State Funding to Extend Library Renovation Anticipated as Reopening Nears
/The State Bond Commission is poised to approve $5 million state grants this week for phase two of major “renovation and remediation” to the Hartford Public Library’s Main Street downtown location, decimated by flooding that occurred on Christmas eve 2022 due to burst HVAC piping that allowed thousands of gallons of water into the building, and kept most of the facility closed to the public since.
The library, described as a hub of student activities, local services, business resources and a social meeting place, has been painstakingly rebuilding and enhancing facilities so as to improve services to Hartford residents and those from across the region who utilize the range of library services.
Phase 2 of the renovation, ready to get underway early next year, will include a range of facilities that provide key services, according to officials. They include:
• The American Place and Social Innovation Center: Relocated to the 1st floor for better public visibility and access, The American Place (TAP) and Social Innovation Center will include adult education classrooms, immigration and newcomer services and social services spaces.
• The Small Business and Entrepreneurial Center will support entrepreneurs, small businesses and other organizations contributing to the vitality of Hartford. Workforce readiness and development services are provided by both HPL and through the onsite American Job Center, in partnership with Capital Workforce Partners.
• HPL Studios is the new media production arm of the library. HPL Studios produces industry standard audio and visual content while supporting Hartford residents interested in learning about media and content creation career opportunities. The new HPL Studios space will have dedicated areas for digital recording, filming, performing and production to support content creation, editing and production.
• Hartford History Center (HHC): A completely renovated and updated HHC will prioritize public access to our unique collections, scholarly research and student learning.
• Modern Community Amenities: The renovated Library has been designed using colorful, intuitive wayfinding, a variety of seating and gathering options and other customer friendly amenities.
In addition, a new event and engagement venue on the main floor will host regular events and community discussions as part of HPL Studios, HPL programming, from the community and with UConn’s new CoLab.
The CoLab will be an interdisciplinary space that brings together university students, faculty, and staff from across all seven campuses along with members of the greater Hartford community to identify, diagnose, and find solutions to societal challenges. The CoLab will serve as a center that catalyzes research and entrepreneurship for units across UConn.
The extensive damage from December 2022 included all four floors of the library's common area, ruining ceilings, walls, floors, elevator shafts, computers, books, movies, and more. The library's main staircase and both elevators needed to be replaced, according to published reports. In July 2023, the state Bonding Commission and the legislature appropriated $3.2 million to support the initial renovation and restoration.
The library plans to reopen more fully to the public next month, with the reopening slated for November 20.
“We are thrilled to be able to open our Main Street doors and welcome our community back,” said Bridget E. Quinn, HPL President & CEO. “We know Hartford has missed the Downtown Library, and while it’s been a long wait, we think you will be excited to see the changes we’ve made – with even more to come.”
As of November 20, library customers will have access to a large section of the first floor, including collections, computers, passports, and offerings from The American Place. The first-floor classrooms and Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC) have been in use since 2023 and will continue to be accessible, even as the additional work gets underway next year to complete the entire project.
The renovated Library will offer quiet study and community retreat spaces, and additional performing arts and event space to allow for more community programming. A temporary wall will be in place to protect patrons and minimize construction disruptions. UConn classrooms located at the library and the academic library on-site are scheduled to reopen in early 2025.
image: artist’s rendering from HPL website
