Public Services – New Canaan Answer Book

Where is the library and when is it open?

Celebrating 132 years of service in 2009, the New Canaan Library, at 151 Main Street, is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m. (closed Sunday in the summer). 

For general information, call 594-5000; for reference, call 594-5003 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For the children’s department, call 594-5002. The library maintains an extensive Web site at newcanaanlibrary.org. 

How may I get a library card?

Anyone of any age may apply for a free library card upon proof of New Canaan residency. People who work in town, go to school in town, or own property in town but live elsewhere may also apply. You may apply in person or online. Your card will be honored at any Connecticut library. 

What services does the library offer?

In addition to its broad selection of books, books on tape, CDs, DVDs, audio and video tapes, magazines and newspapers, the library offers reference material via the Internet at computer work stations. 

There are 25 public access computers with high-speed Internet access and many popular programs. One is connected to a scanner and all are connected to printers. Wireless access is available throughout the library and a laptop and wireless adapters are available for use. 

The librarians can help with any professional or personal research question. 

The library also offers copy machines and equipment to assist the visually impaired. Its community room is available for functions and meetings. 

Through the library’s Web site, newcanaanlibrary.org, card holders may access reference databases and catalogs of other libraries. The site also offers information on many academic subjects studied in high school, as well as a free SAT and ACT prep program. There are also links to sites of interest to younger children. 

What special activities does the library have? 

The library offers an extensive calendar of special events including concerts, author visits, poetry readings, lectures, art exhibits, book discussions, and story times, as well as special programs for children. For specific event dates, check with the library’s Web site newcanaanlibrary.org or The New Canaan Advertiser.

Does the library use volunteers? 

More than 70 volunteers contribute upwards of 6,000 a year to the library. Volunteers shelve books; assist in answering questions and finding books; organize and help display special collections; assist with clerical work; and assist with art exhibits, concerts and special programs. To become a library volunteer, call Indu Arya at 594-5003. 

Does the library have any book sales?

The Friends of the Library sponsors and organizes three book sales each year: in November or December, March or April, and July. The library accepts good books in good condition, preferably delivered to the library. Receipts will be provided to donors. 

Who arranges the library’s art exhibits?

The Friends of the Library Art Committee organizes the art exhibits. For information, call the library at 594-5000. 

Where can I donate used items? 

The Thrift Shop of New Canaan at 2 Locust Street accepts donations of new and used clothing, household items, toys and books. Call 966-2361 to check on when the staff will accept donations, and do not leave items on the porch when the shop is closed. 

The free clothing room at the Norwalk Emergency Shelter (866-1057/norwalkemergencyshelter.org) takes donations. Call to check on the best times to drop items off at 4 Merritt Street in South Norwalk. The shelter also has a furniture donation program and will pick up items. 

There are also two clothing donation bins in town. One is located at the Mobil Station, and the other is in the Food Emporium's parking lot. 

Is there a community center?

The Lapham Community Center sits in a beautiful corner of Waveny Park. It is a widely used town facility offering more than 50 adult education courses and activities for more than 1,200 adult New Canaan residents annually. In addition, it houses the Senior Center and provides a meeting venue for many community organizations. Lapham offers classes in the arts, cooking, computer, exercise, language, history, music, religion, t’ai chi, writing, and yoga. There are also day trips, special interest groups, lectures, a Free Friday Film, and more. All New Canaan adults may participate in classes and programs. There are no membership fees. For information, call 594-3620 or log onto laphamcenter.org. Lyn Bond is the center director. 

Is there a town lost and found?

The New Canaan Police Department maintains a lost and found. For items lost in town hall, check in the town clerk’s office. 

What is United Way? 

The promise and purpose of the United Way of New Canaan, 28 Vitti Street (966-4447), is “to improve community life.” To fulfill that promise, the United Way raises money to support needed services and programs for every segment of the New Canaan population through the Community Campaign. Through its Touch a Life Fund, United Way provides emergency assistance — help with fuel, medical, rent bills, etc. — to those in need in New Canaan. 

United Way also offers information about health and human services through Infoline, a partnership with the state. Call 211, any time of day. United Way’s Web site is unitedwaynewcanaan.org. 

What services does the Red Cross provide?

The New Canaan chapter of the American Red Cross - named in 2008 as one of the best performing chapters out of over 800 in the United States by the National American Red Cross - is located at 51 Main Street. It offers emergency and disaster assistance, CPR and first aid courses, blood drives, transportation programs, communication services with the armed forces, blood pressure screenings, and a sewing club. For details call 966-1663. The chapter’s Web site is ctredcross.org/newcanaan/. 

What is New Canaan CARES?

Marking its 30th year in service to the town, New Canaan CARES (Community Awareness Responsibility Education Services)  is an independent, non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote the health and well-being of all members of the community. CARES provides responsive educational programs and professional development that support and strengthen parenting skills, positive youth development and healthy lifestyles. They offer popular parent seminars/talks via both the public and private schools, as well as in other community venues. The CARES office is  at 112 Main Street. For information, call 966-7862 or visit online at newcanaancares.org. 

Is there an organization that helps the blind?

Voluntary Services for the Blind of Fairfield County assists visually impaired people with volunteer readers, drivers, and friendly visitors. If you need services or would like to volunteer please call Claudette Tallon at 324-6611. 

Where can I get a list of area support groups? 

Call Carol McDonald, director of Human Services (594-3079), or Infoline at 211. 

Is there a food bank?

The town’s food pantry is at St. Mark’s Church. Donations may be dropped at the parish house any day. Call 966-4515. 

Who recognizes volunteers?

The Volunteer Center in New Canaan honors individuals who donate their time and effort to nonprofit organizations with Volunteer Recognition Day each spring. For information, call 966-5359 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Is there a community calendar of events? 

The New Canaan Advertiser publishes a weekly “What’s Goin’ On” column in the entertainment section of the newspaper. 

Where can I get help with my income taxes? 

Seniors and those with moderate incomes can get free help with their taxes through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, offered Tuesday and Friday afternoons during tax season at the New Canaan Public Library, 151 Main Street. Simple federal or state returns only. Appointments are required; call 594-5003. 

Seniors may also obtain information at Lapham Community Center regarding income tax assistance, health insurance, and other senior entitlements. Call 594-3620. 

Anyone may call the IRS customer service line, 1-800-829-1040, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays during filing season. Tax forms and instructions, as well as free publications, are available by calling 1-800-829-3676. Copies of forms, publications and other helpful information are also available at the IRS Web site at irs.gov. 

Where are burial plots and how would I get one? 

The only public cemetery in New Canaan is Lakeview Cemetery on Main Street. For information regarding burial plots, call 966-1861. 

What funeral homes serve the town? 

Hoyt Funeral Home is at 199 Main Street, 966-0700.