Despite Year Of Challenges, Hagaman Memorial Library Gets Statewide Excellence Award for Community Engagement

EAST HAVEN, CT — Mayor Joseph A. Carfora announced that East Haven’s Hagaman Memorial Library has been named a recipient of the Connecticut State Library’s 2026 Excellence in
Public Libraries Award for Community Engagement.

The Connecticut State Library announced the inaugural 2026 Excellence in Public Libraries Awards to recognize outstanding public libraries that demonstrate excellence in service, innovative programming, and a meaningful impact on their communities.

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Hagaman Memorial Library was one of only four public libraries in Connecticut selected for this honor.

"This recognition is incredibly meaningful for East Haven because it speaks to who we are as a community," Carfora said.

"During a very difficult time for our library, Sarah and her
entire team never stopped serving the people of East Haven. They adapted, they worked through challenges, they kept programs going, and they proved that a library is much more than a building. It is people, service, commitment, and heart."

The award recognizes Hagaman Memorial Library’s continued commitment to community engagement, particularly during a period when the library faced significant disruption following major flooding and an extensive recovery process. Despite those challenges, library staff continued to provide programming, outreach, and services to residents through creativity, partnerships, and dedication.

Carfora said the award reflects both the library staff and the residents who continued to support Hagaman throughout the recovery.

"I could not be prouder of Sarah, the library staff, the Library Board, and everyone who helped keep Hagaman moving forward,” Carfora said. “They took a difficult situation and turned it into an example of resilience and public service. This statewide recognition is well deserved, and it belongs to every person who believed in the importance of keeping our library connected to the community."

The Connecticut State Library noted that the Excellence in Public Libraries Awards are designed to highlight exceptional library work, encourage growth and innovation in library services, and acknowledge the outstanding contributions public libraries make in serving their communities.