HARTFORD, Conn. — The downtown branch of the Hartford Public Library is reopening its doors to the public Wednesday after two years of renovations.
Leaders from the library will celebrate with a ribbon cutting at the Main Street entrance at 11 a.m.
The first floor will be open, with access to collections, computers, passports and offerings from The American Place.
The downtown branch was closed for nearly two years after an HVAC issue resulted in a pipe burst, causing flooding and water damage in the library.
Prior to the main branch's reopening, the patio reopened this past spring for book and library card services and events. Some classrooms became accessible over the past year as well.
But the work isn't done yet. Phase two of the repairs and renovations started this fall. The library said a temporary wall will remain in place as construction continues into 2025.
When completed, phase two will be the return of the Adult Learning Center and American Place, along with more classrooms and technology training spaces. There will also be a media studio with a partnership with HPATV.
Library hours are as follows:
Monday through Thursday - 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday - 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.