On November 24, 2008, the State Library Board approved 16 construction grants totaling $8,883,615 in state bonding funds. The money will go to libraries in the towns of Avon, Branford, Canterbury, Cromwell, East Hartford, East Haven, Haddam, Hamden, Meriden, Naugatuck, New Fairfield, New Haven, New London, Sharon, Sherman and West Hartford. These construction grants are pending State Bond Commission approval:
- Avon Free Public Library received a $1 million grant to help build a 22,052 square foot addition that will more than double the size of the existing 18,000 square foot building. Key elements of this expansion project include provisions for small meeting rooms, additional space for book collections, tables, and an increased seating capacity. Project cost: $9,498,646. Grant: $1,000,000.
- The James Blackstone Memorial Library in Branford also received a $1 million grant to assist in the construction of an addition that will unite the adult collection, children's area, teen area, circulation desk, and reference desk on the lower level. Once the 6,697 square foot addition to the existing 21,371 square foot building is built, the first floor will house a technology area, reading room, and 170-seat auditorium. The second floor will have library offices. Project cost: $9,922,797. Grant: $1,000,000.
- Canterbury Public Library was granted $793,666 to help pay for building an addition that will triple their size from the existing 3,040 square feet to 9,330 square feet. The library will stay in the building they share with the senior center and town hall but will move to a different part of the building which will be enlarged. Project cost: $2,381,000. Grant: $793,666.
- Cromwell's Belden Public Library had funds of $1 million approved toward the cost of changes which will increase the children's space, provide a dedicated program room and bring the library into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The building project will add 4,670 square feet to their 16,551 square feet. Project cost: $3,617,590. Grant: $1,000,000.
- A $1 million grant was also approved for the Raymond Library in East Hartford. This will pay for part of a building project which will create an archive room, increase the adult book collection space and enlarge the size of the children's room. The library will add 14,062 square feet to the existing 27,033 square feet. Project cost: $6,137,450. Grant: $1,000,000.
- Hagaman Memorial Library (East Haven) will receive a grant of $184,000 to help defray the expenses of replacing windows and upgrading the HVAC system to an energy-efficient unit. Project cost: $552,000. Grant: $184,000.
- Brainerd Memorial Library (Haddam)'s grant will pay for about a third of the construction of a new entryway, ramp, patio, and new book drop. Project cost: $295,000. Grant: $98,333.
- Miller Central Library (Hamden) was also granted funds which will cover a third of the price to remodel their young adult and non-print areas. Project cost: $39,000. Grant: $13,000.
- Meriden Public Library has purchased two properties. The grant will help offset the cost of razing the existing structures and replacing them with a well-lit parking lot. Project cost: $432,615. Grant: $144,205.
- Howard Whittemore Memorial Library (Naugatuck), an historic building, will receive a grant to help fund the restoration of their rotunda which includes the replacement of the existing skylight. Project cost: $310,000. Grant: $103,333.
- New Fairfield Public Library was approved for a $1 million grant which will pay for a renovation and part of an addition which will add 3,100 square feet to their 10,918 square foot building. This addition and renovation will improve the layout and bring the building into compliance with building codes, fire codes and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Project cost: $4,574,931. Grant: $1,000,000.
- New Haven Free Public Library is slated to receive a $382,379 grant to help them build a small 1,500 foot square addition which will be used as the 50-Plus Transition Area and a remodeling project. Other plans for the current 103,320 square foot building are: redesigning the public access computer area to include a flexible classroom and 50 computer workstations; improving the Patron's Board meeting room; and installing ADA upgrades to the public toilets. Project cost: $1,147,138. Grant: $382,379.
- The Public Library of New London will purchase ergonomic chairs and furniture for the library. Project cost: $34,100. Grant: $11,366.
- Hotchkiss Library of Sharon was approved for a grant of $1 million for an extensive project which will more than double their size. A new addition will add 5,294 square feet to the library which now measures 4,658 square feet. The new space will enable the library to improve program areas, comply with codes and provide accessibility for the disabled. Project cost $4,207,960. Grant: $1,000,000.
- Sherman Library will add 7,300 square feet to the existing 4,691 square foot building. This expansion will create the only community meeting room in Sherman and will also improve the adult and children's areas. Project cost: $3,204,000. Grant: $1,000,000.
- The Bishops Corner Branch Library (West Hartford) plans to improve energy conservation and increase the accessibility of interior spaces with a remodeling project. Project cost: $460,000. Grant: $153,333.
