<p class="ql-align-center">RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — Randy Becker has lived many lives: railroad<span style="color: rgb(251, 0, 7);"> </span>engineer, radio deejay, folk singer road manager, Unitarian Universalist minister, writer. Now in his author phase, he’ll celebrate the release of his new novel,&nbsp;<em> PERRYBURG: Autobiography of a City </em>at The Ridgefield Library on Thursday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m. Becker will be interviewed by Ridgefield Poet Laureate and 2025 Citizen of the Year, Ira Joe Fisher, and the event will also feature a reading and book signing, coordinated by Books on the Common. Registrations are encouraged, though walk-ins are welcome. Save your spot <a href="https://ridgefieldlibrary.librarymarket.com/event/perryberg-author-randy-becker-ira-joe-fisher-120388" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">here</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Time in Randy Becker’s <em>PERRYBURG: An Autobiography</em>, is time in a fascinating place. Its people. Its pace. Its story. It’s a place of recognized truth. Time in Randy Becker’s company is a smiling and serious pleasure. He offers. And, like a good friend and good artist, he listens. There’s wisdom and there’s impishness…in equal measure. I look forward to my conversation — chat — with Randy Becker at our beloved Ridgefield Public Library. You’re invited to join the chat,” said Ira Joe Fisher, Ridgefield Poet Laureate&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though Randy Becker hailed from Utica, New York, his studies and ministries took him all over the country and to the likes of Venice, Italy. In his younger years, he spent undergraduate summers (as a physics/sociology double major from Brandeis University), at Eastman Kodak’s physics labs working on what’s now known as digital photography. After deciding a career in Unitarian Universalism seemed a better fit than a one in science, Randy attended the ministry program at Meadville Theological School of Lombard College at the University of Chicago and worked in a student ministry in Wisconsin. It was then he also enjoyed a stint as a “roadie” to folk singer, Ric Masten, during which time he met his first wife.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Next came Providence, Rhode Island in the early 70s for his first religious assignment, and soon thereafter, Randy beat the odds and survived cancer — after a grim prognosis. The author continued his work as a Minister in Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia, marrying a second time in 1992. An overseas sabbatical followed in Venice, where he penned the fictional series, <em>The Venice Stories </em>and the nonfiction work, <em>Reclaiming the Soul of Your Faith</em>. Then revisited Illinois, and&nbsp;headed to Florida (near his aging parents), thinking Key West was where he’d retire after his second wife passed away there.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Enter a conference on Star Island in New Hampshire. It was there he met his third wife, and longtime Ridgefielder, Jane Leff.<span style="color: rgb(251, 0, 7);">&nbsp;</span> Based in Ridgefield, they also split their time between New Harbor, Maine and Cedar Lake in Herkimer County, New York, enjoying their large blended family. Randy is also active parishioner at his new church, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Danbury.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It was after relocating up north that <em>Perryburg: An Autobiography of a City</em> was born. <em>PERRYBURG</em> is an urban mosaic history of a Rust Belt city, told through stories of residents across four centuries, that readers may find familiar.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“I’m thrilled to share my new novel, <em>PERRYBURG, </em>with the Ridgefield community and beyond. When my wife asked for another of my books for her birthday, I got to writing. It’s an honor to discuss my newest work on June 5 with Ira Joe as well,” said Randy Becker, Author of <em>PERRYBURG: An Autobiography of a City</em>.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Ridgefield Public Library’s mission is to provide access to diverse resources, maintain a welcoming&nbsp;environment, and offer community-based programs to encourage lifelong learning. Randy Becker’s book launch will take place at the library on Thursday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to the celebration, where the author will be interviewed by award-winning author, Ira Joe Fisher. Register <a href="https://ridgefieldlibrary.librarymarket.com/event/perryberg-author-randy-becker-ira-joe-fisher-120388" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">here</a>.</p><p><strong>Photo Caption</strong>: Ridgefield author, Randy Becker, will celebrate the release of his new novel, <em>PerryburG: An Autobiography of a City </em>on June 5, 7:00 p.m. at The Ridgefield Library. Registrations encouraged.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p class="ql-align-center">FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Fairfield University’s Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies has launched an online doctor of public health (DrPH) program, the first of its kind in the state of Connecticut. <strong>The low-residency program is currently accepting applications for its first cohort, slated to begin classes in September 2025.