Hagaman Memorial Library, Slated To Reopen In January, May Not Due To Construction Delays: Library Director

EAST HAVEN, CT — It was mid-April of 2025 when officials said a broken pipe was responsible for the shuttering of the Hagaman Memorial Library. Since, programming has been relocated in various locations across town, and beyond. Updates have promised reopening dates. But what was first a broken pipe fix, has since become a "major construction project."

In a letter to the community, Library Director Sarah A. Mallory addressed the late 2025-stated "original projection for reopening" in January.

"Major construction projects often come with the possibility of unexpected delays. And while we are eager to share more information with you, we also want to ensure that when we do share a reopening date, it is accurate and reliable," Mallory wrote. "For this reason, we are waiting until the final timeline is confirmed before making an official announcement."

According to Mallory, to date, construction in the library has included the installation of new flooring throughout the building, new drywall, upgraded infrastructure and technology, and "thoughtfully redesigned spaces that will help us better meet community needs for years to come."

"Work is now entering the final phase, and we expect to have more information on a final timeline available soon, so you can mark your calendars and join us in celebrating the grand reopening of Hagaman Library," she wrote.

Importantly, and timely, Mallory said that given tax season is here, free tax assistance will continue, "Thanks to a partnership with AARP and the East Haven Recreation Department." Free tax assistance appointments will be offered at Hays School, 1 Maple Street, by appointment only.

Here's Mallory's full letter:

A LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY, FROM HAGAMAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY DIRECTOR SARAH A. MALLORY | JANUARY 16, 2026

Dear Library Family,

Happy New Year! I hope the start to 2026 finds you well. I am so excited to see both familiar faces and new friends at Hagaman Library this year. I know many of you are eagerly awaiting news about the library reopening. While the original projection for reopening our building was January, many have noted that we have not yet released an official date for reopening. And you’re right, we haven’t announced a date.

Major construction projects often come with the possibility of unexpected delays. And while we are eager to share more information with you, we also want to ensure that when we do share a reopening date, it is accurate and reliable. For this reason, we are waiting until the final timeline is confirmed before making an official announcement.

What I can share is that work so far has included the installation of new flooring throughout the building, new drywall, upgraded infrastructure and technology, and thoughtfully redesigned spaces that will help us better meet community needs for years to come. Work is now entering the final phase, and we expect to have more information on a final timeline available soon, so you can mark your calendars and join us in celebrating the Grand Reopening of Hagaman Library!

In the meantime, I know many residents are anxious to learn whether free tax assistance will continue this year. I am happy to confirm that, thanks to a partnership with AARP and the East Haven Recreation Department, this program will continue in 2026. Free tax assistance appointments will be offered at Hays School, 1 Maple Street, by appointment only. Once the appointment schedule opens, you will need to contact AARP volunteers directly to set up an appointment. Contact information to schedule an appointment will be available soon on the library’s main page under AARP Tax-Aide Clinic.

As we move closer to reopening, I want to thank you again for your patience, your continued enthusiasm, and especially for your support of our wonderful and dedicated staff, who have been working tirelessly to keep library services running during our closure… and to ensure the building reopens as soon as possible!

When the date for reopening is finalized, it will be announced on our website. Please stay tuned! We look forward to welcoming you back to Hagaman Memorial Library.

In Kindness,

Sarah Mallory
Hagaman Memorial Library Director
227 Main Street
East Haven, CT 06512
203-468-3890
smallory@biblio.org
hagamanlibrary.org