Andre Baker Jr

The Connecticut State Bond Commission awarded the Bridgeport Public Library a $1 million grant for the construction of a new, larger Newfield branch library.

The commission approved the funds at its Feb. 16 meeting. The project is estimated to cost $6 million. Funding for the project is expected to be provided by the $1 million state library construction grant with the remainder being raised locally.

“The Bridgeport Public Library’s Newfield branch is slated to become a flagship facility in our community, serving as a resource for our children, families, students and seniors. This funding paves the way for the continued enrichment of our residents and will have a lasting, positive impact on our neighborhood,” said state Rep. Andre Baker, D-Bridgeport. “Thank you to the Connecticut State Bond Commission for recognizing the importance of this project and for making this proposal a reality.”

The Bridgeport Public Library is planning to replace the 4,000 square foot Newfield branch library with a modern facility of approximately 15,500 square feet. In addition to collections, the library will offer a children’s play space, a story time room, computers, a makers’ space, a small conference room and a large community room available for library, neighborhood and city meetings.