DOWNTOWN LIBRARY

Hartford Public Library (HPL) Downtown Library Construction Update

Public service returns to the Downtown Library on November 20th, 2024. Please join us as we cut the ribbon on our Main Street doors at 11:00 a.m.

We can’t wait to welcome you back through our Main Street doors this fall. More public spaces will join our currently open Café, Center for Contemporary Culture and classrooms. Construction is still ongoing, and a temporary wall will be in place to protect patrons and minimize construction disruptions.

Collection materials are available through the Downtown Library’s Story Stash, HPL’s 24/7 book locker, where you can conveniently pick up checked out materials.

Patio Service at the Downtown Library resumed May 1. Customers can visit the Library patio for books, library cards, events and more. The Downtown Library Patio will be open Wednesdays and Fridays (weather permitting), 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. through October.

The Downtown Library will enter the second phase of repair and renovation work in the fall of 2024. 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. Completion of Phase Two is planned for 2025, and 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.