House Republican Press Release

April 26, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Candelora Hails Funding For Edward Smith Library

Bonding Will Make Critical Improvements to Northford Facility

HARTFORD- State Representative Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford) today announced that the Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee had approved $500,000 for the Edward Smith Library in Northford.  The funds will be appropriated through the State Library.

The funds will go toward expanded parking, and the creation of meeting space and programming rooms, as well as expanding the library’s collections and circulation.  The funding needs to be approved at the next meeting of the State Bond Commission.

“I am pleased to see this item move from the Finance Committee, and head to the Bond Commission,” said Representative Candelora.  “This funding would allow for important improvements at the Edward Smith Library, where parking is currently difficult, and space is very limited.  These funds will help with both current problems.  I will be making every effort to see that these funds make it through the Bond Commission, and that this facility remains an important priority.”

The Edward Smith Memorial Library, located on Old Post Road in Northford, was constructed in 1956 with funds donated from Clara Smith in honor of her father Edward.  The land was donated by the Northford Congregational Church, which is located directly across the street.  There has been no major expansion of the library since 1967.

Representative Candelora is currently serving his first term representing the 86^th District in the General Assembly, which includes North Branford, and parts of Wallingford and East Haven.