After years of waiting, planning and hoping, the Easton Public Library is moving ahead with a major expansion focused on children, teens and families. The Connecticut State Bond Commission has awarded the library $1 million for the project.
Library Director Lynn Zaffino said she won’t forget how it felt the moment she learned of the grant. “Relief and excitement,” she said. “After all of the highs and lows we faced, it has been in development for quite a while. Occasionally, it was frustrating to be stuck in a holding pattern for several years. Now, it finally feels real.”
In 2018, Silver Petrucelli & Associates designed the expansion, but progress halted due to funding issues and the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan sat on the shelf for several years until the Library’s Building Committee reformed in late 2023. In November 2024, the committee successfully secured the $1 million state grant.
On Monday, April 21, State Sen. Tony Hwang hosted a press conference to applaud the authorization of the state bond grant. Remarks were given by Hwang, First Selectman David Bindelglass, state Reps. Anne Hughes and Tony Scott, and Deborah Schander from the Connecticut State Library.
“Libraries like Easton’s are the heart and soul of our communities,” Hwang said in a press release. “This renovation is not just about upgrading infrastructure—it’s about reaffirming our commitment to the public good. It’s about creating a space where future generations can explore, learn and connect.”
Bindelglass said the project job was a team effort by the library committee and thanked Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration for approving the State Bond Commission for approving the grant, as well as the town’s state lawmakers.
Zaffino said with the renovations and expansion, noise heard throughout that library will be reduced, a separate area will be created for children to play, more creative programs will be offered, and the teen area will get a much-needed facelift and new study rooms.
“It’s a total game-changer,” she said.
Hiring a contractor and project bidding are next steps. Construction could start later this summer or in early fall if everything proceeds according to plan.
.
