The project to rehabilitate and preserve the Cossitt Library building is moving forward. The Friends of Cossitt Library’s application for a Pomeroy-Brace Fund Grant at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving was approved in November 2021. However, due to lost mailings, the Friends received the grant funds in early March. While this delay was unfortunate, we are back on track now. This year’s Water Infiltration Prevention Project, Phase 1 at Cossitt encompasses exterior work to repair and restore the areas on the north and east sides of the building’s upper story. The dual goals are to prevent further leaks/damage to the building and make the repairs with materials and finishes that support the historic nature of the building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Library Projects Committee, which includes the Director of Library Services, the Director of Public Works, the Library Board Chair, and representatives from the Friends, will oversee the project. Architectural Preservation Studio and Brad Schide of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation will advise the committee throughout the process. Funds to pay for the project come from The Friends, generous donors, and the Town of Granby. Using information from Architectural Preservation Studio’s Condition Assessment Report and 2021 Construction Documents paid for by the Friends and a previous Pomeroy-Brace Fund Grant, the team will draft a Request for Proposals (RFP) and publish it on the Town’s website and in other public media. This document describes the project and invites interested firms with experience working on historical buildings to respond.
After a walk-through with representatives from interested firms, the committee will review the applicant’s proposals and conduct interviews. Once a firm is engaged, the actual work can begin — overseen by the Town’s Department of Public Works. As the Friends move into successive phases of the Restore Cossitt project, it will continue to need your help.
Qualifying for some grants, such as federal or state historical grants for which Cossitt qualifies, requires raising matching monies so that funders approve grant applications. When these grants are awarded, the Friends must have monies in hand to complete the project and then the funder reimburses the Friends after the project is finished. The Friends hope to apply for such grants for the 2023 work in addition to money from a Pomeroy-Brace Fund grant. These additional funds can enable us to complete capital projects at Cossitt more quickly. Friends fundraising and grant monies can then be used for other urgent needs within the Granby Library System.
If Cossitt Library is part of your life today or has been in the past — please help us preserve this unique building for all of us to enjoy in the future. Visit the Cossitt and Granby Public Libraries where you can complete a Friends Membership Form, purchase a Restore Cossitt button, sticker, or car magnet, and donate to the Restore Cossitt project.
Questions about the Restore Cossitt project? Contact us at friendsofcossittlibrary@gmail.com