Shuttered For More Than 3 Months, Mayor Provides Update on Hagaman Library Repairs

EAST HAVEN, CT — It was April 15 when Patch alerted the community that a broken pipe led to serious flooding, and shuttering of the Hagaman Memorial Library.

In a statement Tuesday, Mayor Joseph A. Carfora confirmed that the closure of the "vital" community asset was a result of "significant water damage sustained during a mechanical failure, caused by an outside vendor."

Still, after months, Carfora said the town is "working with insurance carriers to ensure that the building is fully restored and safely reopened for the public."

"This is not just a building," Carfora said “The Hagaman Library is a vital and historic part of our community. We are committed to restoring it properly and fully—this will not be a patch job. We are working to ensure the building is structurally sound and safe for both staff and the public."

The damage, which includes essential electrical systems, flooring, and walls, has been assessed in collaboration with the Town’s insurance carrier and the outside vendor responsible for the damage. Safety remains the top priority, and every repair will be made with long-term integrity in mind —not a piecemeal approach, Carfora said.

"The extremely dedicated Hagaman Library staff are actively working behind the scenes to keep the spirit and services of the library alive," Library Director Sarah Mallory said. “Programs have been relocated to sites around town or transitioned to online formats, thanks to our or expanding collaboration with our amazing community partners.”

Mallory encourages residents to visit the Library website www.hagamanlibrary.org to stay
informed about events, virtual programs, and updated service offerings including a twice a week pop-up library location inside the East Haven Senior Center. Reference assistance and other library services are still available remotely.

Additionally, the town announced a new partnership with the James Blackstone Library in Branford.
East Haven residents can visit Blackstone Library to pick up a Hagaman library card. Simply bring a
photo ID and two pieces of mail with your East Haven address. Digital services have also been expanded, including increased access to Hoopla Digital, now offering up to eight free eBooks, audiobooks, and movies per month.

"We want our residents to know this: the library is not forgotten," Carfora said. "We’re pushing
every day to bring it back. In the meantime, the team at Hagaman Library continues to serve this town with heart, creativity, and resilience."

For ongoing updates on the restoration and programming, follow Hagaman Library on Facebook or visit hagamanlibrary.org.