THE LIBRARY WINE BAR BISTRO - Key Persons

Samuel Simpson was a successful silver industrialist and a strong political figure in Wallingford and one of his greatest historic contributions to this town was providing the funds to buy the land and build the first public library. His passion for this project was due to his daughter. She was instrumental in renting a place on Main Street for women to gather, collect books, and raise money for causes. In 1882 a special act of legislation was passed known as The Ladies Library and Reading Room Association. Unfortunately, his daughter passed away at the age of 41 and Mr. Simpson wanted to memorialize his daughter by building the library in her honor (1894-1899). As you enter the foyer of the building and climb the grand staircase you will see the beautiful stained glass windows with the dates of 1882-1899. There is also a plaque as you enter the front double wooden doors dedicating the library to his daughter.