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Library may get program grant
Aug 5, 11:51 AM
Bristol Press
By SARAH WILSON , PRESS STAFF
BURLINGTON – U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy, D-5th District, visited Burlington Monday to discuss the possibility of a $50,000 federal grant for library programming.
Library director Marie Spratlin Hasskarl, First Selectwoman Kathleen Zabel and members of the library board met with the Fifth District congressman at the Burlington Public Library.
The good news is that the first draft of the preliminary Labor-HHS-Education bill earmarks this money for the library, Murphy said.
“The first step is the hardest,” Murphy said.
“There is still a ways to go for the money to get down to you,” he said, adding that the economy is presenting many challenges in Washington.
Murphy expects the bill to be passed into law around January or February of next year, then the funds would be available immediately.
“We have some answers in Washington, but certainly not all of them,” Murphy said.
Murphy stressed that while keeping expectations realistic, helping to sustain communities during these tough economic times is a priority in Washington.
Last year, grant amounts were cut by only 5 to 10 percent, Murphy said.
“I am less confident than I was with last year’s allocations,” he said. However, a new president may positively affect the negotiations, he added.
“We don’t have a regular budget for programming,” Hasskarl said.
Some programs that the library would like to pursue include summer concerts and speakers as well as general programming for seniors, adults, youth and families. Hasskarl also asked about the possibility of utilizing grant money for a public relations assistant on a temporary or part-time basis and additional materials.
Murphy explained that listening to what the towns in his district really need is one of the most important parts of his job, and the best way to ensure funds are used in a meaningful way.
“One reason I’m excited is because it really comes from an organic request,” Murphy said of the grant request from the town and library.
