Norwalk library to resume passport processing April 6 after State Department ruling affects nonprofits

Norwalk Public Library staff told the board on Feb. 12 that a recent State Department ruling restricting passport processing at nonprofit libraries will not affect Norwalk because the library is a municipal entity. Staff announced the library plans to resume passport service at the main library beginning April 6.

Cheryl and other staff said neighboring Stanford will end passport service tomorrow following the ruling; Norwalk staff are exploring whether any materials or operational lessons can be transferred from Stanford. The board asked staff to confirm hours and how passport revenue will be handled with city budget authorities, since passport processing historically generated nontrivial revenue at neighboring libraries—one example cited was 8,000 applications and roughly $300,000 in revenue in a recent year at a nearby library.

Board members said weekend hours, including Sunday openings, may need to be revisited if the library offers Sunday passport appointments. Staff committed to returning with detailed hours and procedures at the March meeting.

No formal vote was recorded on operating hours or revenue allocation during the Feb. 12 meeting.