On October 7, 2020, Governor Ned Lamont was joined by Interim State Librarian Maureen Sullivan to announce that his administration was dedicating $2.6 million of Connecticut’s Coronavirus Relief Funds to support the state’s public libraries as they continue to make health and safety improvements and offer more services to residents amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor made the announcement at the Raymond Library in East Hartford.

The Governor said the funds would be distributed among 65 libraries across Connecticut based on their size and the number of residents they serve each year, which allows much of the funding to be allocated to target those that serve low-income urban and rural communities. The funds are anticipated to be largely used to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies, signage, and furniture.

The Terryville Public Library was awarded a grant in the amount of $28,564.00 to expand capacity and support reopening efforts.  At the Terryville Public Library, the funds were primarily used for safety improvements including hand sanitizer stations, air purifiers, touchless plumbing fixtures and contactless wave plates.  New furniture in the Children’s Room provides comfortable and easy to clean seating for families to share books together.  The Library also purchased a number of mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, Chromebooks, and Laptops to expand digital access in the community.

This funding is in addition to the Lamont administration’s Everybody Learns initiative to increase broadband infrastructure and to create public Wi-Fi hotspots that offer free internet access.  The Terryville Public Library will add a new outdoor wireless access point as part of this separate initiative.

“Libraries offer critical services for the public, including reliable Wi-Fi, access to computers and laptops, supportive learning materials and resources, and librarians who are trained in helping residents access key services,” said Governor Lamont. “Most importantly, libraries provide safe and quiet spaces for people to work and study, which is critical to many people who do not have the environment to do this at home. Especially during this difficult time, libraries and the work of so many generous librarians have played a critical role in supporting K-12 and post-secondary students with remote learning.”

“This investment in our public libraries will enable their leaders and staff to extend and enhance the services and programs that are so valued and important to their constituents and communities,” said Interim State Librarian Maureen Sullivan. “Public libraries have always been places that support education and self-directed learning. They are now a critical community resource for virtual learning.”

The Terryville Public Library is incredibly grateful for the Governor’s support of and investment in Connecticut’s public libraries.

For more information about the Library’s new mobile Wi-Fi hotspot program, visit:  http://terryvillepl.info/hotspots-and-chromebooks/

For more information about the Library’s new wireless printing/print from anywhere service, visit:  http://terryvillepl.info/princh/