St. Johns County Celebrates Hastings Community Center and Library With Groundbreaking Ceremony
St. Johns County celebrated a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of the new Hastings Community Center and Library on Friday, Nov. 22. The event marked the beginning of a transformative project that will provide essential resources and services to the Hastings community. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to recap the occasion.
The new facility will combine a state-of-the-art library and versatile community center, offering a wide range of educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities for residents of all ages. Located in the heart of Hastings at 401 N. Main St., the new center will be a hub for community engagement, fostering lifelong learning, creativity, and connection among neighbors.
“We are excited to see this project come to life, which will serve as an anchor for the Hastings community,” said St. Johns County District 2 Commissioner Sarah Arnold. “This facility will not only provide access to books, technology, and information but will also offer a welcoming space for gatherings, events, and programs that will bring people together.”
The new Hastings Community Center and Library is part of St. Johns County’s ongoing commitment to improving public infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for residents throughout the region. The design includes an expanded library with modern amenities, ample meeting rooms, a multi-purpose event space, and an outdoor gathering area, creating a vibrant destination for everyone in the community.
Local leaders, residents, and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking, sharing their enthusiasm for the project and its potential to positively impact the community. The event also highlighted the collaborative effort that went into planning the center, including input from residents, community organizations, and local stakeholders.
“The Hastings Community Center and Library will be a place where families can come to learn, grow, and connect,” said Debra Rhodes Gibson, Director of the St. Johns County Public Library System. “Whether it’s for a program, a class, or just to check out a book, this space will be a true reflection of the spirit and diversity of our community.”
This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services and the State of Florida. Construction on the new facility is expected to be completed in 2025.