U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney helped secure a $1.2 million grant to repair Rockville Public Library granite front steps and the money will be used to stabilize and reset the stairs that were originally constructed in 1904.
Courtney along with Vernon Town Administrator John W. Kleinhans, Rockville Public Library Director Jennifer Johnston-Marius and Vernon Public Works Director Dwight Ryniewicz,
recently visited the library to share that the federal grant was will be used for the reconstruction of the granite front steps.
“This building, if you live in town like I do, really is a huge piece of American history, not just local history,” Courtney said at the library. “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.”
The library is also a gathering place for library events as well. The steps also connect Union Street to the library as many patrons walk to the library, according to a statement from the town of Vernon
“This library is such an important piece of architectural history for Rockville and Vernon,” Johnston-Marius said about the grant. “This project is extremely important to the library and our community.”
“With the congressman’s support, we’re going to rebuild these steps,” Kleinhans added. “This grant will help us complete this important work.”
Kleinhans said the Vernon’s Public Works Department will ensure the work is executed responsibly and efficiently.
According to the Rockville Public Library website, the present building constructed in 1904. It was designed by Charles A. Platt. The library was dedicated and opened on June 29, 1904.