New Canaan Library Renovation To Cost $30M, First Selectman Says

NEW CANAAN, CT — A plan to build a new New Canaan Library is estimated to cost about $30 million, for which library officials are expected to seek a contribution from the town of $10 million, according to First Selectman Kevin Moynihan.

Library officials have not yet made a formal request for the funds, but Moynihan expects that to come during the upcoming town budgeting process.

"I have not publicly endorsed that figure, but that's the request," said Moynihan of the $10 million number, adding that "there seems to be a consensus developing around the $10 million figure among town officials."

Moynihan offered his views on the project during a press briefing attended by Patch and other media outlets last week just before Thanksgiving.

The current library measures about 37,000 square feet, of which roughly one-third is underutilized. A new library would expand and improve the facility so that at least 37,000 square feet would be usable, and the rebuilt site would also likely include new underground parking.

A town government contribution for the new building has been in the works for years, but initially was thought to be about $5 million. But that was when plans called for a slightly less ambitious project without the possible addition of underground parking, according to Moynihan.

Two years ago, the town acquired a parcel adjacent to the library on South Avenue to help with the future project. For about a year, library officials have been raising funds for the new facility from private donors; how much has been raised thus far has not been disclosed.

Patch reached out to Lisa Oldham, the library's executive director, for comment but did not immediately hear back.

Photo of the New Canaan Library via the Town of New Canaan

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