Library Director With Another Message To Community About Library Reopening After 11 Months Shuttered

EAST HAVEN, CT—In April of 2025, a busted pipe flooded Hagaman Memorial Library. But it was far worse than just a leaky pipe. Now, nearly 11 months later, library director Sarah Mallory is back with an update. And despite several promised reopen dates, the renovation has taken significantly longer than expected, though she said it is "near completion."

That said, there's no reopen date set as yet.

Here is her letter:

Dear Library Readers,

As we welcome the beginning of a new season in the town of East Haven, we are also looking forward to this as the season in which we welcome you back to Hagaman Library…

As you know, the Library experienced a flooding event in April 2025 which caused substantial damage to our building. We have been deeply grateful to our Town Administration for taking your concerns (and ours) to heart, and for working diligently with the insurance companies involved to move this project forward.

Over the past 10 months, the Town has overseen a significant renovation to our building. While we had hoped to announce a firm reopening date by now, large construction projects often come with delays. Mayor Carfora has expressed that his goal is not simply to reopen the building, but to see the building fully restored so that it is here to serve the community not only in the short-term, but for many years to come.

As part of that commitment, additional electrical work and repairs have been added to the project to strengthen long-term safety, longevity, and functionality of the space. While this has pushed our reopening beyond the originally anticipated time-frame, the Town remains fully committed to reopening the Hagaman Memorial Library for the community. Work is not only moving forward, but nearing completion: We are moving closer each day.

And with that in mind, we look forward to welcoming you back in Spring 2026, with a specific date for reopening to be announced. Thank you as always for your continued patience, encouragement, and support of our Hagaman Memorial Library Staff as we navigate this once-in-a-lifetime renovation of Hagaman Library.

In Kindness,

Sarah Mallory

Hagaman Memorial Library Director