Havre de Grace Library Opens with Fanfare

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — Officials cut the ribbon on the new Havre de Grace Library Wednesday morning.

The library on Union Avenue closed in fall 2014 for demolition so that crews could build a new branch to accommodate the increasing number of materials and patrons. 

The library in Havre de Grace began more than 50 years ago, housed in the old Opera House. In 1960, it moved into what is now the Havre de Grace Visitors Center.

The branch on Union at Pennington avenues was constructed in 1987, where it has remained ever since. Originally, it was designed to hold 30,000 volumes; in reality, it contained 68,000 books and audiovisual items.

Plans called for the library to expand from one to two stories and from 8,400 to 15,000 square feet.

The need for the 8,400-square-foot branch's expansion was reportedly supported by a study in 2009.

Architectural design firm Manns Woodward Studios collaborated with the community to brainstorm plans for the new library in September 2013.

The library broke ground in November 2014. Less than two years later, elected officials and citizens celebrated the grand opening on June 15, 2016.

Related:

• HdG Library is Nearing Completion
• Havre de Grace Library Gets Wrecked
• Havre de Grace Library Now on Market Street
• Groundbreaking Marks New Chapter for Havre de Grace Library
• HdG Library to Close for Major Construction Project
• Expansion Ahead for Havre de Grace Library
• Community Brainstorming for HdG Library Begins

The Harford County Public Library Foundation held a preview party Tuesday night at the new facility.

Photo Credit: Harford County Public Library, Havre de Grace Library.