Press Release, Connecticut General Assembly

Branford's General Assembly delegation of state Senator Christine Cohen and state Representatives Robin Comey and Moira Rader today welcomed the news that the State Bond Commission approved $153,265 for improvements to the James Blackstone Memorial Library.

The state funds will be used to enclose the library's existing interior balcony, thereby dividing the space into two new meeting rooms for public use. In 2013, the Blackstone Library Board of Trustees completed a strategic plan that identified several areas in need of improvement; one of those areas was expanded meeting room space. More than 20,000 people attended programs both large and small at the library that year, and more could have been accommodated if there were room. The Trustees proposed a new medium sized meeting room on the top floor, as well as a larger meeting room also on the top floor, made possible by the enclosure of the auditorium balcony.

"The Blackstone Library in Branford is a cornerstone of our community, with resources and events for all ages,” said Sen. Cohen. “With this funding, Branford residents will enjoy even more public spaces in one of the most beautiful libraries in the state. I am grateful to the Governor and the Bond Commission for approving the funding that was granted by the State Library, and of course, Library Director Katy McNicol for her wonderful vision and advocacy in ensuring this project could come to fruition.”

“I would like to wholeheartedly thank Governor Lamont, the State Bond Commission, and all of my colleagues for helping to secure this much-needed funding to the James Blackstone Memorial Library in Branford,” said Rep. Comey. “By converting the interior balcony into new meeting rooms, we’re expanding the library’s capabilities and enhancing residents’ access to vital resources. This project reflects our commitment to improving public spaces for all residents. I’m grateful to the State Library Board for their support and look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on patrons’ ability to gather, learn, and connect in a more functional space.”

“I want to thank Governor Lamont and the members of the Bond Commission for approving this funding for Branford’s Blackstone Memorial Library. The library is well-loved and well-used, and converting this space into additional meeting rooms will allow for more events, meetings, and public use for our community,” Rep. Rader said.

“The Blackstone Library is thrilled to begin this balcony enclosure project, offering additional meeting space to the community,” said Library Director, Katy McNicol. “Our two meeting rooms are constantly in use, and our recent strategic plan findings indicated that even more space was needed. The balcony enclosure project was originally considered during our 2018 renovation, but was not able to be funded at that time. We are grateful to the Connecticut State Library for approving our construction grant request and to the state for approving the funding. Our local representatives were wonderful in their support for this project, and we’re so pleased that our community will benefit.”