Granby Library’s $7.5M Expansion Plan Gets Public Forum

GRANBY, CT — Residents will have a chance Thursday evening to get a closer look at a proposed $7.5 million renovation and expansion of the Granby Public Library.

The library’s Capital Campaign Cabinet will hold a town-hall-style community forum at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the main library, 15 North Granby Road.

The forum will cover what the project would add, how much it is expected to cost, how it would be funded and how the expanded building would serve the town in the years ahead. Residents will also have an opportunity to ask questions.

Plans call for upgrades to make the building fully accessible, improvements to lighting, electrical and HVAC systems, more computers and self-checkout stations, and additional seating and study areas.

The proposal also includes multipurpose rooms for meetings, workshops and community programs, a dedicated teen space and a redesigned children’s room with room for programs, crafts, play and a larger collection.

The building opened in 1981, and town officials said Granby’s population has grown by about 50 percent since then.

Under the financing plan now before voters, the town would borrow up to $6 million. The remaining cost would be covered through private donations and grants. The Next Chapter capital campaign is seeking to raise $1.5 million toward the work.

The library project is one of five capital proposals scheduled to go before Granby voters in a bond referendum on Dec. 8. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Town Hall.

Registration for Thursday’s forum is available through the library’s online event calendar.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.