State Librarian Shonder advocates for new archives facility amid increasing record influx

In a pivotal meeting of the Connecticut State Legislature's Finance Revenue & Bonding Committee, State Librarian Deborah Shonder presented urgent updates regarding the state library's pressing needs, particularly the establishment of a permanent home for the state archives. The state library, which has served as the official archives since 1909, currently houses over 53,000 cubic feet of historically significant records, but lacks a dedicated facility to ensure their preservation.

Shonder highlighted the alarming increase in records being transferred to the archives, a surge attributed to the hybrid work model adopted during the pandemic. Last fiscal year alone, the archives received over 3,000 cubic feet of records, a stark contrast to the 500 cubic feet received annually prior to 2019. This influx has strained the current off-site storage, which is located in a floodplain and nearing capacity. If the situation remains unaddressed, the library may have to halt the acceptance of new records, a move that could hinder the state's ability to maintain essential historical documentation.

To mitigate this crisis, the library is converting existing space to compact shelving, which is expected to provide an additional three years of storage. Simultaneously, an $80,000 study is underway to assess the feasibility of renovating a vacant facility at the Rocky Hill campus for future archival needs. Shonder emphasized that while digitization is a valuable tool, it is not a permanent solution for preservation, as original documents must be retained to ensure long-term access.

In addition to the archives project, Shonder discussed the allocation of $755,000 for renovations at the Middletown Library Service Center, a critical hub for statewide library services. The center, built in the 1960s, requires significant updates, including a new HVAC system, to continue serving public and academic libraries effectively.

The meeting also addressed the state library's construction grant program, which provides vital funding for public libraries to improve their facilities. With a cap of $2 million per project, the program has become a crucial resource for municipalities, particularly in distressed areas. However, demand is high, with libraries requesting the full amount, straining available resources.

As the committee members engaged with Shonder, questions arose about the potential for consolidating projects and the urgency of addressing the archives' needs. Shonder reiterated the critical nature of the situation, stating that Connecticut has never had a dedicated state archives facility, and the time to act is now.

The discussions underscored the importance of preserving Connecticut's historical records and the challenges faced by public libraries in securing necessary funding. As the state moves forward, the outcomes of these initiatives will play a significant role in safeguarding the state's rich history for future generations.