The Land Use and Building Management Committee unanimously voted Dec. 3 to forward to the full Common Council a request to name the Norwalk Public Library’s History Room for longtime volunteer and historian Ralph Blum.

The proposal drew a string of public comments during the hearing in favor of the naming. Isabelle Bullen, who said she worked at the library and later volunteered in the History Room, told the committee, “The Norwalk History Room and its archives would not exist without Ralph’s efforts.” Moina Noor, president of the Norwalk Public Library Board, said the board voted unanimously to request the naming and cited section 27‑1 of the Norwalk City Code as the municipal procedure for naming a living person.

Former mayor and library board member Alex Knopf described how alumni, historians and residents use the History Room for yearbook and newspaper research and said the room’s collections and volunteer fundraising have sustained library services. Cindy Bloom Leahy, director of library information services, described Blum’s decades of volunteer work, including establishing the History Room and leading archival transfers to the library.

Committee discussion noted the city previously amended the ordinance to allow honoring living contributors. Committee members agreed the nomination should go to the Common Council; the chair said staff will include a note in the council backup explaining that final approval requires a supermajority.

The item will appear on the Common Council agenda next week for final action.

Authorities cited in committee comments included “section 27‑1 of the Norwalk City Code,” referenced by the library board in its written resolution.