August 13, 2026
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Branford, North Branford & Northford Vol. XXX Iss. 33
Smith Library Reopens After Four-Month Closure By Eric O'Connell Staff Writer
After four months of renovations for a needed HVAC replacement, North Branford’s Smith Library reopened Aug. 5. Located at 3 Old Post Road in Northford, the Edward Smith Library had been closed since May for replacement of the HVAC system.
Bid documents issued earlier this year described the project as including removal and replacement of the building’s variable refrigerant flow systems, perimeter electric heating systems, exhaust fans, controls, and related electrical, structural, patching, and painting work. The repair work was required after the previous heating and cooling system
“completely failed,” officials explained to the town in the winter. The library had previously dealt with a closure of about three weeks earlier in the year because of a heating issue. Library Director Lauren Davis told The Sound it was a necessary project to make See Smith Library Reopens page 8
Head Over Heels
Rick Atkinson has a life carved in Stony Creek granite......................2
A Year to Remember Championships, honors highlight Branford’s 2025-26 season..........11 August 2026
Teens wait to board the Warrior as riders dangle overhead during the North Branford Potato and Corn Festival, known as PoCo, on Aug. 9. The 24th annual festival featured carnival rides, food and live entertainment.
$3.95
Where tide meets table Best of the Best The results are in!
Elevated dining with a view
The Garde at 100 A century of entertainment and community for downtown New London’s historic theater
Camp Connecticut
Where to sleep under the stars, from coast to countryside
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ The Sound
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