HARTFORD, CT (1010 WINS) -- Sixty-five public libraries in Connecticut will receive a total of $2.6 million in funding to ensure they can safely offer services to residents as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Gov. Ned Lamont said Wednesday.
The state will allocate money from its Coronavirus Relief Fund to the libraries based on their size, as well as the number of residents they serve, Lamont said in a release.
"Libraries offer critical services for the public, including reliable WiFi, access to computers and laptops, supportive learning materials and resources, and librarians who are trained in helping residents access key services," the governor said in a statement.
"Most importantly, libraries provide safe and quiet spaces for people to work and study, which is critical to many people who do not have the environment to do this at home," he added. "Especially during this difficult time, libraries and the work of so many generous librarians have played a critical role in supporting K-12 and post-secondary students with remote learning."
Connecticut's libraries are currently operating at 50 percent capacity, but will be allowed to increase their capacity limits to 75 percent when Phase 3 of the state's reopening kicks off on Thursday, the release noted.
Lamont on Wednesday reported one new COVID-19 fatality, bringing the state's death toll to 4,522.
Of the 7,617 COVID-19 test results that came back on Tuesday, 123, or 1.6 percent, were positive, he said.
As of Tuesday evening, 138 people in the state were hospitalized with COVID-19, up by nine from Monday.
