Major Hartford Library Makeover Enters Its Second Phase

HARTFORD, CT — State and city leaders recently announced a multi-million-dollar fund package for a makeover for the Hartford Public Library's downtown location.

Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam and Gov. Ned Lamont announced the funding package that will help pay for it at a special event on July 21.

Joined by CT Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, and other city and state officials, the gathering announced plans for a major renovation of the library's site at 500 Main St.

According to those gathered, the state is supporting this $12.5 million project with a $5 million state grant.

This latest project is, actually, a second phase of an ongoing makeover.

In November 2024, the library cut the ribbon on phase one, which was a refurbishment and cleanup following a devastating 2022 flood that damaged the library.

The library had been closed at that site until then.

The ongoing second phase is being called "Renew and Reimagine, of the Downtown Library."

The city is working with the same construction team as phase one, Downes Construction.

Library officials said work will be done simultaneously on all three floors, and it should take approximately 11-13 months.

The estimated completion time is early 2026.

Phase two, officials said, includes additional reimagined public spaces, with the library also expressing gratitude to multiple donors who have already helped.

"Thanks to the support of early donors, HPL has already raised $4.3 million toward our $5 million goal. This strong momentum reflects a shared belief in the library’s power to uplift and empower our community," wrote the library in an announcement.

For more information on the Hartford Public Library's downtown project, click on this link.