Grand finale of National Poetry Month – Art Amplified
We had a fantastic month of sharing the gift of poetry and celebrating our spirited local poets and creators.

Join us for the culmination of National Poetry Month with Art Amplified.

Open mic poetry performances, dance party and more.

Saturday, April 30th
2-3 pm
Downtown Library, Atrium 
500 Main St.

More details HERE.
The power of the human spirit
José Saramago
New York Times Notable Book of the Year

Written by the winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, this is a compelling and intense parable of loss and disorientation. Blindness is a powerful portrayal of our worst appetites and weaknesses — and humanity's ultimately indomitable spirit.

"This is a shattering work by a literary master.” — The Boston Globe 
Nina Riggs
New York Times Bestseller

It's hard to imagine that a book about dying can offer so much hope and joy. But it is true. Poet Nina Riggs was 37 when diagnosed with breast cancer. This book is heartbreaking and beautiful.

"Stunning work. A heart-rending meditation on life — not just how to appreciate it while you’re living it, but how to embrace its end, too." — The Washington Post
MERU
Sundance Audience Award 2015

MERU is the true story of athleticism, obsession, sacrifice and an incredible journey.

But mostly it is about hope and friendship.

You can watch the movie HERE (and many more for free with your library card at Kanopy).


"This is more than a climbing movie; it's a spiritual mediation about determination and brotherhood." — Vulture



Watch the trailer HERE.
How many libraries have you explored In April?
See how happy our Youth and Family Services Librarian Felicia Gardner is?

That's because she participated in the Connecticut Library Association's passport program and has visited 24 libraries across the state this month — and counting!


It's not too late to join the fun! And share some selfies with us while you are at it!


Learn more HERE.
Not all heroes wear capes
Ask Joe anything! (Seriously, anything.)

Meet Joe Eshelman, reference librarian ready to tackle your toughest questions.

He is at the Downtown Library info desk Monday through Friday between 12-5 pm ready to answer all your questions.

Looking for an old newspaper article? How about the best time to plant tulips?

Joe is like Google — but better because he will answer your questions with a smile! Stop by and see him sometime! Or call the reference desk (860-695-6295) or email [email protected].

We ❤️ Joe!
Nurture your inner artist
Gain skills and confidence while experiencing the meditative power of painting, it is fun and good for you!

Thursday April 28th
4-5:30 pm
Dwight Library
7 New Park Ave.
All ages welcome

Learn about the teaching artist HERE and get more info about the session HERE.
Sharing our history through art
We loved having a group of Wish School students visit our Hartford History Center in the Downtown Library and spend time with our beautiful sculpture, The Art of Perseverance, created by artist Marilyn Parkinson Thrall to celebrate the perseverance and tenacity of Connecticut's suffragettes. Come by and see it anytime!

(Learn more about the sculpture and the artist HERE)
Resources for our community
Connecticut Foodshare distribution


Come for a free bag of groceries and helpful information on available resources in our community.

Thursday, April 28th
3-4 pm
Barbour Library
261 Barbour St.

Learn more HERE.
Free COVID-19 vaccines available

We're playing our part in keeping you and our community safe.

Upcoming Clinics:
Wednesday, April 27th
Park Street Library @ the Lyric
603 Park St.
11-5 pm: ages 12 and up

Thursday, April 28th
Camp Field Library
30 Campfield St.
2-5 pm: ages 12 and up

More dates HERE.
COVID-19 test kits and masks

Don't forget: Hartford residents can visit any of our libraries during regular business hours to receive at-home COVID-19 test kits and N95 masks.

  • Proof of residency required
  • Two test kits per adult
  • While supplies last

Learn more HERE.
Job opportunities at Amazon

Learn about job opening at Amazon in the Greater Hartford area.

In-person info session:
Thursday, May 5th
11 am - 1 pm
Downtown Library
500 Main St.

Learn more HERE.
Baby Grand Jazz was a smashing success!
16 concerts
60 artists
16 sold-out audiences
and too many smiles to count!

Thank you to each of our talented performers and our enthusiastic audiences. We look forward to next year!

P.S. Missed a concert? You can watch them all on our YouTube channel HERE.
Join our team!
You can a make a difference.

Help us build collections, provide much-needed services for our neighbors and strengthen and celebrate our diverse community.

We have many positions open in lots of different departments.

Check out our job openings HERE.
“For me, faith involves staring into the abyss, seeing that it is dark and full of the unknown — and being okay with that.”