The NEA Big Read Celebrates

Homegoing and Nana Akua Goes to School

We're so pleased to be one of 62 organizations nationwide selected to receive a 2023-2024 NEA Big Read grant. The grant will support a community reading program focusing on Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.

Upcoming Big Read programming:

For Adults

Book Discussion & Family Tree

Thursday, September 28, Dwight Branch 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For Youth

Storytime and Crafts

Wednesday, September 27, Barbour Branch 11a.m - 12 p.m.

Adinkra Fabric Stamping

Wednesday, September 27, Bushnell Park Pavilion 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Check out all of our programming for both books HERE

As an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the power of a shared reading experience.

HPL Weekly Book Recommendations:

Check out what we're reading

We're celebrating Hispanic Heritige Month

Why Didn't You Tell Me?

Carmen Ritz Wong

Best Books of the Year: 

PopSugar, Kirkus Review

A powerful and dramatic memoir about a family secret that shaped the life of the author in unimaginable ways.

"Riveting. . . hers is a hero’s journey.”—The New York Times Book Review

“A stunner about race, culture and the deeper meaning of family.”—People

A Long Petal of the Sea

Isabel Allende

New York Times Bestseller

A beautifully written story,  following two young people as they flee the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War in search of a place to call home.

“An immersive read about love and survival.”—Real Simple

"Majestic . . .”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Celebramos Nuestra Herencia

Celebrating our heritage this month and all year long!

Be sure to pop by our Park Branch to check out our gorgeous Hispanic Heritage Month window display.

Celebramos Nuestra Herencia¡ Celebrando nuestra herencia este mes y todo el año! Asegúrese de pasar por nuestra sucursal de Park para ver nuestro magnífico escaparate del Mes de la Herencia Hispana

Park Street Library @ the Lyric

603 Park St.

It's Library Card Sign-up Month!

¡Es el mes de inscripción de tarjetas de biblioteca!

Unlock a world of awesome.

A library card is magic in your pocket. Serious magic.

With access to technology, innovative programming, and educational resources, a library card gives students of all ages the tools to succeed in school.

Sign up for a library card HERE today!

Hartford Book Festival was on LIT

What a weekend!

We had a fantastic weekend celebrating literature, authors, and community with Hartford LIT.

Many thanks to everyone who came out for workshops, readings, and more. A very special thank you goes out to Yaa Gyasi (best selling author of Homegoing, our NEA Big Read book selection), June Archer, Abdul-Rahman I. Muhammad, and Connecticut Poet Laureate Antoinette Brim Bell.

Why yes, I would like to stay in and watch a movie

With your HPL library card we make it easy (and free!) to access fantastic movies.

While there are some fantastic options for Hispanic Heritage month- we highly recommend Oscar winning Ex Machina, which features incredible performances and is more relevant than ever.

You can check at all the movies Kanopy has to offer HERE

A Place Like No Other

HPL offers engaging, educational, and fun programming for all ages. Check out our calendar of programming HERE and head to your favorite branch!

This week's programming highlights:

Local Author's Table- Dyshann Anderson

Thursday, September 28, 4 - 5:30 p.m.

Dwight Branch

Come meet Dyshann Anderson, author of Shepherd Crook: Brazil Introduction to Computer Graphics. Refreshments provided.

Books + Brews - Book Club

Thursday, September 28, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Albany Branch 

Join our new adult-only book club to discuss your favorite books, share your current reads, and share your unpopular opinions over a cup of coffee (or tea)!

Hartbeat in Motion: Muevete

Thursday, September 28, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Park Street Library @ The Lyric

Embrace the rhythm, unleash your vitality, and embark on a transformative journey to a healthier you.

"My mother carried a powerful secret. A secret that shaped my life and the lives of everyone around me in ways she could not have imagined." Carmen Rita Wong Why Didn't You Tell Me?