New Hastings Community Center and Library to host grand opening Nov. 13

The St. Johns County Public Library System and Health and Human Services will hold a grand opening for the new Hastings Community Center and Library at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 13.

The new 10,000-square-foot facility is located at 401 N. Main St. in Hastings, Fla.

The facility integrates public library services with local health and social support resources. It features a full-service library with a dedicated children’s area, drive-up book drop, meeting spaces, a seed library and a Health and Human Services satellite office.

Debra Rhodes Gibson, Director of Library Services for St. Johns County, emphasized the significance of the project for residents. “This new space is something that the residents have been waiting on for a long time,” Gibson said. “The Hastings Community Center and Library has a long-established presence in the community. This facility not only honors the history of the area, but provides a space for current and future generations.”

Health Director Shawna Novak and Human Services explained how co-locating services helps remove obstacles for community members. “A community is stronger when help is within reach,” Novak said. “Embedding St. Johns County Social Services and Library staff in our neighborhoods means removing barriers of transportation, time, and access. Ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to connect with the resources and services they need to thrive.”

To prepare for the opening, the existing Hastings Branch Library and satellite office at 400 E. Harris St. will close on Monday, Nov. 9. Service adjustments will begin earlier in the month, with computer and printing services at the Harris Street facility becoming unavailable starting Monday, Nov. 2. The final day for patrons to pick up holds at the Harris Street location is Saturday, Nov. 7.

During the closure period, no items checked out from the Hastings Branch will be due, and late fees will not accumulate. Hold pickup deadlines will be extended by seven days after the grand opening. Book drops at both locations will be inaccessible during the transition, and item donations cannot be accepted.

An official dedication ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, after which the Community Center and Library will open to the public.

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