A Toolkit for Concerned Parents
Family Preparation Plan
Gov. Dannel Malloy, right,  presented a Family Preparedness Plan in the Hartford History Center at Hartford Public Library Wednesday morning for parents concerned about being detained or deported by immigration enforcement officials.  The forms can filled out in advance to assign the children to a guardian, and are available in The American Place on the second floor of the Downtown Library.

Joining him in support of the plan were Homa Naficy, pictured,  the Library’s Chief Adult Learning Officer; Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin; New Haven Mayor Toni Harp; Commissioner Joette Katz of the state Department of Children and Families, Commissioner Dora B. Schriro of the state Emergency Services and Public Protection Office; Kara Hart with the Greater Hartford Legal Aid; and Angelica Androvo of CT Students for a Dream.

Download a toolkit:


The Library Is A Place For All

Read About Your Legal Protections
Hartford Public Library Serves Everyone

All community members of  every religion and ethnicity, whether citizens or immigrants, are welcome at the Library.
Stay informed and connected.

April Is Poetry Month
Poetry Power  

Park, Wednesday, April 5, 2-3 pm
Albany, Wednesday, April 5, 4:30-5:30 pm
Dwight , Thursday, April 20, 4-5 pm
Ropkins, Thursday, April 20, 3:30-5 pm

Celebrate National Poetry Month all month long at the library. Learn how to create blackout poetry sheets to form unique poems. Or make your own compositions with paper and pen.
 
Book of the Week
Everything On It:
Poems and Drawings by Shel Silverstein

Have you ever read a book with everything on it? Well, here it is, an amazing collection of never-before-published poems and drawings from the creator of  Where the Sidewalk EndsA Light in the Attic, and  Falling Up. You will say Hi-ho for the toilet troll, get tongue-tied with Stick-a-Tongue-Out-Sid, play a highly unusual horn, and experience the joys of growing down.

What's that? You have a case of the Lovetobutcants? Impossible! Just come on in and let the magic of Shel Silverstein bend your brain and open your heart.
Find your copy.

Would You?
Poetry Group Reading 

ArtWalk
3rd Floor, Downtown
Tuesday, April 11
Refreshments at 5:30 pm
Program at 6 pm

Read. Listen. Share. Write.
Join us for a group poetry reading and open mic event. B.Y.O.P. (Bring Your Own Poem) -- either your own work or from a poet that you love.
Featuring Zulynette Morales, pictured here, with drumming by Cassie Songstress.
 
Poem In Your Pocket
Take a poetry break from 1 to 5 pm, Tuesdays through Thursdays in the Hartford History Center. Browse our poetry collection.
On Thursdays through April at 1:15 pm we will read a poem aloud over the Library intercom.
On April 27, between 1 and 5 pm, visit our Pop Up Maker Space in the Hartford History Center and make a poem to carry in your pocket.  We suggest one by Hartford community activist Lucy Cooper Summers, author of  99 Patches, her book of poetry published in 1969. The book was revised and reprinted in 1995. In 1997 graduates of Hartford High School received a copy as a memento.

Lucy Cooper Summers Portrait by D. Racine.
STEM WEEK
Science, Technology,
Engineering, Math

Wiggle Bots
Park, Monday, April 3, 2-3 pm
Design and build your own unique wiggle-bot! This is a true engineering project. Can you make it dance in circles, or maybe draw?

Build It with Strawbees
Goodwin, Monday, April 3, 4-5:45 pm
Do you have dreams about being a future engineer? Come see what you can build with our cool straws and connectors.

CSI: Hartford Public Library        
Have you ever thought about being a Crime Scene Investigator? Now is your chance to see if you have what it takes.
Albany, Monday, April 3, 4:30-5:30
Blue Hills, Thursday, April 6,, 4:30-6 pm

Legos in the Library  
Downtown, Tuesday, April 4, 3:30-4:30 pm
Goodwin, Wednesday, April 5, 2-4 pm
We have Legos and a challenge for you.
What will you create? Do you have what
it takes to be a master builder? 

