Stratford Library Receives $25K In State Funding

From CT House Democrats Press Office

STRATFORD, CT — State Representative Joseph Gresko (D – Stratford) and the Stratford delegation celebrated as they collectively delivered $25,000 to the Stratford Library.

Gresko personally delivered the check during a ceremony, emphasizing the importance of the library as a cornerstone for learning, community engagement, and access to information. The Connecticut General Assembly approved the funding in the bipartisan spending stabilization plan that passed during this year’s legislative session.

Stratford Library will allocate the state funds to reorganizing the Teen Services area with new furniture. The library hopes to create a welcoming environment after Stratford middle and high school students struggled with social and emotional deficiencies resulting from pandemic related social isolation and school disruptions.

“After the challenges of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for children and teens to feel a sense of security at Stratford Library,” Gresko said. “This funding will encourage our youth to take advantage of the library’s resources and ensures they have access to programs they need to continue learning, growing, and reconnecting with the joy of discovery. The delegation's commitment to supporting such initiatives reflects their dedication to enhancing local resources and fostering a vibrant community environment.

State Representative Laura Dancho (R – Stratford) said, “There is nothing more fulfilling than reading to my grandchildren and having them read aloud to me. Gregg and I have been contributors to the Stratford library's local events and fundraisers for years, and I am thrilled to see additional state support for local reading. I look forward to advocating for further growth of our library, as well as working to fully fund our schools and special education programs.”

State Representative Ben McGorty (R – Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull) said, “I am so glad that the Stratford Library is being recognized with this vital community investment funding. This day in age, it is critical that residents and families have access to literature that can emphasize the importance of reading in development. This funding will be essential in maintaining a pillar of the community in Stratford and I am proud to support it."

State Sen. Kevin Kelly (R – Stratford, Shelton, Monroe, Seymour) said, “Here in Stratford, we work as a team to improve and enhance our community assets. The Stratford Library is a prime example of an invaluable resource which we must continue to support. This state funding will refurbish the Teen Services area so that young people throughout our town will have a safe, accessible and enjoyable place to gather, to read, to think, and to learn. I thank the entire Stratford delegation for their ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life and learning for people of all ages.”

State Sen. Herron Keyon Gaston (D – Bridgeport, Stratford) said, “Allocating these funds to teen services at the Stratford Library will empower the next generation with access to knowledge, creativity, and community support. Helping create a welcoming environment allows for a safe place for teens and children to explore, engage and learn. It's important our young community has access to these resources."

Sheri Szymanski, Executive Director of the Stratford Library Association, said: “The Stratford Library will also sub grant $5,000 to the Stratford Education Foundation in support of the Stratford affiliate of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library which is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books, free of charge to children from birth to age 5.”

Stratford Library is located at 2203 Main Street in Stratford and is open Monday through Saturday.