By making monetary donations of any amount, the public can help reach an $800,000 fundraising goal; part of an intended $4.8 million project to bring Branford's historic James Blackstone Library up to 21st century speed, standards and space. Built in 1896, the Blackstone Library is a Branford architectural icon.

The project already has received a $1 million matching construction grant awarded by the State Library. A request for the remaining $3 million in funding is headed to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) this fall, said Andy McKirdy, President of the Library Board of Trustees. The overall $4.8 million project estimate is based on costs determined in January, 2017.

The Blackstone Board of Trustees' effort to raise $800,000 from the community received a big boost this April, when Branford Community Foundation (BCF) announced its largest matching grant ever, $100,000 to support the campaign. On Tuesday, August 29, Trustees and BCF members gathered on the Blackstone's front lawn on Main Street to unveil the campaign's oversized progress thermometer, with the mercury red-lined at $425,000.

"We're a little more than halfway there; and Branford Community Foundation has already completed [giving] nearly half of the $100,000 matching grant. But this is to remind people there are still opportunities to contribute. We certainly need everybody's support," said McKirdy.

McKirdy said BCF's $100,000 matching, four-year grant is inspiring individuals to to give, knowing each donation (up to $1,000) will be matched dollar for dollar. BCF Board of Directors President Stephanie Farber said the board saw several important factors involved in the decision to award BCF's largest-ever matching grant to the Campaign for the Blackstone.

"The Blackstone Library is an iconic library for Branford, and now, it has become community center for Branford," said Farber. "It needs to be updated. It needs to be more accessible for our kids, for our teens, for our older folks. Also, the library's use has increased over the past year – more books have been taken out, and more people are coming through-- than ever before. We have to make it worthy for the 21st century."

In 2016, the Town of Branford appropriated $50,000 to assist the Library Trustees' effort to finalize design development with the architectural firm Silver, Petrucelli & Associates (Hamden). Now, the Library Building Committee, made up of trustees and town-appointed members, has a detailed cost estimate from Downes Construction (New Britain) to present to the RTM in the fall, together with the request for $3 million in funding.

"While the participation of the town is essential, the town hasn't yet made the decision," said McKirdy, adding, "...obviously, we're hopeful that they will."

Most recently, on August 28, an update was shared with Branford's Board of Finance, McKirdy said.

"The town has understood for the last three or four years that we'd be asking them for $3 million," said McKirdy. "We have a million from the state, and we're raising $800,000. We met with the Board of Finance [Aug. 28]; they indicated the current [budget] uncertainty at the state level prevents them from making commitments. But they all understand what's being asked of them. Assuming there's some reasonable solution for the state budget, we do expect the town to make the commitment. But it's premature for them to make the commitment, yet."

If the $3 million request receives RTM approval, the first phase of construction is estimated to start in spring 2018. The building would remain open during construction. Renovations won't change the marble façade facing 758 Main St, but a modest building expansion on the Cedar Street side will exchange the current exterior rear entrance and outdoor walkway for a new, enclosed, windowed entrance and lobby.

Inside the Blackstone, reconfigured interior spaces and technology upgrades will be added. The children's section will move from the third floor to expanded ground floor space. The ground floor will also include a dedicated teen area with a café and 11 new computers. Adult fiction continue to be on the ground floor. The mezzanine area (rotunda) adds a 15-computer lab, bringing the new total of Internet access computers at the Blackstone up to 32. The top floor will be redesigned to include two new meeting spaces, including one room created by enclosing the auditorium balcony and adding windows to overlook the building's classic auditorium.

McKirdy said the plan meets the needs of 21st century Branford with increased technology, more space and technology for children and teens, a more effective rear entry-way and more meeting space.

"One of the things that we're really trying to accomplish is move the Blackstone more effectively into the 21st century, as a 21st century library," said McKirdy. "It's a fantastic building, designed in the 19th century to be a 19th century library, and built in the 19th century. While it's been improved and enhanced over the years, times change quickly; and the library has got to keep pace with that. We want to be a 21st century library for Branford citizens. This is going to help us do it, within the constraints of an architectural icon."

Campaign for the Blackstone gifts and pledges may be made at blackstonelibrary.org here; where more details and renderings of the renovation and expansion are also available. Campaign Pledge/Donation forms can be download at the website and are also available at the library. Checks may be sent to: James Blackstone Memorial Library, Attn: Development Office, 758 Main St., Branford, CT 06405

The James Blackstone Memorial Library is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Gifts to the Blackstone are tax-deductible as allowed by law.