An Important Message From Mayor Leclerc: Raymond Library Renovation and Expansion

With summer officially kicking-off recently, residents have been frequenting our parks, summer camps and pools, as well as taking advantage of all the services our town has to offer. While residents may be taking every opportunity to plan activities outside, one of the most common questions I’ve been asked has been related to the anticipated opening date of Raymond Library, a project I have been working tirelessly on since plans were drawn up and funding was received through the efforts of our state representatives, senator and supported by Governor Malloy. With many dates being thrown around by the media, I wanted to let all of our residents know that my hope is for a  grand re-opening by late summer, which will allow us to open our doors to everyone who has been waiting in anticipation.

As in any great organization, working together towards a common goal is what makes us successful. Since the beginning of construction, I have worked across departments to ensure the goal of opening Raymond Library to the public will be a successful undertaking. As a town government, our goal has always been to provide our residents with world-class services, which include our libraries, and it has always been my intent to transform this library into a building that would contain features and services that could rival any library in the state. Large projects like this renovation and addition take concise planning and execution and I want every resident to know that as a resident of East Hartford myself; I want nothing more than for Raymond Library to be enjoyed by all and be open for business as soon as possible−While at the same time allowing for everything to be up and running and set before we open to the public.

In order to reach that reality we must complete some crucial elements. While all major construction has been completed, one of the major components to completing this project is the amount of books and materials that needs to be re-shelved, as well as all the artifacts that need to make their way into the main areas of the library, to be placed and re-arranged. Raymond Library is in possession of over 155,000 books and materials in its circulation and placing them back on the shelves after a year and a half is a massive undertaking. In addition, we are in the process of installing multiple systems, a mural, which will be painted in our children’s area and are completing electrical work throughout the library. With a project this large and a building this historic, there are multiple steps that must be taken to ensure quality, lasting construction.

As a result of fundraising efforts, we are inching closer to the completion of all the interior work that needs to be finished.  As of June 19, through the Everybody Loves Raymond! Fundraiser that was formed in the spring of 2014, we have been able to raise $200,000, which has helped add additional complementary pieces that will make this library truly special. With Goodwin College’s $100,000 donation on June 25, the fundraiser was able to surpass its goal of $150,000. Through this fundraising effort, we have been able to purchase additional equipment and complementary pieces, which will add to the experience for all of our patrons.

With the donations rolling in and Raymond Library approaching the finish line, it brings me great joy to watch all the progress that has been made since this project broke ground in 2013. For all of our residents who have patiently waited over the past year and a half, I wanted to let you know that once those doors open, it will be worth the wait. With our MakerSpace, state-of-the art meeting rooms and an expanded and improved children’s section, Raymond Library will be a wonderland for knowledge and creative expression for everyone who crosses its threshold.