Sen. McLachlan Applauds New Fairfield Library Funding

Article as it appeared in the Danbury News-Times

NEW FAIRFIELD — New Fairfield Library Director Linda Fox is cautiously optimistic about the $751,253 library construction bond that is on Thursday’s agenda of the State Bonding Commission.

“We hope that this passes so we can get this project underway,” Fox said Saturday. “We were looking toward doing something in 2008, had a plan in 2012. This has been on the table for some time.”

The planned renovations would bring the library to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance. They include an elevator, widened doors and staircases, improved lighting, renovations to the program room and community room, and replacing the present air conditioning for energy efficiency.

A total of $1,131,219 is needed for the project. As of March 2013, the library had $713,124 of that money in place.

“This is a substantial commitment from the state. What great news for New Fairfield,” said state Sen. Michael McLachlan, R-Danbury. “The renovations will make the library more accessible and benefit the community for years to come.”

State Reps. Richard Smith, R-New Fairfield, and Jan Giegler, R-New Fairfield, joined McLachlan in the push to get the bonding through.

“I am pleased we could help return these state dollars to New Fairfield,” Smith said. “The library is a focal point of our community.”

“Investments in resources for our entire community pay dividends,” Giegler said, “well past the initial cost of the project. I’m pleased this project will be one step closer to finished.”