</strong></p><p>“The launch of our new online DrPH program marks a transformative step toward empowering public health leaders,” said Program Director and Professor of Public Health Anthony Santella, DrPH, MCHES, CPH. “By combining academic rigor with the flexibility of online learning, we are expanding access to advanced education that drives real-world impact and innovation in public health practice."</p><p>The DrPH program is designed for those who hold a master’s degree or higher in any academic field, and offers two plans of study: a 42-credit plan for students with a master of public health (MPH) degree, and a 57-credit plan for students with master’s degrees in other areas. The part-time program can be completed in 33-44 months.</p><p>The curriculum includes three distinct residencies held in Washington, D.C. and at Fairfield’s campuses in Austin, Texas and Fairfield, Conn. Spanning three-to-four days each, the residencies are designed to enhance students’ practical learning, community-building among the different cohorts, research skills development, practice partner networking opportunities, and leadership skills.&nbsp;</p><p>Coursework for the program is completed asynchronously, providing flexibility for working professionals who wish to pursue a doctoral-level education while managing their other commitments. Students will collaborate directly with faculty as well as a career coach consultant and student success coach to ensure&nbsp;they are fully prepared for leadership positions in practice and academia upon graduation.</p><p>With the launch of the program, Fairfield becomes the first Jesuit university to offer a full contingent of public health degrees—a bachelor of science in public health, an MPH, and now a DrPH.</p><p>“The addition of an online DrPH to our Public Health Program reflects the University's strong commitment to public health practice—preparing seasoned professionals with the skills, experience, and leadership to tackle challenges of public health significance in real-world settings,” said Dr. Santella.</p><p>The public health program at Fairfield Egan is currently undergoing a review by the Council for Education in Public Health (CEPH) to transition from an accredited undergraduate program to a public health program inclusive of the MPH and DrPH programs. A decision is expected in June 2025. The national accreditation by the independent agency is the highest standard of recognition for public health programs.</p><p>In addition to its graduate programs in public health, Fairfield Egan offers a range of graduate degrees, from its nationally ranked doctor of nursing practice degree programs in midwifery and nurse anesthesia to its interdisciplinary master of science in healthcare administration and dual master of nursing practice and master of business administration degree programs.</p><p>Learn more about the DrPH at Fairfield University at<a href="http://www.fairfield.edu/drph." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.fairfield.edu/drph.</a></p><p><em>Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 44 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 46 countries, are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.</em></p>

<p>FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The inaugural Fairfield Bellarmine Class of 2025 will graduate on Thursday, May 15, at 4 p.m. at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. The event will be accessible via <a href="https://vimeo.com/event/5049131" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">livestream</a> and marks a significant milestone in Fairfield’s commitment to serving students in the Greater Bridgeport area and beyond.</p><p>Launched in summer 2023, Fairfield Bellarmine is a two-year associate’s degree program offering a rigorous core curriculum in the humanities and sciences, and major tracks in business, computer science, health studies, and liberal studies—designed to prepare students for continued undergraduate study or immediate career entry. The program provides comprehensive academic, financial, and personal development support to help students succeed.</p><p>Fairfield Bellarmine was established in collaboration with the Diocese of Bridgeport, whose early partnership helped shape the vision for the program—an effort rooted in the Jesuit tradition of serving urban communities and expanding access to high-quality education for underrepresented students.</p><p>"Just five years after the first meeting to imagine our new degree program, we are proud to graduate our first class," said Fairfield Bellarmine Vice Provost and Executive Director Fr. Kevin O’Brien, S.J. "These amazing young people came to us as we were building our school in Bridgeport from the ground up. This included hiring faculty and staff, crafting the curriculum, and renovating four buildings. As they are our inaugural class, they helped us co-create what Fairfield Bellarmine has become: an innovative, rigorous two-year degree program in a supportive and collaborative environment. Together, we have significantly expanded access to Jesuit higher education and are making significant contributions to the Greater Bridgeport area.”</p><p>This shared effort is already yielding results. Fairfield Bellarmine has achieved an&nbsp;80% two-year graduation rate—a strong outcome, compared to the statewide three-year graduation rate of under 20% for community colleges in Connecticut.</p><p>The Class of 2025 includes&nbsp;35 graduates, with&nbsp;approximately 90% continuing their studies at Fairfield University&nbsp;toward a bachelor’s degree. One student will be attending&nbsp;Williams College&nbsp;in the fall.