Courtney: $1.2 Million Headed To Vernon For Library Front Steps Renovations

VERNON, CT — U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney Friday, joined by Vernon Town Administrator John Kleinhans, Rockville Public Library Director Jennifer Johnston-Marius and Vernon Public Works Director Dwight Ryniewicz visited his hometown library to announce a $1.2 million federal grant that will fund reconstruction of the historic structure's granite front steps.

The stairs to the library, built in 1904, are in disrepair and are in need of significant work to stabilize, reset and repair them, town officials said. The steps have a practical use because they connect Union Street to the library and many patrons walk to the library.

The steps are more than just a way to get to the library. They are a gathering place for people and a
location for library events, town officials said.

“This library is such an important piece of architectural history for Rockville and Vernon,” Johnston-
Marius said. “This project is extremely important to the library and our community.”

Kleinhans said the library is an important place to thousands of people from Vernon and beyond and
restoring the steps is a top priority for Mayor Dan Champagne and the Vernon Town Council.

"With the congressman's support, we're going to rebuild these steps," Kleinhans said. "This grant will help us complete this important work."

Courtney said he works hard to obtain grants for all 63 towns in his 2nd congressional district. He praised Vernon officials for putting together a "compelling and complete" grant request.

"This application jumped off the page," Courtney said. "It speaks volumes about how the town
really did its homework."

He also spoke to the Rockville Public Library’s role in Vernon and the region.

"This building, if you live in town like I do, really is a huge piece of American history, not just local history," Courtney said. "Doing the renovation in a way that's very sensitive to the architecture will
enhance Rockville and the library’s ability to serve the community. Work of this scale is not cheap and that’s why I'm glad we were able to shepherd through funding for this project."

Kleinhans said he is confident the Vernon’s Public Works Department will ensure the work is executed responsibly and efficiently.