House Republican Press Release

June 20, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Penny Bacchiochi, Gov. M. Jodi Rell announce $500,000 for expansion of Somers Library

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the Somers Public Library is expected to receive $500,000 for a major expansion when the state Bond Commission meets June 29.

Although the current, 10,000-square-foot library, built in 1988, is relatively recent construction, Somers has seen steady population growth and the trend is expected to continue. The town’s population has increased by more than five percent over the last 10 years and continued growth is expected over the coming two decades. The current library is essentially one large room and does not have a separate quiet area, meeting or program space, defined reference or young adult areas or space for future growth, including changing technologies and expanding multimedia collections.

“This is a tremendous project for Somers that will effectively double the size of its library, adding nearly 10,000 more square feet and renovating the existing space,” Gov. Rell said. “The improvements will add the quiet areas, meeting space and special areas the library needs while ensuring the library remains a vital and vibrant place for the people of the town – not only now but in the years to come. We want our libraries to be central to the community, and that is just what this project will achieve.”

“I’d like to commend the building committee and the library staff for working tirelessly to move this project forward,” said state Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers). “I’d also like to thank the governor and members the bond commission for supporting this important initiative. I am excited about the library expansion and what it will mean for Somers’ future.” 

The project will also increase the capacities controls of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and improve the library interior and exterior for safety and security.

Somers is one of eight towns slated to receive a total of more than $2.6 million in funding for improvements under the Library Construction grant program through the Bond Commission.