</p><p>Members of Fairfield Bellarmine’s Class of 2025 are also being honored for academic excellence and leadership:</p><ul><li>Twelve students&nbsp;were inducted into the&nbsp;Tri-Alpha National Honor Society<strong> </strong>(Alpha Alpha Alpha), recognizing high-achieving first-generation college students: Alejandro Garcia-Barajas; Katherin Garcia Flores; Scarllet E. Lopez; Francisco G. Martinez; Jaheim Kash-Wayne McKie; Kayanna Alesha Mills; Matthew Robles; Andreza Victoria Santos; Marissa Amaya Shanley; Daniel Gion Tarazona; Santiago Tarazona; and Jennifer Daniela Velasquez.</li><li>Ana Catalina Aguirre&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jaheim Kash-Wayne McKie&nbsp;are the inaugural recipients of Fairfield University’s&nbsp;Romero Award, which honors associate’s degree students who embody the values of a Catholic, Jesuit education through academic achievement, leadership, and service.</li><li>Francisco G. Martinez&nbsp;will receive the&nbsp;Kay Pierce Award, which recognizes a graduating Fairfield Bellarmine student for dedication to community service and academic achievement.&nbsp;</li><li>The&nbsp;Bellarmine Medal, awarded to the student(s) with the highest academic average over two years, will be presented to&nbsp;Catherine Erol and Trinity Santiago.</li><li>The Commencement ceremony will feature&nbsp;student speaker Scarllet E. Lopez.</li></ul><p><strong>Fairfield Bellarmine Commencement Exercises</strong></p><p>Thursday, May 15, 2025</p><p>4:00 p.m.</p><p>Fairfield University, Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts</p><p>Livestream available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://vimeo.com/event/5049131" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">https://vimeo.com/event/5049131</a>.</p><p><em>Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 44 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 46 countries, are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>FAIRFIELD, Conn. — A newly released economic impact report from the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges (CCIC) estimates Fairfield University’s total economic contribution to Connecticut at $1,244,464,762, highlighting the University's substantial influence on the state’s economy.</p><p>As the largest private employer in the Town of Fairfield, Fairfield University plays a vital role in supporting the local economy and contributes significantly to the broader economic landscape of Connecticut. The biennial report, which uses FY23 data, analyzes the economic effects of Connecticut's 14 non-profit independent colleges and universities, covering spending across a range of activities—from payroll and operations to students, employee, and visitor spending.</p><p><strong>Fairfield University’s Contribution to Connecticut’s Economy:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>$744 million</strong>&nbsp;in&nbsp;direct spending</li><li><strong>$501 million</strong>&nbsp;in&nbsp;induced spending</li><li><strong>$145 million</strong>&nbsp;in&nbsp;direct spending by employees</li><li><strong>$62 million</strong>&nbsp;in&nbsp;direct spending by students</li><li><strong>$27 million</strong>&nbsp;in&nbsp;direct spending by visitors</li><li><strong>9,041 jobs</strong>&nbsp;created</li></ul><p>Fairfield University is also home to a vibrant alumni network, with more than&nbsp;20,000 alumni&nbsp;living across Connecticut. These accomplished alumni bring their expertise, leadership, and talents to businesses and organizations throughout the state, further contributing to the region’s continued growth and prosperity.</p><p>“At Fairfield University, we are deeply committed to being a force for good in our local community,” said Vice President of Marketing &amp; Communications Jennifer Anderson. “We recognize our responsibility to enrich the area we call home—through service, culture, education, and economic collaboration. Fairfield University actively contributes to the regional economy, not only as the largest private employer in Fairfield but also as a partner to local businesses. We work closely with the Chamber of Commerce, sponsor community events, and host key gatherings. We also foster connections between our students and local businesses, providing a strong pipeline of talented interns who support and strengthen local enterprises.”</p><p>In addition to each university’s individual contributions, the report highlights the collective economic impact of Connecticut’s independent colleges and universities, which together generate $19.3 billion annually for the state. These institutions are not only anchors of education but also key economic drivers, creating jobs and fueling growth across Connecticut. According to a recent Connecticut Department of Labor report, job growth in the education sector continues to be a major contributor to the state’s economy, with the largest job gains of all major industries being found in the education and health services sectors.</p><p><strong>Economic Impact Overview for Connecticut’s Independent Colleges:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>$19.3 billion</strong>: Total annual economic impact&nbsp;</li><li><strong>31,400+ employees:</strong> Higher education sector employees statewide</li><li><strong>148,823 jobs</strong>: Jobs created or retained by independent colleges</li><li><strong>235,000 alumni</strong>: Alumni living and working in Connecticut, generating&nbsp;<strong>$22.1 billion</strong>&nbsp;in annual earnings.