Upcoming Events
At Silent Book Club, there's no assigned reading. All readers are welcome it's BYOBook (or browse the library shelves!). Settle in for an hour of silent, sustained reading. At the end of the hour, attendees can socialize—or not!
Kids ages 8 to 12 can sign up to join us at the Barney Library to learn basic engineering and coding with Lego SPIKE Prime! Build and code to create amazing LEGO models that come to life. Space is limited, registration is required.
Join us for a lively story and some fun dancing in the Hoppin Gallery at the Barney Library, 71 Main Street! This drop-in program is perfect for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with a caregiver. No registration needed—just come ready to enjoy music, movement, and a great time together!
Email the Barney
D. Newton Barney gave The Village Library to the people of Farmington, as a memorial to Sarah Brandegee Barney, his mother. A portrait of D. Newton Barney, by Rogert Brandegee, can be viewed in the main reading room along with Sarah Brandegee Barney and other notable Farmingtonians. The building was designed in the Greek revival style by Stephen Brainerd Lawrence in 1917. A plaque in memory of Mr. Lawrence is located in the library’s front hall.
The Village Library remained the principal town Library until the Farmington Library was commissioned in 1983. This new modern 52,000 square foot building consolidated Farmington and Unionville libraries into one Farmington Library.
The Village library was renovated three times: The Children’s wing in 1959 and again, in 1983, after being closed a year, the library reopened as the renovated Village Branch Library. In 1999, the Village Library was renamed, Barney Library, in thanksgiving to William and Harriet Barney Lidgerwood and the Barney Family for their largesse. They have served Farmington quietly, effectively and with great generosity giving of their time, talent and treasure to support and sustain that which makes Farmington unique. The latest modifications were affected between 2008 and 2009 and reopened as Barney Library on December 1, 2009.