State Expected To Grant Danbury Library $100K For Upgrades

DANBURY, CT — State Representatives Bob Godfrey (D-110), David Arconti (D-109), Ken Gucker (D-138), and Raghib Allie-Brennan (D-2) along with State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) praised a $100,000 grant in aid to the Danbury Library expected to be announced at a Special Meeting of the State Bond Commission next Wednesday, at the Legislative Office Building.

The grant will go toward updating the Junior Floor of the library, modernizing and updating the space for its first major renovation in 20 years.

"A library is not only where books live, but also a community center. This grant will help preserve and expand the library’s capability for public service. I’m happy to have been a part of this effort," said Godfrey.

The purpose of the grant is to optimize space available for Danbury's growing population, purchase new, sturdier shelving and replace the Story Corner curtain with a glass wall for safety and visibility. The grant also allows for the addition of a Sensory Space, the first of its kind in a Connecticut library.

The Danbury legislation has long sought to bring these upgrades and additions to a library that welcomes 1,000 visitors a day and asked Governor Ned Lamont to address it during a Bond Commission meeting in March.

"Our library sees an average of 1,000 patrons per day and offers an average of 70 Junior programs per month," said assistant library director Katharine Chung. "The newly designed space will help us provide more programming and a more comfortable space for our youngest patrons and their families to enjoy the library's resources. We are so excited to be able to provide this improved service to the Danbury community."

"Every investment we make to improve and provide support to great institutions like our Danbury Library is an investment on behalf of our communities. Libraries are much more than places to borrow books – today’s libraries are centers of cultural and social activities that help to bring people together," said Arconti. "This facility is an indispensable part of the neighborhood and it will be money well invested in the future of Danbury."

"Libraries are an essential resource for our student success, college and career readiness as well as providing social support to helping those in need," said Rep. Gucker "In this the 150th anniversary of the Danbury library they have shown they are more than just a building with books, but a much needed asset to the community. I am happy to see that Governor Lamont, as well as the State bonding commission feel the same way."

"Historically, libraries have served as vital centers for towns, neighborhoods and communities," said Rep. Allie-Brennan. "They provide meeting spaces for local organizations, supplemental resources for our school-aged children and activities for our seniors. I’m happy to have played a role in helping to secure the funds necessary to expand their services to our communities and am grateful to Governor Lamont for recognizing their value."

"Nearly a year ago, I asked the executive branch to make this Danbury Library bonding a priority, and now they've come through," said Sen. Kushner. "The Danbury Library is a hub of activity for local children. It offers access to technology and programs that are essential to our community. I'm proud to be part of the legislative delegation that is welcoming this state bonding, and I want to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for supporting Danbury and its residents."