The newly renovated Wallingford Public Library opened its new children’s section on Monday, February 11th. Its main features include a large, artificial tree and a Wallingford fire station playhouse. The room’s centerpiece is the giant tree, which was sent in several pieces from California as a gift from some generous donors. The children’s section replaced the former adult section, and it now occupies a whopping 9,000 square feet compared to only 3,000 previously. It holds about 40,000-50,000 books and has a new program room, craft room, and family bathrooms. The town library is currently undergoing a 31,000 square foot expansion; the finished product will be showcased at an official opening in May. The library is located only a five-minute walk from Choate at 200 North Main St.
Merriam Motors Closes
The long-running Merriam Motors is closing as a result of declining local sales and the state of the U.S. auto industry. The Lincoln-Mercury showroom, which is now forced to close because of modern-day economic problems, was founded in 1946 and moved to Wallingford in 1955. Its owner, Larry Merriam, claimed that the price of Lincoln automobiles is just too high for average Wallingford citizens who would rather spend $45,000 on more practical merchandise. Merriam is helping his twenty employees find new jobs at other dealerships—either at ones he owns or at his competitors’. He is currently looking at other uses for the showroom, including a retail plaza.
