Building Committee of the Village Improvement Association Meeting Minutes, 1908-1910

This collection includes one book of the meeting minutes of the Building Committee of the Village Improvement Association (VIA) during the years of 1908-1910. During this time, the construction of the West Haven Public Library was being discussed in great detail by the VIA in their meetings. These discussions include talks about architects, contractors, and overall building plans for the current library building. Also included in the meeting minutes are lists of all donors to the library fund, including Andrew Carnegie, in addition to a total building cost for the library. The West Haven Public Library was first formed as a subscription library in 1792 by community members until the creation of the Village Improvement Association (VIA) in 1906. The VIA sought to improve the community of West Haven and find a permanent place for a public library in West Haven. With their help, a public library was established with grant funds from Andrew Carnegie. The West Haven Public Library opened in its current location in September 1909.