Southport, CT (Dec. 2020) — Work has begun to replace Pequot Library’s original 125-year-old Ludowici terracotta tile roof. With support from the State Historic Preservation Office, a comprehensive conditions assessment plan was conducted by architects Pirie Associates in New Haven, CT in 2019, and the repair of the historic roof was identified as an urgent priority, not only to preserve the entire structure, but also to protect the library’s Special Collections of rare books, manuscripts, and archives. Pirie Associates, who is also directing the roof repair project, has extensive experience in historic renovation projects, including the Amos Bull House and Butler McCook Carriage House in Hartford.

A vintage view of the Pequot Library.

“This restoration project is long overdue, and the Trustees enthusiastically endorsed proceeding with this critical effort despite the current pandemic,” said Nelson North, president of Pequot Library’s Board of Trustees. “It has given us something positive and tangible to look forward to, and the new roof will protect our beautiful Romanesque Revival building for generations to come. It is our privilege to be the ones to provide this much-needed care to our historic building.”

The Board of Trustees committed to undertaking the $1.5 million project that entails replacing the Ludowici tiles, in recognition of both the historical value of the building and the longevity of these materials. The layout of the historic roof is complicated, with four different intersecting shapes, as well as dormers, gables, pyramids, and chimneys functioning to make the exterior watertight. The roof’s original underlayment must also be replaced, along with gutters and flashing.

General contractors Kronenberger and Sons Restoration, a company that specializes in historic building restoration projects, has been contracted to oversee the project, which is expected to be completed in 2021. Kronenberger and Sons Restoration has restored many local treasures, including the Stowe House, Mark Twain House and Center Church in Hartford, Gillette Castle in East Haddam, and the Florence Griswold House in Old Lyme, among others.

Pequot Library, a public association library and nonprofit organization, receives 20% of its annual general operating support from the Town of Fairfield and is responsible for raising 100% of its capital costs and all of the operations costs not supported with the Town allocation. Fundraising efforts for the roof began in earnest this past spring with an active volunteer fundraising committee made up of dedicated library patrons. Thanks to both individual and business supporters, nearly two-thirds of the project costs have been raised. The Southport Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring unique and historic buildings and property in Southport, has supported the project. The project is also supported by the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit program.

Roof work in progress on Pequot Library. Image courtesy of the library.

The library introduced the “Sponsor-a-Tile” program just in time for the holiday gift-giving season and is looking forward to further promoting this unique opportunity to take part in Pequot Library’s historic restoration in the new year. The library is seeking grant opportunities for other areas of needed capital improvements, as identified in the conditions assessment report.

“The outstanding support of the Southport-Fairfield community is so inspiring,” said Stephanie J. Coakley, the library’s executive director. “Pequot Library’s devoted patrons from near and far have stepped forward with much-needed donations because they love Pequot Library and believe in the importance of preserving one of Fairfield’s iconic historic buildings for years to come. I am honored to be part of this momentous preservation project.”

During the coronavirus pandemic, the library has worked to remain an active resource for the community, pivoting in the spring to primarily virtual and digital offerings, like its popular Meet the Author talks and programs related to the changing exhibitions. Over the summer the library reopened its doors for curbside pickup and limited browsing hours. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, the library has also been able to begin roof restoration, move forward with their Books for Teachers program, continue to produce educational resources for teachers and parents, provide gently used books to residents at the Carolton Center, and partner with Maplewood Senior Living to provide virtual programs for seniors.

Pequot Library was founded in 1889 by Southport residents Virginia Marquand Monroe (1837–1926) and Elbert B. Monroe (1836–1894). Designed by noted American architect Robert H. Robertson, the library opened to the public in March 1894 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2018 the Connecticut chapter of the American Institute of Architects recognized the library with a Connecticut Treasures Award. For over seven generations, Pequot Library has been a cultural beacon in the area providing library services, public lectures, tours, music concerts, children’s and family programs, and hands-on learning experiences for school-aged visitors. Pequot Library’s Special Collections are made available through a series of changing on-site exhibitions, programs, and by appointment.

To learn more about the roof restoration project or support the project/Sponsor-a-Tile, visit www.pequotlibrary.org/roof. Images above are linked to the official site for the library to learn more about history and collections. For information: (203) 259-0346 ext. 115. Follow Pequot Library on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.