Pomfret library
project resets
its course
The building project at Pomfret Public Library is still in the works, but construction is postponed until spring 2024.
Pomfret Public Library was awarded a CT State Public Library Construction Grant of $421,800 in 2018. They raised matching funds, the State Bond Commission approved the funding, and they signed a grant contract in February 2022.
Then architectural firm Silver, Petrucelli + Associates was hired and, after spending many months working with them to fine tune the design and work out the details, they came back with an updated cost estimate.
Unfortunately, with post-pandemic construction cost increases and unexpected work that the engineers felt was necessary in the original building, the current estimate is more than twice what was originally planned for. The available funds were insufficient.
The Pomfret Public Library Board of Trustees and Building Committee made the reluctant but necessary decision to forfeit the 2018 grant, reapply for a 2023 Public Library Construction Grant with the revised cost estimate, and raise additional matching funds as needed. The delay in construction is disappointing, the committee said, “But we are confident that we will be able to bring our building plans to fruition in 2024.”
The committee added: “We are very grateful for the widespread support for this project and look forward to increasing our library services to the community in the near future.
Public libraries now provide services, resources and technology that didn’t exist when Pomfret Public Library was built! Lending books is still our stock-in-trade, but there is a new emphasis on group learning experiences, creativity, and community events that necessitates meeting room spaces, technology, equipment and furnishings.”
The planned addition to Pomfret Public Library includes about 2000 sq. ft. of meeting room space for groups of eight to 60 people.  This space will be available for programs and events sponsored by the library and by other community organizations.
Interior Rendering
Improvements include:
Lounge & café: space to relax or have a quiet conversation
Conference Room & Archives: business and board meetings, research the archives of the Pomfret Historical Society
Great Room: meetings, concerts, classes, movies, lectures, poetry, workshops.
Activity Space: a Story Time/group play/Maker Space equipped for art, crafts, games, STEAM
Restrooms: two private, accessible, unisex family restrooms
Art gallery: current and retrospective exhibits of local talent
Patio: extending the Great Room outside to the existing deck, gardens, and walking trail
Rooms available for booking after-hours: meeting space for local organizations, boards and clubs
Technology: all rooms fully equipped with computers, fiber internet, wifi, projection and sound

.