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Rockville Today
By the People, for the People
Courtney: $1.2 Million Headed To Vernon For Library Front Steps Renovations
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney secures federal grant to repair historic Rockville Public Library steps.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney announced a $1.2 million federal grant to fund the reconstruction of the historic granite front steps at the Rockville Public Library in Vernon, Connecticut. The steps, built in 1904, are in need of significant work to stabilize, reset and repair them. Town officials say the steps are an important gathering place and connection for library patrons.
Why it matters
The Rockville Public Library is a key piece of architectural history and community hub in Vernon. Restoring the library's iconic front steps will preserve this historic structure and ensure the steps continue to serve as an important public gathering space for the town.
The details
The $1.2 million grant will allow the town to undertake a comprehensive renovation of the library's granite front steps, which have fallen into disrepair over the years. The project will stabilize, reset and repair the steps, which connect Union Street to the library and are used by many patrons who walk to the facility.
- The grant was announced on February 21, 2026.
The players
Joe Courtney
U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 2nd congressional district, who secured the $1.2 million federal grant for the library steps renovation.
John Kleinhans
Vernon Town Administrator, who said the library steps renovation is a top priority for the town.
Jennifer Johnston-Marius
Rockville Public Library Director, who stated the project is extremely important to the library and the community.
Dwight Ryniewicz
Vernon Public Works Director, who will oversee the responsible and efficient execution of the renovation work.
Dan Champagne
Mayor of Vernon, who along with the Vernon Town Council has made the library steps renovation a top priority.
What they’re saying
“This library is such an important piece of architectural history for Rockville and Vernon. This project is extremely important to the library and our community.”
— Jennifer Johnston-Marius, Rockville Public Library Director (Patch.com)
“With the congressman's support, we're going to rebuild these steps. This grant will help us complete this important work.”
— John Kleinhans, Vernon Town Administrator (Patch.com)
“This application jumped off the page. It speaks volumes about how the town really did its homework.”
— Joe Courtney, U.S. Representative (Patch.com)
“This building, if you live in town like I do, really is a huge piece of American history, not just local history. Doing the renovation in a way that's very sensitive to the architecture will enhance Rockville and the library's ability to serve the community.”
— Joe Courtney, U.S. Representative (Patch.com)
What’s next
The Vernon Public Works Department will oversee the renovation project to ensure the work is executed responsibly and efficiently.
The takeaway
The $1.2 million federal grant secured by Congressman Joe Courtney will allow the historic Rockville Public Library to undergo a much-needed renovation of its iconic granite front steps, preserving a key piece of the town's architectural heritage and ensuring the steps continue to serve as an important community gathering space.
