Hart upgrades funded by $50K grant

Sen. Pete Harckham announced Monday the completion of improvements at the John C. Hart Memorial Library made possible through a $50,000 Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability and Technology grant he secured.

The funding supported two major upgrades at the library: the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting on the lower level and the replacement of an outdated circulation desk in the children’s department with a smaller, mobile information desk. Approximately half of the grant funded the lighting conversion and replacement of older fluorescent fixtures with energy-saving LEDs, which will reduce long-term energy costs for the library.

The remaining funds were used to demolish and remove the oversized built-in circulation desk in the children’s room and install a new mobile information desk, allowing the library to create a flexible, hands-on play area for young visitors.

“Libraries are the heart of our communities, and investing in them helps ensure they remain welcoming, modern spaces for residents of all ages,” said Harckham. “Through the CREST grant program, we can support practical improvements like energy-efficient lighting and more adaptable public spaces projects that enhance services while saving taxpayer dollars over time.”

CREST grants provide targeted funding to municipalities and community institutions for projects that improve infrastructure, increase energy efficiency, and strengthen local services. By helping organizations make upgrades that reduce operational costs, such as switching to LED lighting, the grants help local governments and community institutions lower expenses and ease the burden on taxpayers.

The LED lighting upgrades will provide brighter, more efficient illumination while lowering energy consumption and maintenance costs for the library.

Library Director Yvonne Cech said the improvements have already made a noticeable difference for patrons and staff.

“Downsizing our old information desk in the children’s room made it possible to create a hands-on play area for young visitors,” said Cech. “With limited space and no open play area before, removing the very old oversized built-in desk has been a real game changer - our families love it. The new creative play space is bright and welcoming. Converting to a mobile information desk will allow us to adapt the room for different needs in future.

“We’re deeply grateful to Sen. Harckham for providing the grant funding that made both important improvements possible.”

Article courtesy of the Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham