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Three major building projects are currently underway to enhance and expand our physical spaces

enabling HPL to increase programs, collections and services for our community.   

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• Downtown Library  

  • On Wednesday, November 20, at 11:00 a.m., Hartford Public Library (HPL) held a celebratory ribbon cutting to welcome the public back through the Downtown Library’s Main Street doors after almost two years of repairs and restorations. 

  • The ribbon cutting celebration marks the completion of the first phase of the renovation. In attendance were HPL President and CEO Bridget E. Quinn, Speaker of the House State Representative Matt Ritter, Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, UConn Hartford Campus Library Director Karen Tatarka, and HPL Board Chair David Barrett. Starting November 20, customers can access a large section of the first floor, including adult collections, a small selection of children and teen collections, computers, passports, municipal IDs, and The American Place services. 

  • Starting November 20, you can visit the Downtown Library Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

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• Albany Library 

  • A renovation and expansion of the Albany Library is in the planning process. The architectural firm SilverPetrucelli is leading the design process, with assistance from Margaret Sullivan Studios to lead community engagement and interior design.  The project includes remediation and renovation of the former North West Jones School, which will become a part of the  Albany Library, linked by a newly constructed addition. The project entails stabilization and remediation of the historic former school building. The project is slated to commence in 2025. 

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• Barbour Library 

  • Replacement of the Barbour Library, currently operating in leased space, is the top priority of the Library’s Capital Plan. In March 2023, the Hartford Public Library Board of Directors formally requested that the City authorize the Library to construct a new Library on the former Snyder Supermarket lot, at 234 Barbour Street, Hartford.  The decision to build a new library on city-owned property provides the Library with long term sustainability and the ability to serve as an economic, educational and cultural anchor for the community. The new 15,000 sq. ft. Library will replace the current 2,000 sq. ft. storefront Library current located in Unity Plaza.