Stonington — The Stonington Free Library has completed a $933,000 expansion and renovation project that improves handicapped access to the 120-year-old building but also creates more space for materials and programs.

The library has raised all the funds for the project as a part of a $1.8 million capital campaign, which is 98% complete. Funding for the project came from state and local governments as well as private donors and organizations such as the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and the Wimpfheimer Foundation.

The project has it origins back in 2010, when a flood damaged the library's wheelchair lift. That meant patrons with disabilities were unable to access the basement level, where the children's area is located, from the ground floor. The lift could not be fixed, the building did not meet handicapped accessibility codes and the lack of accessibility immediately concerned Director Belinda DeKay and Assistant Director Micayla Hall. 

“The library was not accessible to everyone in our community,” Hall said. "Now, it's accessible to all."

Planning for the new project began in earnest in 2016 and the project was completed last month. 

"There were times when we said, 'Is this going to happen?'" Hall recalled. "But it really came together well. It was a big accomplishment." 

“It’s stunning,” DeKay added, as she led a tour of the project earlier this week.

The two-phase project included the construction of a 700-square-foot addition off the east side of the building that includes an elevator, handicapped access ramp and two handicapped accessible bathrooms. The project allowed the library to eliminate a stairwell and bathroom on the ground floor of the library, creating 575 square feet of space for materials and events. The second phase of the project included new carpeting, paint, shelving and furniture. New shelves have been placed in the children's section and internet service upgraded. A virtual tour of the library can be seen at bit.ly/stlibrarytour.

The library held a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony and DeKay said she expects a more formal opening will be held when it is safe to do so.

The architect for the project was Stephen R. Dewey of Dewright Design in West Hartford and the contractor was G. Donovan Associates of Lebanon. Frank Zaino & Associates of North Stonington and 4D design & decorating of West Hartford oversaw the interior decoration.

j.wojtas@theday.com