</li><li><strong>$1.48 billion</strong>: Institutional financial aid awarded annually</li></ul><p>“Connecticut’s independent colleges and universities are well known for preparing students for meaningful lives, successful careers, and active citizenship—advancing research and enriching arts and culture,” said Fairfield University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, who serves as chair of the CCIC Board of Directors. “But their impact goes even further—these institutions significantly contribute to local and regional economies through student and visitor spending, major construction projects, the earnings of tens of thousands of faculty and staff who live and work in communities across the state, and direct spending on services and supplies.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>About CCIC:</strong> Founded in 1932, the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges (CCIC) is an association that represents 14 accredited nonprofit independent colleges and universities in Connecticut. CCIC provides public policy leadership and support of higher education, fosters cooperative efforts among colleges and universities and serves as a liaison between the state and the independent institutions. Visit CCIC at<a href="http://www.theccic.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.theccic.org.</a>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 44 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 46 countries, are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.</em></p>

<p><strong>Fairfield County, CT - </strong>The Ted Thomas Dance Foundation and East Coast Contemporary Ballet is proud to present a series of free dance performances entitled <strong>“The Fairfield County Dance Festival”</strong>, marking its fifth year throughout Fairfield County to provide greater access to the dance arts and arts education across the community.</p><p>This series of performances is sponsored in part by the Connecticut Office of the Arts DECT,&nbsp;</p><p>New Canaan Community Foundation, Fairfield Museum and Historical Society, Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, Connecticut Office of Humanities, Museum of Contemporary Art of Westport, Darien Arts Center, Harmony Lodge #67, New Canaan Library, New England Dance Theater and New England Academy of Dance.</p><p>DATES OF PERFORMANCES</p><p><strong><em>Ballard Park,</em></strong><em> Ridgefield, CT - - July 9, 2025, 6:30 PM</em></p><p><strong><em>Fairfield Museum and History Center,</em></strong><em> Norwalk, CT - - July 11, 2025, 6:30 PM. (Rain Date July 12)</em></p><p><strong><em>Mill River Park</em></strong><em>, Stamford, CT - - July 15, 2025, 6:30 PM</em></p><p><strong><em>Merwin Meadows Park</em></strong><em>, Wilton, CT - - July 17, 2025, 6:30 PM (Rain Date July 18)</em></p><p><strong><em>Weed Beach, Darien</em></strong><em>, CT -- July 22, 2025, 6:30 PM (Rain Date July 23)</em></p><p><strong><em>Museum of Contemporary Arts</em></strong><em>, Westport, CT - - July 24, 2025, 6:30 PM</em></p><p><strong><em>New Canaan Library</em></strong><em>, New Canaan, CT - - July 29, 2025, 6:30 PM (Rain Date July 30)</em></p><p><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Continuing the initiative of community outreach which started during the Covid-19 pandemic, </span><strong>The Fairfield County Dance Festival, </strong>presented by the <strong>Ted Thomas Dance Foundation and </strong><strong style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">East Coast Contemporary Ballet</strong><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> </span>is a series of outdoor presentations that provide instant accessibility to the dance arts in Fairfield County communities.&nbsp;</p><p>A mobile outdoor stage will be traveling to different communities to conduct a wide variety of outreach dance programs and performances, including master classes, lecture demonstrations and workshops. Along with guest dance companies,<strong> Garet &amp; Company, Lydia Johnson Dance Company, Neville Dance Company, Thomas/Ortiz Dance and East Coast Contemporary Ballet</strong> will present a series of shows in multiple locations throughout Fairfield County.&nbsp;</p><p>The response during our 2021 summer engagements to our open-air events was enthusiastic and well attended. The ability for audience members to be social in an open-air environment and enjoying dance performances to music was welcomed during that uncertain time. This year we will be presenting in 6 towns and expect to have over 3000 audience members in attendance.&nbsp;</p><p>This year in our 2025 season we have invited campers ages 7-9 yrs. from <strong>The Horizons Community Schools Norwalk CT</strong>. This organization’s mission is to close opportunity gaps for all children and to ensure they graduate high school and are prepared for college and careers. To perform outdoors on stage is a comfortable environment ideal for this age group to participate uninhibited.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> The Companies, and dancers look forward to bringing this wonderful summer event to the several Fairfield communities.&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong>The Mission of the Ted Thomas Dance Foundation and Thomas/Ortiz Dance </strong>is to perform the art of contemporary dance across the country. We aspire to bring dance to communities and individuals who do not have the means to see live dance performances throughout the Tri-State area, Southern Fairfield, and New Haven counties in Connecticut. The Thomas/Ortiz Dance Foundation presents the choreographic works of Ted Thomas and Frances Ortiz. To target our children in our audience, during the educational portions of the presentations, Mr. Thomas, and Ms. Ortiz, endeavor to inspire younger generations to participate in dance as an outlet for creative expression, developing poise, self-esteem, health, and physical agility, while through the arts. Thomas/Ortiz conducts a wide variety of community-based outreach programs and activities, including master classes, lecture demonstrations and workshops in schools, social service organizations, hospitals, mental health facilities and nursing homes.</p>

