State Sen. Tony Hwang Honored By CT Library Association

FAIRFIELD, CT — State Sen. Tony Hwang, R-28th, was recognized as a "Legislator of the Year" by the Connecticut Library Association during a recent event at the Mark Twain Library in West Redding.

The association cited Hwang’s work on bipartisan legislation passed in 2025 aimed at limiting restrictive e-book licensing practices for Connecticut libraries. The law, Public Act 25-9, was designed to reduce costs for libraries and expand public access to digital materials.

During the event, Hwang spoke about the role libraries play in civic life and public access to information.

"Our libraries are open and free institutions dedicated to knowledge, learning, and informed choice," Hwang said. "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 Hwang engaged early on issues involving e-books and digital access for libraries.

"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," Schander said. "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."

Fairfield Town Librarian Scott Jarzombek also commented on Hwang’s work with libraries and offered congratulations on behalf of the 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," Jarzombek said. "He not only collaborated with the library community to gather our input but also valued it every step of the way."

Jarzombek added, "On a personal note, Tony is not just a Fairfield resident but also a dedicated library supporter and user. He was incredibly welcoming to me when I first started, and I deeply value our conversations. I am proud to see one of our representatives being recognized with this honor."

Hwang, who has served in the state Senate since 2014, is retiring and will not seek re-election in the fall.

The Connecticut Library Association also recognized state Sen. Ceci Maher, Rep. Matt Blumenthal, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and Rep. Eleni Kavros-DeGraw as Legislators of the Year.