The historic Russell Library is located in downtown Middletown one block from from Middletown's excellent shops and restaurants and Wesleyan University. 

In 1876 Frances Russell established Russell Library in memory of her husband, Samuel. Mrs. Russell purchased the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity on the corner of Broad and Court Streets with plans to renovate the structure as a library. The Greek Revival church was remodeled in the Gothic Style, including the addition of a brownstone exterior, stained glass windows, and a tower in the back. The building opened as the public library for the City of Middletown on April 5, 1876. 

Today Russell Library serves people from all across the state. Enjoy the architecture of the historic section of our building, take your children to our Activity Room, or register your hometown library card with us and borrow materials. We offer bookable meeting rooms, quiet study areas, a digitization area, and many more services. Whether you are relaxing at a cafe table in front of the fireplace in our lobby or attending one of the many events that we offer, Russell Library has something for everyone.