Connecticut Gov. John G. Rowland announced March 16 an unprecedented $4.5-million state grant to renovate and expand the Otis Library in Norwich as the first step in an effort to redevelop the state’s second-tier cities. The funds will be used to expand the library into a 44,000-square-foot information center that will be ready to open in the fall of 2007, the Norwich Bulletin reported March 17.
“It will be the largest library grant in the state’s history,” Rowland told the crowd of 125 applauding civic and business leaders, students, parents, and library staff that had gathered in the library’s basement to hear the news. Students from local elementary schools held up a giant “thank you” card, allowing the governor to comment, “It’s really about these young people.”
“This is truly an historic day for an historic institution,” Library Executive Director Linda Summers commented after the announcement. The total cost of the renovation is estimated at $8.5 million, an amount that will be shared between the state, city, and the library. Otis Library will use $1.3 million in endowment funds and attempt to raise $2.6 million in a fundraising campaign, while the city has committed an investment of $800,000.
Posted March 19, 2004; revised April 19, 2004.