It’ll take months to fix the damage at the Hartford Public Library in downtown after a pipe burst in late December, officials said.
Water damaged book displays, CDs and videos, along with walls and floors.
The library system has launched the HPL Restore & Renew campaign to raise money to pay for repairs and restorations.
Parts of the library on Main Street could reopen in the summer.
Surrounding library branches will be open for longer hours and host a majority of the programs traditionally offered at the downtown library, said Bridget Quinn, Hartford Public Library president and CEO.
“Yes, we have collections. Yes, we offer computers and onsite support, but our classes, our programs and our events are so critical to the services we provide here at the library,” Quinn said. “And finding alternative spaces for those of course is a huge logistical challenge. But when you have partners like we do, it has been made that much more streamlined because of the offers of support.”
Learn more
Here are some things to know about downtown library operations:
What if I have borrowed items from the downtown library?
Return items when they’re due to the book drop outside the downtown library. Materials can also be returned to other Hartford Public Library branches.
What about programs, classes and events scheduled to be held at the downtown library?
Events scheduled to be held at the downtown library in January have been postponed. Officials are moving programs, classes and events to alternate library locations or other sites in Hartford. Learn more at the library’s website.
How can I access library services?
People can visit one of Hartford Public Library’s branches to use computers and borrow materials. People can apply or renew library cards at any branch.
What about the Baby Grand Jazz concert series?
Hartford Public Library’s Baby Grand Jazz series will be held at Center Church at 60 Gold St. as scheduled, Sundays at 3 p.m. through April 23. The final performance on April 30 will take place at another location to be announced.
Source: Hartford Public Library
