuring the remarkable works of two Afghan artists, Matin Malikzada and Alibaba Awrang. This extraordinary showcase will run from December 3 to 31, 2023, providing a unique opportunity for the…

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Burnham Library News - September 16, 2023

The Burnham Library announces a new art show opening October 3rd and running through November 15th. “A World of Collage”, with hand cut collage work by local resident Paula West. Paula uses imagery from vintage magazines, books and…

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Burnham Library News - September 5, 2023

Three Different Approaches to Meditation with Dr. Wendy Hurwitz Did you know that meditation may help alleviate stress, improve clarity, and improve sleep? Meditation also induces the relaxation response, a state that promotes healing and…

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The Burnham Library News - June 26, 2023

The show is entitled “ Conversations with Nature”. This is what Millones has to say: “For me, nature is an inexhaustible source of inspiration. I’m fascinated by skies, vast lands, and the presence of water. Having been an…

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The Burnham Library News - June 16, 2023

The Burnham Library announces a show by artist Katushka Millones, entitled, “Conversations With Nature”. Contemporary artist Millones will be showcasing her latest works at the Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Bridgewater, CT. A…

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The Burnham Library News - May 24, 2023

Art works in oils by Bridgewater resident Edward M. Alt will be on display at the Burnham Library from May 30th through June 30th, 2023. Mr. Alt has been a student of local resident Ed Little. A reception, open to the public,will be held on Sunday,…

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The Burnham Library News - March 31, 2023

Earth Day 2023 Celebration Saturday, April 22, 2023, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, presents in partnership with the Roxbury/Bridgewater Garden Club a day of earth friendly activities for Earth Day 2023! Festivities kick-off at 10:00 am with…

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A Pop Up Art Show

A pop up art show will be on display at the Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Bridgewater, CT from now through December 3rd. Art by a number of local artists is part of this pop up show. For additional information you may call the library at…

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Art Exhibit at Burnham Library

A new art exhibit will be on display at the Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Bridgewater, CT beginning September 6, 2022 through November 5, 2022. “Paint Outside the Lines,” art by New Milford resident Kathy Flynn, is a show of…

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Dennis Stuart Exhibit at Burnham Library

The Burnham Library announces the opening of a new art exhibit featuring paintings by New Milford resident, Dennis Stuart. The show’s subject matter is landscapes of the Housatonic Valley and Litchfield Hills. The oil paintings were…

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Burnham Library News - June 14, 2022

The Burnham Library announces the opening of a new art exhibit featuring paintings by New Milford resident, Dennis Stuart. The show’s subject matter is landscapes of the Housatonic Valley and Litchfield Hills. The oil paintings were…

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Photography Exhibit at Burnham Library

“I’m a tinkerer by nature. I’m also interested in subject matter in a different way than pure photographers. I’m not interested in the specifics of a picture or in the exactness of an image. I’m interested in a…

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