September 3, 2025

Rep. Buchsbaum Applauds Reopening of Southbury Library

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Southbury, CT—State Representatives Jason Buchsbaum (R-69) and Arnold Jensen (R-131) helped to cut the ribbon of the newly reopened Southbury Library, following clean up and repairs of damage sustained during historic flooding in August of 2024.

The legislators secured a $350,000 grant-in-aid to the Town of Southbury, approved last month by the State Bond Commission.

The Southbury Library has been closed since the flooding, with services temporarily offered out of a rented space at the Heritage Hotel.

Prior to serving as State Representative, Rep. Buchsbaum served nearly a decade on the Southbury Board of Selectmen and worked closely with the library as a liaison to their Board of Trustees.

“I’m excited that patrons can once again visit Southbury Library in its home on Poverty Road. The library is the heart of our community, and it was great to be in the building once again. It was a labor of love for employees to keep operations going until they could move back in, and I want to thank them for their dedication to reading and community programming,” said Rep. Buchsbaum. “It was a tremendous undertaking to get the facility up and running, completing the task about two months ahead of schedule. The damage to the electrical, IT and fire suppression systems, and to inventory was catastrophic. I am pleased we were able to obtain a state grant-in-aid to help fund the restoration.”

Photos Courtesy: Southbury Public Library

“The Southbury Library is a genuine treasure in the community. My sincere thanks to all the staff and supporters who kept providing services over the last several months. This reopening is a testament to Southbury’s community spirit, and I’m happy to have helped secured funding to help in this restoration,” said Rep. Jensen.

“I was proud to celebrate the official re-opening of the Southbury Public Library, slightly more than one year after floodwaters ravished its basement and rendered it unusable. Congratulations to First Selectman Manville and the entire team who worked to reopen this important facility so quickly,” said State Sen. Eric Berthel (R-Watertown). “With 20 residents employed there and doors open nearly 3,000 hours each year, the library is a critical part of our community. Thank you to the Governor and the Bond Commission for approving the state investment that made this rebuild possible.”

The Town of Southbury is underway on an approximate $1.4 million restoration. FEMA has approved various amounts of reimbursement for the repairs. Reps. Buchsbaum and Jensen say the $350,000 state grant will cover the balance of the costs after FEMA reimbursement.

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