Library Exec. Director: No Immediate New Building Funding Request

NEW CANAAN, CT — The New Canaan Library is "at least a year" away from making any request to the town for funding toward a new building, according to Lisa Oldham, the library's Executive Director.

Last week, First Selectman Kevin Moynihan said that the library's upcoming renovation project could cost about $30 million, of which he said he anticipates the library will seek a $10 million contribution from the town.

Moynihan said the library could approach the town during the upcoming government budgeting process, but Oldham says that will not be the case.

"We do not anticipate speaking to town government about their contribution to the building project for at least a year," Oldham told Patch on Wednesday.

The New Canaan Library is a non-profit entity that owns its building and land, and "fully funds all maintenance and repairs," according to Oldham. The town pays for about 75 percent of the operating costs, while the library picks up the other 25 percent.

Throughout 2018, the library has been raising funds privately for the eventual renovation, but Oldham said she could not share details at the current time.

"We are in a quiet leadership phase of the capital campaign. As such I am not in a position to share any further information with you," she told Patch.

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