Puerto Rican Soldiers In WWI
Fighting on Two Fronts:
Puerto Rican Experience in WWI
Thursday, April 6, 5:30 pm
Center for Contemporary Culture
Downtown Library
Harry Franqui-Rivera, an assistant professor of history at New Jersey’s Bloomfield College, will talk about the experiences of Puerto Ricans in the United States military in the 20th century.  Veterans  from the Hartford area are invited to attend, share their experiences, and contribute to program topics.  Program will be bilingual (English & Spanish).
Information on WWI programs: 

Image: Rafael (left) with brother Jesús Hernández, during WWI, c.1917. Cesar J. Ayala and  Rafael Bernabe, " Puerto Rico in the American Century: A History Since 1898.
Baby Grand Jazz 
Earl MacDonald/Felipe Salles 
Sunday, April, 3, 3 pm
Center for Contemporary Culture

Earl MacDonald is a composer, arranger, pianist and educator specializing in jazz. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, the former musical director for Maynard Ferguson is now the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Connecticut. 

Composer, arranger, and tenor sax player Felipe Salles is a native of São Paulo, Brazil, He is an assistant professor of Jazz and African-American Music Studies at the University of Massachusetts. 

Joining them are Ben Bilello on drums, and Henry Lugo on string bass.

The 14th Annual Baby Grand Jazz Series, sponsored by The Charles H. Kaman Charitable Foundation.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 1 pm. 

Information about Baby Grand Jazz.

We're Looking For Bands
For 2018 Baby Grand Jazz

Hartford Public Library has opened submissions for the 2018 season of Baby Grand Jazz, which runs 16 Sundays from January through April. These popular free concerts have been a staple of Hartford Public Library since 2004, thanks to support from the Charles H. Kaman Charitable Foundation. Concerts run from 3 to 4 pm. The Library live streams all performances on its website. Ensembles must include a pianist who will play the Library’s grand piano. Applications should include music samples (video encouraged), a list of ensemble members and their instruments, and high resolution images for publicity. Submit here

Chamber Music
HICO SOUNDBITES
Friday, April 7, 2 pm
The Kitchen at Hartford Public Library
The Hartford Independent Chamber Orchestra is presenting an hour-long concert of modern and classical music by 20th and 21st century composers.
This concert features the HICO String Trio of Sarah Washburn on violin, Nick Citro on viola, and Pablo Issa on cello.
We Love Your Help
The Hartford Public Library needs your support throughout the year. Please consider making a pledge or donation to help us continue to offer a place that cultivates opportunities, empowers and inspires individuals, and fuels a more prosperous future.
We thank the leaders of Aetna, Travelers, and The Hartford, for their generous support.

ArtTalk on ArtWalk 
 
WOOD./WORD.
Rafael Oses and Michael Sweeney
3rd Floor, Downtown
Show Runs through April 30

Michael Sweeney Presents
Art Talk Thursday, April 13, 6 pm

Join us on the ArtWalk for a gallery talk with artist Michael Sweeney of the current exhibition Wood. / Word. Sweeney, a woodworker, will discuss his body of work the books of things we do not know and examine the book as a symbol and prompts consideration of a centuries-old technology that remains an elegant vehicle for exploring one's curiosity.

Rafael Osés ' small word paintings — everyday or esoteric words and phrases, using geometric shapes and simple color symbolism — encourage viewers to consider both the meaning and visual attributes of language.


Aphorisms Explored
Wordsmiths Welcome
Hartford History Center
3rd Floor, Downtown
Saturday, April 1, 10 am to 4:30 pm
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" is an example of an aphorism, a pithy phrase about a true thing.
Aphorisms are the topic on Saturday at a free conference and workshop.
Featured are: James Geary, left, author of  The World in a Phrase: A Brief History of the Aphorism; poet Alfred Corn will will discuss "Concision, Concentration, Poetry," and George Murray who speaks about  "The Aphorist as Undertaker."
The Beloved Community Of MLK
Helping Those In Need
In Spirit of Dr. KIng
Tuesday, April 4, 2-7 pm
Ecospace, 224 Farmington Ave., Hartford

