The Lower Naugatuck Valley is served by a network of public libraries in each of our towns. In addition to the excellent public libraries, the City of Derby is also served by the Derby Neck library.

Quick Links:

• Ansonia Public Library

• Beacon Falls Public Library

• Derby Neck Library

• Derby Public Library

• Whittemore Library - Naugatuck

• Oxford Public Library

• Seymour Public Library

• Shelton Library System

Ansonia — Ansonia Public Library

Address: 53 S Cliff St., Ansonia, CT 06401
Phone: 203-734-6275
Website: ansonialibrary.org
Hours (as listed): Monday & Friday 9:00-4:00; Tuesday-Thursday 9:00-7:00; Saturdays 9:00-1:00 starting after Labor Day.

Amenities / Highlights:

• A “toy library” for children and teens is now open—checked out via Children’s Room or the circulation desk.

• The building itself is historic: the original structure dates to 1892, a Richardsonian Romanesque design by George Keller, donated by Caroline P. Stokes.

• What makes it stand out: In a small city-town setting, this library offers more than books—it provides a strong children/teen focus and leverages a historic landmark building. For newcomers or residents looking for something beyond standard volumes, the toy-checkout program is a fun differentiator.

Beacon Falls — Beacon Falls Public Library

Address: 2nd Floor of Town Hall, 10 Maple Ave., Beacon Falls, CT 06403.
Phone: (203) 729-1441
Website: beaconfallslibrary.org
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 9:00-4:30; Thursday 9:00-8:00; Friday 9:00-2:30; Saturday 9:00-1:00; Sunday closed. (Summer Saturdays closed July-August)

Amenities / Highlights:

• Functions as a “community hub” for the town: the website states it plays a leadership role in building cultural and social networks.

• Offers standard library loans plus curated “new arrivals” lists and a digital presence.

• What makes it stand out: Being located in the Town Hall gives it a central, civic feel. The later Thursday hours to 8pm help working residents access it after typical business hours.

Derby Neck Library

Address: 307 Hawthorn Ave, Derby, CT 06418
Phone: 203-734-1492
Website: derbynecklibrary.org
Hours: Monday - Thursday 10 AM-8 PM; Friday closed; Saturday-Sunday 1-5

Amenities / Highlights:

• Amenities / Highlights:

  • Full public library services plus meeting rooms, Wi-Fi, printing, and museum passes.

  • Hosts Book Clubs, Knitting & Craft Circles, Teen Advisory Boards, Author Talks, and Story Times.

  • Offers digital access via Libby / OverDrive and research databases for students.

  • Known for its friendly staff and quiet neighborhood setting, it’s a popular study spot and community hub.

  • What makes it stand out:
    Derby Neck Library blends small-town charm with big-city programming. It’s independently governed (not part of the city library system), which gives it flexibility to innovate. The library’s events calendar is impressively full — everything from genealogy workshops to movie nights. Locals love the cozy vibe, the consistent programming, and the sense of being part of a neighborhood tradition.

Harcourt Wood Memorial Library
(aka Derby Public Library)

Address: 313 Elizabeth St., Derby, CT 06418
Phone: 203-736-1482
Website: derbypubliclibrary.org
Hours: Monday 9 AM-8 PM; Tuesday-Wednesday 9-7; Thursday & Friday 9-5; Saturday 9-2. Sunday closed.

Amenities / Highlights:

• Building is on the National Register of Historic Places (historic 1902 structure) — adds architectural interest.

• Strong community presence in downtown Derby, making it a local civic asset.

• What makes it stand out: The heritage element of the library gives it character, and the mid-week extended hours (Monday until 8am) make it accessible for commuters or adult learners in the region.

Naugatuck — Howard Whittemore Memorial Library

Address: 243 Church St., Naugatuck, CT
Phone: 203-729-4591
Website: whittemorelibrary.org

Hours / Amenities: Monday-Thursday 10:00-6:00; Friday-Saturday 10:00-2:00; Sunday closed

What makes it stand out: The Career Coach/workforce-training feature is a strong plus for residents looking to upskill or search for jobs. Given Naugatuck’s size, having a library playing that role is a differentiator.

Oxford — Oxford Public Library

Address: 49 Great Oak Rd., Oxford, CT 06478
Phone: 203-888-6944
Website: Oxford CT Library
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9:00-4:00; Tuesday & Thursday 9:00-7:00; Sunday closed.

Amenities / Highlights:

• Has a “Library of Things” (non-traditional items for checkout) plus digital resources, meeting rooms, museum passes.

• Recently awarded a grant from the American Library Association for accessibility improvements.

• What makes it stand out: The Library of Things is a particularly modern offering (helping residents borrow more than books). In a growing town like Oxford, this library reflects a forward-looking mindset.

Seymour — Seymour Public Library

Address: 46 Church St., Seymour, CT 06483
Phone: 203-888-3903
Website: seymourpubliclibrary.org
Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 8:00-8:00 (or “8:00 am – 8:00 pm”), Thursday 8:00-5:30, Friday 8:00-5:00, Saturday 9:00-4:00; Sunday & Monday closed.

Amenities / Highlights:

• Early opening (8 am) on some weekdays is a plus for early-birds or people stopping by before work.

• Strong community presence in Seymour, with standard library services and digital access.
  What makes it stand out: The early-morning hours and full evening access (on starting days) give it flexibility that many libraries don’t offer. Useful for working residents.

Shelton — Plumb Memorial Library

Address: Plumb Memorial: 65 Wooster St., Shelton, CT 06484
Huntington Branch: 41 Church St., Shelton, CT 06484
Phone: (203) 924-1580
Hours: Plumb Memorial: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00-5:00; Tuesday, Thursday 9:00-7:00; Saturday 9:00-3:00

Huntington Branch: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00-7:00; Tuesday, Thursday 10:00-5:00; Saturday 10:00-3:00

Amenities / Highlights:

• Historic building (1895, Romanesque Revival) featured in the National Register.

• The library system (Shelton Library System) offers access via the ACORN statewide network and collaborative services.

• What makes it stand out: The extended weekday evening hours (especially Tuesdays/Thursdays) make it a resource for adult learners or professionals. Also, the historic architecture gives the library a sense of gravitas.