The late great science fiction writer Ray Bradbury was once asked what college he had attended, based on the remarkable range and extent of his knowledge. His answer was an astounding one. Bradbury stated that his family back then was too poor to afford him a formal education, so he visited the local library six days a week —staying there a good seven hours each day … reading everything.

For those who don’t recall science fiction classics such as Fahrenheit 451, Damnation Alley, and many other books written by Bradbury, you might try your local library. As the renowned author himself discovered long ago: It’s all there.

In New London County, the public library is situated right at the top of State Street (63 Huntington St.) and provides everything for anyone with a similar craving for knowledge. Whether it’s those volumes of words packed into paper pages bound together by old-time covers — known simply as books — or their modern counterparts that have been converted into electronic format, the valued knowledge is available.

It’s all free, too.

This particular old library lies smack dab in the middle of downtown New London, directly across the street from the venerable Garde Arts Center. It was built six years before a promising young writer named H.G. Welles published an imaginative fantasy novel, back in 1895, called “The Time Machine.”

New London’s library has long serviced not only the people who visit the downtown area occasionally, but city residents who live close by — a fair number of them reliant on it for access to books, Internet, the library’s many tutorial programs; and sometimes as a place of comfort, shelter, or camaraderie.

For a fair number of patrons, the library transcends its role as a major reference source … It also serves as a mentor in dealing with life’s unrelenting demands.

“We serve people of many diverse backgrounds and ages,” explains Madhu Gupta, head of information resources and manager of nonprofit resources at the library. “We teach people to write resumes … how to prepare job applications and to make a good impression in interviews … and we also run classes on how to work with all of the latest technologies, such as computers and the Internet.”

Gupta also explained that there are programs available through the library in areas where most people would not expect such assistance.

“We teach basic letter writing, learning different languages (including improved English), programs for students who need to prepare for scholastic testing … and we run sessions for people who need assistance in fundamental areas such as taking a SEAT bus in town, or when they need to travel out-of-town.

“There are even programs where volunteers offer instructional classes in everyday needs such as changing a tire or fixing things around the home,” she added. “Sometimes the sessions are in areas as basic and seemingly elementary as how to eat healthy on a limited budget.”

In addition, the New London Public Library’s Non-Profit Resource Center offers help in learning to use data bases for obtaining grants. Library Director Suzanne Maryeski always welcomes programs that help enhance and improve the public’s understanding of various facets in life that might well appear daunting.

With the many tutorial sessions available, people who participate have found seemingly difficult technologies and processes laden with red tape no longer a deterrent.

Among the more notable recent features was the Local Authors’ Festival, which drew over 50 published writers who shared not only their written works, but the process through which publication had been attained.

Held right in the main reading sector of the library, everyone present that day was privy to this literary gathering and able to speak directly with authors.

In the weeks ahead, New London residents and out-of-towners can look forward to more life-enhancing and entertaining events that will be presented there. A seminar on “How to Start and Run Your Nonprofit Business” is coming in April, a free “Community Shred-It Day,” and a session on “Building A Strong Immune System” will follow in May.

This library is relentless in its pursuit and presentation of events and activities that benefit and enlighten the public.

And if all you want is simply a good book, you can check one (or more) out, so long as you can provide the library with a physical address. Lacking such an address there are paperbacks and hard cover books available for a dollar or less, and even a bin filed with free ones.

If the Public Library of New London does not carry the book you seek, the staff can obtain it for you from another town. You need only ask (860-447-1411).

As the great Ray Bradbury discovered many years ago, “It’s all there.”