CT Center for Nonviolence and Hartford Public Library, are co-hosts of The Great American Give-Away – A Free Market and Community Gathering, Honoring the Legacy of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.   The event takes place on the 49th anniversary of King’s assassination.
We invite those that have more to share with those who have less. Needed Items include: pots and pans; plates and silverware; scarves, ties, and pocketbooks.
The Center encourages organizations to sign up for one of two shifts.
Mayor Luke Bronin will attend at 5:30 pm.
Event registration (due March 27).  
Also: 860-570-9075 or email:  [email protected]


Lifelong Learning At Albany
Printmaking Class With  Robert Charles Hudson
Albany, Tuesdays, 10 am-Noon
April 4-May 9
HPL’s nationally recognized programming for older adults returns with a springtime class at the Albany Branch.
The clasees are progressive. Plan on attending all six workshops. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Priority given to Hartford residents. All materials provided.
Special thanks for  the generous support from Ensworth Charitable Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee.
Call 860-695-7381 or email [email protected] to register.
Image: LINOCUT, 13x19 cm, 1947, Elizabeth Catlett
Exhibitions
Draw a Hartford History-Maker:
A Black History Community Project

Exhibit Closes March 31
Glass Cases Near  Hartford History Center
Downtown, 3rd Floor

The Draw a Hartford History Maker exhibition kicked off Feb. 2 with a reception honoring the artists who created portraits from photos and biograp hies featured online in 2016's More than A Month series honoring African Americans who made significant contributions to Hartford.  
Read the biographies illustrated with new portraits on the Hartford History Center's Facebook page

Ella Little Cromwell (1918- 2006)
Portrait by Jasmyne Countryman
Carla Ten Eyck: 
see real women:
really see women


Administrative Wall, Third Floor
Downtown Library
Exhibit Through April 7
Originally commissioned in 2008, Carla Ten Eyck's exhibition, see real women: really see women, is part of the Hartford History Center's permanent collection. In honor of Women's History Month, the Hartford History Center at Hartford Public Library celebrates a Hartford-born photographer and her work that asks and answers the question, "When do you feel you are your most beautiful?"

Left,  Marsha #1

Leap Into Learning Programs
Birth to Five
First Friends Play Group
Mondays, April 3 & 17 11 am - Noon
Our play and picture book areas are reserved for you. Share toys, books, and music while your child meets other children. 
Sensational Sensory Wednesdays
Downtown Children’s Room,
 Wednesdays, 11 am - Noon
Interactive play time for children. Each week children will enjoy a new and exciting sensory, hands-on learning activity. 
Born to Read
Albany, Wed. April 5, 11:30 am -12:30 pm
Blue Hills,Thurs, April 6, 11:30 - 12:30 
Inspire, stimulate and create a love of reading in your child by visiting the library for developmentally appropriate stories, songs and finger plays. There will be bubbles and parachute games with time for socialization and play time afterwards. No registration is required.
Rainy Story Time
Ropkins, Wed, April 5, 10-10:30, 10:30-11 
Enjoy rainy stories, songs, and finger-plays.
I Love My Library Storytime
Downtown, Thursday, April 6, 10-11 am
Enjoy a fun story with songs and movement, then create your very own library card holder.


Classes at Barbour Branch
Study For Your GED

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9:30-11:30 am
Barbour, 261 Barbour St.

Take classes in writing and math to prepare you for the GED test. Open enrollment.
Register: 860-695-6349 or 860-695-7400.  

Classes At Mark Twain Branch
Spanish for Beginners
Wednesdays, 6-7:30 pm, Through -May 17
Mark Twain Branch, West Middle School
927 Asylum St.

Hartford Public Library card holders can sign up for a beginner Spanish course, on Wednesday, March 22.
The classes cover basic Spanish grammar in a step-by-step approach. Classroom instruction will transition to an online program called “Transparent Language,” for continued studies.Classes will be taught by a native Spanish speaker. Class size will be limited to20 registrants.
Information: 860-695-6316 and [email protected]
Citizenship Test Prep Class
Tuesdays and Thursday, 6-7:30 pm,
Through May 31
Mark Twain Branch, West Middle School
927 Asylum St.

Each class will focus on many of the 100 citizenship test civics questions. We encourage the community to join us for these lively interactive activities and discussions. The classes are open for U.S. citizens who want to improve their own knowledge of U.S. Civics or enhance their skills to tutor new arrivals on their paths to citizenship.
Information: 860-695-6316 and [email protected]
Read to Succeed (R2S) Hartford
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
 3:30-7:30 pm
Mark Twain Branch, West Middle School
927 Asylum Ave.

