Wickham Library update
Posted on: April 7, 2023 - 12:19pm
What's next for the Wickham Memorial Library?
Good news! Although it took longer than planned due to construction hiccups, this past Tuesday, April 4, the library moved into the building! Over the next two weeks we will be unpacking boxes, configuring technology, and getting ready for full opening (date TBD).
Can't wait to see the building?
Join us on Friday, April 21 at 4:30 PM for the opening ceremonies of Japan Week. We’ll start on the lawn of the Wickham Memorial Library for the dedication of cherry trees to be planted on site, followed by a Lion Dance performance by Steve Long. We’ll move indoors for a celebratory reception. Japan Week, a partnership with the US & Japan Society of Connecticut, began in 2018 and has been on hiatus since the onset of the pandemic. Japan Week 2023 events will take place at various locations in East Hartford as well as at the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford. For more information on Japan Week, check out our website. Japan Week is made possible with funding support from the East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts.
After April 21, Wickham will "soft open" for limited hours. Follow us on Facebook or keep an eye on our website for updates on the soft-opening schedule.
Hours of Operation
When fully open (anticipated in May) the Wickham branch hours will be:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 AM - 5 PM
- Tuesday, Thursday: 1 PM - 8 PM
Programs and Services
- New and popular books and DVDs for circulation with your library card
- Tables for reading and studying
- Public computers (laptops) for use inside the building
- WiFi
- Printing and copying
- Digital navigation appointments
- Library programs for all ages
- Meeting room for community use
- Reference and reader's advisory service
FAQ
What if I visit Wickham and discover that the book or other library item I want is only available at Raymond?
No problem! We will be moving items back and forth between branches to meet requests. If you request a Raymond item to be picked up at Wickham, it will work just like any hold: after the request is fulfilled, we'll notify you when it is ready to pick up.
I like the staff at Raymond and I don't want to get used to new faces. Who will be working at Wickham?
You will be happy to learn that our staff will split their time between the two branches! We aren't hiring a separate branch staff: you'll find familiar faces whether you visit us at Raymond or Wickham.
Where can I learn about programs at Wickham?
We will list Wickham programs on the same online events calendar that we use for Raymond events. One-stop shopping! You'll notice that the Wickham events are labeled differently for easy browsing.
The Wickham Memorial Library is located at 656 Burnside Avenue. The parking lot is accessed through the same driveway as the public safety complex, from School Street. Travel around the traffic circle to enter the designated lot adjacent to the library.