Library addition overcomes every obstacle
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
POMFRET — The physical foundation work paused as the symbolic foundation of the Pomfret Public Library’s future soared.
More than 10 years, a monkey wrench called COVID-19, revamping the plans, reapplying for a state grant, and more speedbumps were no match for a determined community.
The back deck at the groundbreaking June 5 was full of representatives of all who made that foundation happen. Building committee, fund-raising committee, two top donors, architects, a construction company and more.
Library Director Laurie Bell called COVID-19 an “unexpected guest” but they persevered.
Emerging from COVID -19, the project found itself nearly at square one. The costs had risen 35 percent, according to Bell. The Connecticut State Library grant they had won was no longer going to be enough. The architects tackled the plans to adjust for the new higher construction numbers. The full second floor in the original plans shrank substantially. The state grant was forfeited with the intent to apply again for a larger one. After another arduous year-long grant writing process, Pomfret won the state’s grant again. It totals $1,011,297. Meanwhile the fund-raising committee redoubled its efforts to raise more money and pulled in “somewhere north of $2 million.”
Pomfret School helped when it transferred some of its land to enlarge the parking lot. The school also transferred some of its land on the opposite side of the building for the addition. Bell said the library building was 7 inches from the Pomfret School property line.
Bell said in the beginning they talked about what the future needs were, how it would fit with the buildings and with the neighborhood.
Maureen Nicholson, first selectman and building committee member, said the original institution, The United English Library for the Propagation of Christian and Useful Knowledge, was founded in 1740 as the first public library in eastern Connecticut.
She said in 1911 the current building was constructed on land donated by Ben Grosvenor and in 1928 it officially became a public library. The children’s room, office, plus the Aicher Memorial garden and deck were added.
“This library has always been built by the community, for the community. It’s more than a place to borrow books — it’s a space to connect, learn, and grow together. Today’s groundbreaking represents not just construction, but community and continue commitment. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose.”
In his remarks, Fund-raising vice chair Marc Archambault thanked all who helped, especially donors including Spirol International Charitable Foundation and The Newell Hale Foundation, John Frank, Pat Morgan and the Beagary Charitable Trust. He said: “Today’s groundbreaking is more than the start of a building project. It is a celebration of community spirit, shared vision and the commitment to creating a welcoming space for generations to come.”
Jeff Koehl, president and CEO of Spirol International, spoke from the heart about the family, learning, education and community being the heart, the foundation of his family and later the Spirol International Charitable Foundation. He recalled talking about this project with his father “around a table here” just before he passed.
He said he hopes that the project will inspire love of learning at an early age — “creating a love of learning and creating community.”
caption, page 1:
Library Director Laurie Bell addresses the crowd at the groundbreaking of the Pomfret Public Library's addition. More photos on page 4. Expanded photo array on Wed. night on our FB page. Linda Lemmon photo.
captions, page 4:
The Board of Trustees, the Building Committee and the Fund-raising and big donors group all took turns "breaking ground."
Foundation forms going up.
The groundbreaking ceremony is in the background, near the blue wall. The footings were in.