The classes are a combination of one-on-one instruction with a teacher and computer-based reinforcement activities for adults new to reading.
Information: 860-695-6316 and [email protected]


Chief Charles A. Teale:
The Tools of Learning
Open Enrollment

Classes Continue Tuesdays and Thursdays 5 to 6 pm, through April 13

Tutoring By Appointment  Wednesday
Mark Twain Branch, West Middle School
West Middle Community School
927 Asylum Ave.

Join Charles A. Teale, former Chief of the Hartford Fire Dept., to learn strategies on how to learn, understand, and remember information for academic and professional success. Program is for beginning to advanced readers 18 and older. Register: jeagosto@hplct,org or 860-695-6367.

Put On Your Game Face
Ropkins Branch
Tuesdays, 4:45 to 5:45 pm

The popularity of tabletop games is trending. There are thousands of versions, such as Forbidden Desert, where players crash land in a barren space and search for a lost civilization, or Flash Point, where you must rescue people from a burning building.
Bring your friends and your favorite games and set up a match.
Dungeons and Dragons
Albany, Tuesdays, 4:30-6 pm
Blue Hills,Thursdays, 3-6 pm
Downtown, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3-6 PM
Set off for the adventure of a lifetime each week.

Writing Workshops At Barbour
Thursdays, 3 to 6 pm
Barbour Branch
Learn the basics of expressing yourself through the written word. .
Our intern, Tinasia, will run the workshops.

Makerspace Mayhem

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4 pm
Downtown Library, 2nd floor

Come to YOUmedia for the twice-weekly Makerspace challenge.

Anime Character Creation

Wednesdays 3-5 pm
Downtown Library, 2nd floor

Animefy yourself and your friends at YOUmedia - or create a new unique character of your own.

3D Sculpting and Design

Thursdays, 6-8 pm
Downtown Library, 2nd Floor 

Learn how to design cool characters and objects to use in animations, video games, graphic design, and more.

Drawing With Kahairi
Mondays and Wednesdays, 1 to 6 pm
Downtown Library, 3rd Floor

Let's talk about anime, pop culture and video games while we draw.
 
business-meeting-convo.jpg
Lawyer At Your Library
First Tuesday of Each Month, 11 am-1 pm
Upcoming: April 1 
Downtown Library, The American Place 

Meet privately with an attorney from Greater Hartford Legal Aid concerning questions about rights in the workplace. No appointment necessary. Topics include unlawful discrimination, wages and overtime, and rights fo former offenders. Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. 

U.S. Citizenship Classes

Class cycles  range from 12-to-14 weeks and repeat. Legal assistance with application completion and submission included.

Passport Services
You can apply for a passport at Hartford Public Library. Hours are Monday though Thursday, 3:30 to 7 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm.  No appointment is needed and photos can be taken on site.

The Passport office is now located on the second floor.

Online Learning

Accessible through the library website in the Online Education & Research Section. All free with your library card. Log in with your card number and create a user name and password.

  • Learn a New Language: Learn or practice more than 100+ languages using the online learning program Transparent Language.
  • LearningExpress Library™: Build your academic skills in reading, writing, math, and science; prepare for standardized tests, college admissions tests, and professional licensing and certification.
  • Universal Class: Select from over 500 courses in a wide variety of subjects through a program called Universal Class. Learn a new hobby, improve your computer skills, or expand your job or career options. 
  • Career Online High School (COHS)Earn your high school diploma online, must be 24 or older.

American Job Center

Monday-Thursday, 10 am-6 pm
Fridays, 10 am-5 pm,
2nd Floor, Downtown

 Looking for a job? Feeling a bit rusty on your interview skills or bewildered by all the new technology a successful job search demands? We can help! CTWorks Capital Workforce Partners and HPL Library have partnered to bring a CTWorks "American Job Center" to the Downtown Library.

The Job Center is in temporary space in the Learning Lab on the 2nd floor to accommodate UConn construction.

Catalog Options
Have you checked out our
mobile-friendly catalog?
Hartford Public Library | 860.695.6300 | hplct.org