State Senator Tony Hwang was honored as “Legislator of the Year” by the Connecticut Library Association during a ceremony at the Mark Twain Library in West Redding on May 19. The association recognized Hwang for his bipartisan leadership supporting libraries, freedom to read, digital access, and public education across Connecticut.
The recognition highlights efforts to protect library access and ensure fair digital licensing practices for e-books and other materials. The association credited Hwang’s work drafting and advancing legislation in 2025 that protected libraries from restrictive e-book licensing practices, expanding digital access for residents while easing financial pressure on local communities and taxpayers.
During the event, Hwang said, “Our libraries are open and free institutions dedicated to knowledge, learning, and informed choice. Free exchange of ideas and access to information are pillars of our democracy. Any form of censorship, especially in our libraries, is fundamentally un-American. Personally, as an immigrant, libraries provided me with all the resources to be informed and seek knowledge that enabled me to pursue and achieve the American dream.”
Connecticut State Librarian Deborah Schander said about Hwang’s involvement: “After meeting Sen. Hwang when I started at the state library, my first conversation with him was about the challenges libraries faced with e-books and digital access. He immediately understood the issue and took action. It was because of his advocacy and leadership that this important bipartisan legislation was introduced and ultimately passed.” Last year saw passage of Public Act 25-9 designed to protect Connecticut libraries from restrictive digital licensing practices.
Fairfield Town Librarian Scott Jarzombek congratulated Hwang on behalf of Fairfield Public Library: “On behalf of the Fairfield Public Library, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Senator Tony Hwang on this well-deserved Legislator of the Year award. He not only collaborated with the library community to gather our input but also valued it every step of the way. Senator Hwang truly worked alongside us, demonstrating a deep understanding of our mission—sometimes even challenging the establishment and his caucus, which is especially admirable in today’s political climate… On a personal note… I am proud to see one of our representatives being recognized with this honor,” he said.
The Connecticut Library Association also honored Sen. Ceci Maher (in absentia), Rep. Matt Blumenthal, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, and Rep. Eleni Kavros-DeGraw as Legislators of the Year.
