Blackstone Memorial Library
The State Library Board has approved grants to bring high-speed fiber Internet to the James Blackstone Memorial Library (pictured) in Branford and the Guilford Free Library in Guilford. They are among 90 libraries around the state that will receive these grants, which are the product of state legislation passed in 2015.
Blackstone Library will receive $28,700; the funds will be used to install high-speed fiber connections to the Connecticut Education Network. Guilford’s share is $17,440.
The grants were welcomed by state Sen. Ted Kennedy, Jr. and state Reps. Lonnie Reed and Sean Scanlon.
Karen Jensen, director of the James Blackstone Memorial Library, said “This grant is offered specifically to upgrade the library to fiber Internet connectivity. These funds, combined with federal E‑Rate funds, will pay for the cost of fiber installation. We are really excited to upgrade to fiber, which offers faster speed, better reliability, and greater upload and download capacity. This is a crucial improvement for patrons who rely on our computer network for job search, education, and training opportunities, since our current capacity is often exceeded.”
Rob McCoole, assistant director of the Guilford Free Library, noted that the improved connection will more than double the current capacity available to the public.
Kennedy said, “These grants will modernize our local libraries, bringing more information at higher speeds. Libraries are some of the most important assets in our communities, and it is important that we continue to invest in them to ensure their continued use for many years to come.”
“The Blackstone Library’s vital role continues to evolve to meet the needs of our community,” said Representative Reed. “When the recession hit in 2008 and so many jobs were lost, the Blackstone is where people headed to learn how to write resumes and search online for new employment opportunities,”Reed added.
“Libraries are such a vital part of our communities and I’m very happy to see the state is making sound investments in two truly great resources for the people of Guilford and Branford,” Scanlon said.
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