Rockville Public Library to Become Town Department

VERNON, CT — The town of Vernon will be taking on the day-to-day operations of the Rockville Public Library.

Mayor Daniel Champagne on Wednesday was joined by Thomasina Clemons, the president of the Rockville Public Library Board of Trustees, to sign a memorandum of understanding to make the library a municipal department.

“Through the collaborative efforts of the town and the Rockville Public Library Board, this transfer will
ensure the library remains a sustainable resource for its patrons and will also enhance its presence in our
community,” Clemons said.

“My vision for the library is to create a center of excellence for our community that advances innovation, encourages lifelong learning, and provides more opportunities for cultural and civic engagement through quality programs and services,” Champagne said.

On Tuesday evening, the Town Council approved the agreement, which "advances" the process of the Library
being incorporated as a town department for the start of the new fiscal year.

The 2018-19 fiscal year starts on July 1.

The transfer of the library also requires a referral to the Vernon Planning and Zoning Commission, a
review by the state Attorney General’s Office, and a final approval by the Town Council.

The Rockville Public Library was founded in 1893 and is currently a nonprofit association that is partially funded by the town and endowed by the family of George Maxwell, a former local textile manufacturer. The library is located in the old Maxwell mansion at 52 Union St. in the Rockville section of Vernon.

The town has budgeted about $460,000 for the library this fiscal year and Champagne said another $420,000 will be added to it for the 2018-19 fiscal year.

The library's endowment totals about $1 million, Champagne said. It will be maintained and invested for capital expenses, the mayor said.

The library will operate as a town department with an advisory board that answers to the council. The nonprofit status will be maintained by a foundation with 5 percent of the endowment at its disposal, he said.

The foundation will handle all development and fund-raising efforts, Champagne said.

Champagne said all library positions would be evaluated but gave no indication anyone would be losing a job.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel