U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney of Vernon, joined by Vernon Town Administrator John W. Kleinhans, Rockville Public Library Director Jennifer Johnston-Marius and Vernon Public Works Director Dwight Ryniewicz, visited the library to announce a $1.2 million federal grant to pay for reconstruction of the library’s granite front steps.
The stairs to the library, built in 1904, are in disrepair and in need of significant work to stabilize, reset and repair them.
The steps have a practical use in that they connect Union Street to the library and many patrons walk to the library. The library is also an architectural jewel.
The steps are more than just a way to get to the library. They are a gathering place for people and a location for library events.
“This library is such an important piece of architectural history for Rockville and Vernon,” Johnston-Marius said. “This project is extremely important to the library and our community.”
Kleinhans said the library is an important place to thousands of people from Vernon and beyond and restoring the steps is a top priority for Mayor Dan Champagne and the Vernon Town Council.
“With the congressman’s support, we’re going to rebuild these steps,” Kleinhans said. “This grant will help us complete this important work.”
Congressman Courtney said he works hard to obtain grants for all 63 towns in his district. He praised Vernon officials for putting together a compelling and complete grant request.
“This application jumped off the page,” The congressman said. “It speaks volumes about how the town really did its homework.”
He also spoke to the Rockville Public Library’s role in Vernon and the region.
“This building, if you live in town like I do, really is a huge piece of American history, not just local history,” Congressman Courtney said. “Doing the renovation in a way that’s very sensitive to the architecture will enhance Rockville and the library’s ability to serve the community. Work of this scale is not cheap and that’s why I’m glad we were able to shepherd through funding for this project.”
Kleinhans said he is confident the Vernon’s Public Works Department will ensure the work is executed responsibly and efficiently.