Libraries win $105,000 in coronavirus relief funds

HARTFORD — Last week, Gov. Ned Lamont announced the state will dedicate $ 2.6 million of coronavirus relief funds to support state public libraries in their efforts to protect health and safety while expanding services available to residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Locally, both Russell Library in Middletown and the Belden Public Library in Cromwell are recipients of a portion of monies, totaling $ 105,839, according to a press release from the office of state Sen. Matt Lesser, D-Middletown. Dollars will be distributed among 65 libraries across the state, based on size and residents served per year, with a particular focus on low-income urban and rural communities.

Russell Library will be receiving $ 75,860 and the Cromwell library, $ 29,979. These will largely be used to purchase personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, signage and furniture, the release said. The new allocation of funding is in addition to ongoing work to increase broadband infrastructure, and create public wifi hotspots, offering free internet access at libraries and other locations across the state.

“Libraries are great places that provide people with access to information through various resources,” Lesser said in a prepared statement. “With the help of new state funding, both the Russell Library and the Cromwell Belden Public Library will be safe environments residents in the community can go to when they need a quiet place to study, or obtain any sort of information through the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.”

Russell Library is open, but masks are required to enter the building. Because of the risk of COVID-19 transmission and a lack of volunteers to handle incoming materials, the library is not accepting book donations at this time. It is also offering curbside pickup.

The Belden Library is also open with limited hours, but some services are not available, including computers, fax machines and meeting rooms. It is also offering curbside pickup and are not accepting book donations. Masks are required.

For information, visit russelllibrary.org or cromwellct.com/library.

Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Russell Library is located at 123 Broad St., Middletown.

Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Cromwell Belden Public Library