After nearly two years of rebuilding, the renovated lower level of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library is ready to reopen! Thanks to the resilience of our community and the generosity of our supporters, the Library has not only restored what was lost in the devastating July 2023 flood but has reimagined the space to better serve the community.
The Library will host a Grand Reopening event on Saturday, May 3, 2025, 10AM-2PM, with remarks at 10:30AM. This special event is open to all and will feature refreshments, fun drop-in activities, tours of the renovated space, and the first opportunity to shop at the KHL Book Shop.
The refreshed basement space offers new meeting rooms for studying, collaborating, and gathering; a dedicated staff breakroom to support the Library’s hardworking team; the return of the year-round book sale, now known as the KHL Book Shop, where you can find great reads while supporting the Library; and last but not least, a new home for Elevate Youth Service’s Basement Teen Center, providing local youth with a welcoming after-school space of their own.
The renovation has been completed with an eye toward flood resiliency, with key mechanical systems moved above flood elevation, flood-resistant materials throughout, and other flood proofing measures incorporated. This work has been undertaken without any municipal funds thanks to support from many donors, insurance proceeds, and disaster funding from FEMA.
The basement work coincides with other improvements at the Library to be completed this spring, including a new “phone booth” room for virtual meetings or phone calls and the addition of air conditioning throughout the building.
Regular Basement Teen Center hours are Thursdays from 2–6 PM and Fridays from 2–8 PM. Teens are encouraged to check the latest schedule via basementteencenter.org.