Otis Library Local History and Genealogy Digitizing Project

Otis Library Local History and Genealogy Scanning Project


This is a small preview of scans to come in the near future. With the help from a grant by the Last Green Valley, we will be scanning many of our treasures and making them available online. Many of the photographs we have are of historic people and places in Norwich that we will need YOUR help to identify. Stay tuned for more things to come! Click here to visit our Facebook page to see some more images.

Some sad news--(due to budget cuts)

In some of my previous posts and tweets @ct_referencelib on Twitter, I have mentioned our databases. Unfortunately, due to our lack of funding, the Otis Library has had to discontinue our subscriptions to Ancestry Library, JobNow Employment Guide, and Learning Express Career Guidance and Testing databases.



The loss of these databases really hits hard. The Ancestry Library was very heavily used and Otis was one of the few libraries in eastern Connecticut that had a subscription. The other two databases, also heavily used will be missed, especially, due to their nature and the current unemployment rates.



Obviously, we are not the only library or public entity to feel the pinch. It is very disheartening though when you have to tell someone that is newly unemployed or looking to take a practice test for an interview that, "we used to have this great database, but...". I do hope that things turn around quickly and we will be able to offer these services again in the future.

All is not lost though, we do have some great practice test books and we can show you some great websites where you can look for jobs and get employment information.

Happenings at Otis Library

Sorry that it has been so long since I posted. The reference area has been extremely busy lately and we are trying to wrap things up for the furlough (August 16th-August 30th). This furlough is one way we hope to save a bit of money so that we can provide as many services as we can throughout the fiscal year without losing any more employees.

Some things to keep in mind for the next couple of months for the adults around the area...

1. We will have a resume writing workshop on Friday August 6th from 10:30 to 12:30. You must register for this free program @ 1(860) 889-2365 x100.

2. Starting up again in the fall we will be holding some more basic computer courses. These classes are aimed at the very beginner...we learn things like turning it on/off, keyboard and mouse basics, and much of the terminology that can be so overwhelming. Call me at the reference desk to check on the times. More than likely we will have classes Saturday afternoons (that's when the best parking is available).

3. We are having a very cool program featuring Barry Clifford, the National Geographic explorer who found the pirate ship Whydah. The program will be on September 11th, at 7:30 It is sure to be an incredible event and will help the library raise funds that it really needs.

4. If you are looking for an obituary from the Norwich Bulletin or a quick article search, we can help you with that. We have historical Norwich Bulletins on microfilm or in bound volumes. If you know the name and date we can show you how to use the microfilm readers or show you how to use our scanner so that you may have a copy. If you require us to perform the search for you, we do ask that you send $10.00 and all the information you have so that we may get it to you as quickly as possible.

A few other notes:

~We offer free Wi-Fi throughout the library. If you have a laptop you may sit anywhere and pick up the Wi-Fi. We ask that if you are bringing food that you keep it in the Media Room.

~The Library has been experimenting with cell phone policies. Currently we ask that you keep your cell phone conversations short and quiet. Better yet, you may bring that conversation outside or again into the Media Room (with the DVD's).

~We also have 16 public computers for your use. We do need a valid CT public library card to log you on with. Yes, we can log you in as a guest if you are here on vacation or just visiting.

~We have lists for the kids summer reading, elementary through high school (or we can find them if it is posted online). Many of these books are currently checked out, but you can always put them on hold or we can request to get them from another library. Call us at (860)889-2365 x108 or x109.


Hope you are enjoying your summer and we hope to see you visit the library soon!

Genealogy Stuff

We have gotten some great new things all over the library and even in the Genealogy and Local History Room. These items from the Genealogy room can always be looked at on site, plus we do have a small collection of circulating items out of that room.



This Saturday, February 6th, at 1-2:30 we will be holding a Genealogy program called "Finding Your Forebears". We will explore the many resources offered through the Otis Library.

There is still time to sign up 860-889-2365 x108.

Holidays at Otis Library

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season thus far. Don't forget to come down and grab some movies, books and magazines for you and the kids while you are home for school break.

FYI: We will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day!


There is also a Gift Giving Book Tree in the atrium. This allows patrons to help the Otis Library buy additional items for the library (tax deductible) and get a personalized nameplate placed in the book.

Don't forget to check out some of the programs happening here during school break and any other time of year!!

Happy Holidays.

Documentary on Jewish Farming in Eastern CT

Please join us for a great progam.

Jerry Fischer, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut, will be speaking at the Otis Library on Monday, November 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Mr. Fischer has been recording interviews with Jewish farmers or the children of Jewish farmers for the past ten years, and has almost completed a documentary film on Jewish farmers in Eastern Connecticut for CPTV. He will show excerpts from the soon to be released film and discuss a variety of interesting aspects of Jewish farming endeavors and communal life, including the evolution of many farms into a variety of resorts. He will discuss the application of technology to transform marginal farms into profitable businesses, as well as the resettlement of many Holocaust survivors on farms in eastern Connecticut.

This event provides essential context to the exhibit “Geretenish (‘Harvest’): Gershon Camassar and the Jewish Agricultural Presence in Eastern Connecticut,” currently up in the Community Room through December 4, 2009. There will be adequate time after the presentation to view the exhibit. The library closes at 8:00 p.m.

This program is free and open to the public. The Otis Library is located at 261 Main Street in Norwich. For more information, please call (860) 889-2365, Ext. 128.

Banned Books Week at Otis Library

While you might not be a "reader", here in this country, your right to read or not to read what you want, is being protected by your public library. Every year books are challenged or asked to be taken out of the public library collection for one reason or another. Most public libraries feel it is our duty to allow book and magazine readers, audio book and music CD listeners, and movie watchers to choose what they would like to partake of.



We hope that everyone in Norwich comes to the library to avail themselves of our collection and make suggestions for an addition to the collection that they might like to see. If we have what you like, great, we are doing our best to cover all interests.