(East Hartford)  - Congressman John B. Larson met today with Dr. James H. Billington from the Library of Congress, and Mayor Marcia Leclerc to discuss a future collaboration between East Hartford’s Raymond Library and the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.

“I am pleased the Raymond Library and the Library of Congress are moving forward on a partnership that will benefit the town of East Hartford and the state of Connecticut. This collaboration will highlight Connecticut’s essential manufacturing role during World War II and the sacrifices of our veterans, Teaching with Primary Sources for our local schools, and connecting students here in East Hartford with the largest library in the world,” Congressman Larson said. “No one has been more dedicated to the preservation and expansion of our nation’s vast collection of literature, history, and art than the Librarian of Congress, Dr. Billington. Through this partnership, the Raymond Library will bring together educators, local businesses, and even other libraries to share in the wealth of the Library of Congress and Dr. Billington’s global digitalization efforts.”

“The Library of Congress, with the support and assistance of Congressman Larson, is pleased to collaborate with the city of East Hartford, the Raymond Library, and local educational institutions to bring our unparalleled collections and digital resources to the citizens of Connecticut to advance the sharing of knowledge,” said Dr. Billington.

Mayor Leclerc stated, “The renovation and expansion of our Library has opened the doors to unlimited possibilities including our partnership with the Library of Congress. This opportunity is a benefit for the residents of our town and the region.”

The Library of Congress is the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the non-partisan research arm of Congress. Dr. Billington has served as the Librarian of Congress since 1987. Under his leadership, the Library has expanded its public outreach with gatherings like the International Summit of the Book, and through the establishment of a World Digital Library that makes available on the internet significant primary source materials that tell the stories of countries and cultures from around the world.

The Raymond Library opened over a century ago, serving the community of East Hartford. It is currently under renovation. When the Raymond Library re-opens, it will have increased to 14,000 square feet, with the capacity to provide computer stations, training programs, public meeting spaces, and improved access for visitors.

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