<p><strong>HARTFORD, CT –&nbsp;</strong>In a major step toward preserving affordable access to knowledge, advancing social equity, and easing local tax burdens, the Connecticut State Senate has passed<a href="https://cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&amp;which_year=2025&amp;bill_num=1234" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&amp;which_year=2025&amp;bill_num=1234" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Senate Bill 1234</a>,&nbsp;<em>An Act Making Certain Terms in Electronic Book and Digital Audiobook License Agreements or Contracts Unenforceable.</em>&nbsp;Championed by&nbsp;<strong>Senator Tony Hwang (R—Fairfield)</strong>, the bipartisan legislation ensures that publicly funded libraries are no longer subjected to unfair or restrictive digital content licensing agreements.</p><p>“This bill promotes fairness, transparency, and access - while helping reduce the financial strain on local libraries and taxpayers,” said Senator Tony Hwang. “It’s about balancing federal intellectual property protections with practical reforms to contract law - so that Connecticut’s municipalities and local property taxpayers can support their libraries and ensure digital access for all residents, regardless of income or background.”</p><p><a href="https://cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&amp;which_year=2025&amp;bill_num=1234" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">S.B. 1234</a>&nbsp;prohibits public libraries from entering contracts with publishers with licensing terms that:</p><p>1. prohibit the library from lending any electronic literary material, including through an interlibrary loan;&nbsp;</p><p>2. restrict the number of times the library may loan electronic literary material over the course of the agreement if it also restricts the library’s loan period for the material;&nbsp;</p><p>3. limit the number of licenses the library can buy on the day the material is made available for public purchase;&nbsp;</p><p>4. prohibit the library from making nonpublic preservation copies;&nbsp;</p><p>5. restrict the library from disclosing an agreement’s terms to another Connecticut library;&nbsp;</p><p>6. restrict the agreement’s duration unless the library also has the option of an agreement on commercially reasonable terms, considering the library’s mission, that allows (a) a pay-per-use model or (b) perpetual public use of the electronic literary material;&nbsp;</p><p>7. require the library to violate the law that protects its patrons’ confidential information;&nbsp;</p><p>8. are non-severable from any of its provisions that a judicial forum finds prohibited by the bill;&nbsp;</p><p>9. allow any of the bill’s prohibited provisions to be enforced outside of a judicial forum (e.g., through arbitration).&nbsp;</p><p>The legislation respects federal copyright and intellectual property law while targeting unfair and unenforceable contract terms that hinder access, affordability, and public transparency.</p><p>“Digital content is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity,” Hwang said. “Libraries must be empowered to lend digital books just as they do print ones. This legislation protects that fundamental public service while sending a clear message to the publishing industry: partner with us to expand access, not restrict it.”</p><p>The legislation arrives at a critical time, as Connecticut libraries face rising digital demand and shrinking federal and local budget support. Because most public libraries rely on municipal budgets and private community donations, excessive licensing costs place a disproportionate burden on local taxpayers. There is also a trigger clause that was passed through Amendment A, LCO 8035, which effectively states that when one or more states with an aggregate of 7,000,000+ people pass similar laws, then this will go into effect.&nbsp;</p><p>“This bill is not just about reducing municipal costs - it’s also about expanding opportunity,” Hwang added. “By leveling the playing field for libraries, we’re helping ensure that every resident - no matter their zip code or socioeconomic status - can access the books and knowledge they need to learn, grow, and succeed.”</p><p>SB 1234 is a meaningful step toward social equity, ensuring that libraries remain vital, inclusive gateways to information, especially for low-income families, seniors, students, and underserved communities.&nbsp;</p><p>“Libraries are the great equalizer in our society,” Hwang concluded. “This legislation strengthens their role in delivering knowledge, dignity, and opportunity to all—and does so in a way that’s fiscally responsible and legally sound.”</p><p>The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where there is strong momentum among advocates, municipal leaders, and library supporters for its swift passage.</p>