DOWNTOWN LIBRARY
Hartford Public Library (HPL) Downtown Library Construction Update
We have completed phase one of the repair and restoration and opened our Main Street doors in November 2024 for the first time since the flood. In January 2025, we reopened our Children’s Department and YOUmedia spaces.
Phase two of the Downtown Library construction project is underway and we have signed a contract the same construction team as phase one, Downes Construction.
Work will be done simultaneously on all three floors; construction should take approximately 11-13 months. The estimated completion time is early 2026.
Phase two includes additional reimagined public spaces that we can’t wait to share with you.
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The American Place - relocated to the first floor for better visibility and access
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Social Service Center - New hub for community support services
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Business Support Center - Resources and information to help businesses and entrepreneurs grow and thrive
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HPL Studios - A community-focused media production and broadcast center
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Community Events Space - Interactive community performance and program space
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Hartford History Center - Expanded exhibits and collaborative learning space
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UConn CO:LAB - A new center for community collaborations, innovation and entrepreneurship
These spaces will improve access to educational spaces, immigration services, social services, small business support, and workforce readiness.
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.
During the community engagement and facility review process, HPL recognized a tremendous opportunity to improve the functionality of the Downtown Library’s interior spaces with a focus on operational efficiencies (redesign of ceilings, lighting, and HVAC), customer experience, and service delivery. Phase Two will feature an expanded and enhanced Adult Learning Center and American Place, including additional classroom and technology training spaces. HPL Studios will have dedicated space for state-of-the-art digital recording, filming, and production with tools, spaces, and support for content creation, production, and broadcasting in partnership with HPATV.
The renovated Library will offer quiet study and community retreat spaces, and additional performing arts and event space to allow for more community programming.
Colorful, intuitive wayfinding, focused collections and greater opportunity for interactive spaces and exhibits in HPL’s Hartford History Center and throughout the Library are the project goals articulated by the community through numerous focus groups and stakeholder discussions held during the design process.