NEW HAVEN, CT — The Fair Haven branch of the New Haven Free Public Library, will be temporarily closed beginning Friday because of water damage from a late July rainstorm that "requires immediate attention," Maria Bernhey, City Librarian and Director, said.
"The Fair Haven Community Program room requires critical repairs following the failure of an old pipe. Accessing and fixing the pipe necessitates the removal of both the overlying carpet and an underlying old tile floor," Bernhey noted in a letter to the community. "Because the old tile floor contains asbestos material, which is currently safe but will be disturbed during the repair process, the branch must be temporarily closed to ensure safety while the work is completed."
The expected repairs timeline
We anticipate the repair work will take approximately three weeks, with a target reopening date of Aug. 29, Bernhey said, adding that it's not a hard and fast date.
"Please note that this timeline may be extended due to factors outside our control, including contractor and materials lead times or any unforeseen issues discovered once repair work is underway," she said.
Updates will be posted on the library's website and social media channels as they become available and the community will notified as soon as there's a confirmed reopening date.
What this means for library users
• In-person branch services, programs and events at the Fair Haven Branch are suspended beginning Aug. 8 until further notice. •
Our Fair Haven staff are in the process of notifying patrons with existing holds for pickup that items not picked up by Aug. 6 can be transferred to a nearby branch for pickup.
• The book drop at 182 Grand Avenue will remain open for returns.
• Patrons can continue to access library services at nearby branches, including:
Ives Main Library, 133 Elm St | M.-Th.: 10am – 8pm, Fri & Sat: 10am-5pm
Wilson Branch Library, 303 Washington Ave. | M., W. & Th.: 10am-6pm, Tues: 12-8pm and Sat: 10am-5pm.
Stetson Branch Library, 197 Dixwell Ave. | M, Tu. & Th: 10am-6pm, Wed.: 12- 8pm and Sat.: 10am-5pm.
Mitchell Branch Library, 37 Harrison St. | M.: 12-8 pm, Tu.-Th.: 10am-6pm, Sat: 10am-5pm.
• The Library's Readmobile will continue its Fair Haven schedule at Atwater Senior Center from 10 am to 12 pm and Bella Vista, from 1 to 3 pm every Tuesday.
Additional Readmobile visits to the Fair Haven parking lot at 182 Grand Ave. for book browsing have been added for Thursdays, Aug. 13, 20, and 27th, from 10 am-2 pm, and Saturdays, Aug. 12 and Aug. 22 from 10 am-2 pm.
• Online services remain fully available, including hold requests and digital media such as e-books and audiobooks accessible via library's the website.
We will post updates on our website and social media channels as they become available and will notify the community as soon as we have a confirmed reopening date. You may also call (203) 946-8130 or email grivera@nhfpl.org or mbernhey@nhfpl.org with any questions.
"We know our branch is an important part of our community, and we appreciate your patience while we work to make the necessary repairs," Bernhey said. "Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Fair Haven Branch soon."
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
New Haven Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.