Hagaman Memorial Library Boosts Internet Connectivity

On February 09, the Hagaman Memorial Library (HML) implemented high-speed Internet service.

The upgrade to HML's Internet was made possible by the Connecticut State Government. In 2015 the State Government recommended bonding money to upgrade the Internet connections of public libraries with inadequate Internet connectivity. In 2016 the Connecticut State Bonding Commission allocated $3.6 million for high-speed Internet to 90 public libraries. Connecticut State Librarian Kendell Wiggin applauded Governor Malloy and the Legislature for recognizing the importance of high-speed Internet connections. East Haven State Legislators are: State Senator Len Fasano (34th CT Senate District), House Representative James Albis (96th CT House District), and House Representative Roland Lemar (99th CT House District). “We lag behind other countries with respect to our internet infrastructure and the improved speeds that result from updated equipment and connections,” Rep. Albis said. “This is a smart

investment in what will hopefully become a national movement towards high-speed, reliable internet. I applaud Hagaman Memorial Library and Director Bruce George for the commitment and dedication to bringing us up to speed with our internet bandwidth.”

The Connecticut State Library set up the Connecticut Libraries Fiber Consortium to administer the bonding monies and to facilitate libraries applying for Federal E-rate funding to aid in the cost of the construction and in the ongoing costs of operation for high-speed Internet connections. E-rate assists eligible schools and libraries in the nation to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access. HML received one-time funding of $55,120 from E-rate and $23,970 from the Connecticut State Library for the installation of Internet fiber optic cabling and equipment. Also, HML applied to e-rate for ongoing assistance in the operation and maintenance costs for its Internet connection and will continue do so annually.

HML's Internet Service Provider is the Connecticut Education Network, which provides Internet services for Connecticut K-12 schools, libraries, and higher education institutions. HML’s Internet connection speed went from 10 megabits per second (Mbps) to a 25Mpbs with the upgrade, and is burstable to 1 Gigabit (Gbps). As of July 1, 2018, the library will upgrade to the 50Mbps usage tier. The increased connection speed provides a better range of access to Internet content for the public on HML’s free Internet workstations and wireless network.