Prior to 1933, the library was in different
homes in the Town as different people acted as librarian.
The present library quarters were given to the Town of
Chittenden when the school was built in memory of
Frederic Duclos Barstow. Paintings and other artifacts
collected from around the world by the Barstows are housed in the library.
Space is shared with the Barstow Memorial
School Library, and public library patrons are welcome during the
school day in addition to regular hours. For many years
the School Librarian oversaw the administration of the Public Library
as well as the School Library. In the early 1980's,
the two roles were separated and the Public Library Trustees hired their
own Librarian. Since then the Library has continued to
grow and circulation has steadily increased.
A grand re-opening of the library was
held on August 17, 1991 as part of the Chittenden Day-Bicentennial celebration.
Major renovations had been undertaken in a move to make
the Chittenden Public Library more accessible
and usable to the public while still preserving its unique
architecture.