The Easton Public Library has been awarded a $1 million matching grant from the Connecticut State Library to be used for the Children’s Expansion Project, the planning of which began nearly a decade ago.
In 2017, a Library Building Committee was formed to help plan an expansion that would provide more space for the Children’s Department, while also addressing the problem of keeping the noise level from reaching the rest of the Library. Architects Silver, Petrucelli & Associates were hired to design the space, which was completed in 2018.
However, the construction bids came in much higher than anticipated, which forced the Library to put the project on hold. A fundraising campaign raised approximately $15,000. Then came 2020 — and the COVID pandemic. Consequently, the project was tabled for the next several years.
In late 2023, a newly formed Building Committee took up the project again. They decided to apply for the Connecticut State Library Construction Grant and were delighted to hear the news that the grant request had been approved.
“This project has been in the works for so long,” said Lynn Zaffino, library director. “I am thrilled that we have been awarded this grant, and we will finally be able to move forward with the project. I would like to thank the Library Building Committee for all of their hard work, as well as everyone who donated toward the fundraising campaign
The main goal of the expansion project is to enclose the back patio to expand the area for young children to play and read. The Innovation Space will be expanded and relocated, and the Youth Services Office will also be moved to provide access and a sight line to both the Children’s and Young Adult Departments. The Young Adult Department will be updated as well.
In addition to these changes, the project also calls for two private study rooms to be constructed in the periodical section of the Library, as well as the redesign of a bathroom to create a gender-neutral restroom.
Construction is expected to start in the spring or summer of 2025.
