The Norwalk Public Library Board continued discussing a proposal to name the branch’s History Room for Ralph C. Bloom and said the land use committee voted unanimously to send the naming proposal to a public hearing scheduled for Dec. 3, with full council consideration on Dec. 9.

Why it matters: The naming would be an official city ordinance and therefore requires a two‑thirds majority of the common council to take effect; the board is coordinating plaque language and a dedication event but cannot finalize the name until the council acts.

Board members reported that at a previous meeting on Nov. 5 the board voted to forward a resolution and that the land use committee discussed the proposal favorably. A board member read the donor’s requested plaque wording aloud: "Norwalk History Room established by Ralph C. Bloom 1972," noting Bloom asked that the wording avoid implying the room is his personal history.

The board also discussed placement and style of a plaque to match existing signage and tentatively set a dedication for Jan. 28 at noon so staff and city officials can attend. Members encouraged supporters and people familiar with Bloom’s local historical work to attend the Dec. 3 public hearing.

No formal vote on the naming occurred at the Nov. 13 meeting because a quorum was not present; the board plans to present the finalized wording and plaque proposal to the land use committee and then the full council on Dec. 9. If council approval requires any technical changes the board said it will work with the buildings department to ensure signage conforms to city standards.

Next steps: The board will notify interested community members about the Dec. 3 public hearing and prepare the proposed plaque text and a short description of Bloom’s contributions for council review.