During a recent government meeting, Colleen Bailey, Executive Director of the West Haven Library, presented an update on the Ellington Library project, which has been in development since the closure of the previous library location in September 2022. The closure was necessitated by the sale of the building, which led to the relocation of library materials to the main library and Oremacy.

Bailey outlined the library board's decision to purchase a property at 668 Orange Avenue, with hopes of acquiring an adjacent foreclosed property to expand the library's footprint and improve parking. The board is also pursuing a capital campaign and has secured a state construction grant for the project. However, rising construction costs have prompted discussions about potentially repurposing existing buildings instead.

A significant aspect of the project is the planned use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which Bailey emphasized as crucial for moving forward. The library aims to create a modern facility that includes a larger meeting space, a dedicated children's room, and a historical room to showcase artifacts currently stored away. The new library is envisioned to be more accessible, with proper sight lines to enhance safety and usability.

Bailey highlighted the library's importance to the community, noting that many residents lack internet access at home, making the library a vital resource for education and job applications. The previous Allingtown library branch served approximately 10,000 to 15,000 visitors annually, and Bailey anticipates that reopening a library in the area will significantly increase foot traffic and community engagement.

The urgency of the project was underscored by council members, who expressed support for the library's reopening and the need for timely decisions regarding funding and property acquisition. Bailey reassured attendees that the library board is committed to expediting the process to ensure the new facility meets the community's needs as soon as possible.