Hartford Public Library’s 2021 NEA Big Read celebrates Julia Alvarez’s book In the Time of the Butterflies from February 28th through March 30th, 2021.

The month long celebration will culminate in Julia Alvarez’s keynote address, taking place virtually March 25. 


“In the Time of the Butterflies” tells the Mirabal sisters’ stirring story of their fight for freedom and justice.

Throughout March there will be a slate of exciting programming around Dominican art, literature, and performance, as well as educational and celebratory programs on revolutionary Hartford Latinas.
The next event in Hartford History Center’s partner “Encounters” series, called “The Origins of Hip Hop” will explore the evolution of the form, from its days on the street of the South Bronx to its ubiquity in our popular culture, through short readings, small-group dialogue, and engagement with cultural specialists.

The discussion will take place Thursday, February 18 from 6 to 8 pm on Zoom.



Black History Month Book and Movie Suggestions
Americanah
by Chimimanda Ngozi Adichie
The bestselling novel tells the story of two Nigerians making their way in the U.S. and the UK, raising universal questions of race and belonging, the overseas experience for the African diaspora, and the search for identity and a home.
School Daze
written and directed by Spike Lee
Iconic filmmaker Spike Lee's music-filled, off-beat comedy takes an unforgettable look at black college life. The students of Mission College find themselves caught up in romance and relationships, rituals and rivalries during one outrageous homecoming weekend. 
Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice
By Nikki Grimes and Laura Freeman
Discover the incredible story of a young daughter of immigrants who would grow up to be the first woman, first Black person, and first South Asian American ever elected Vice President of the United States in this moving picture book biography of Kamala Harris.
Throughout the month of February, the School Choice Coordinator will offer information sessions for families with school-age children.

The virtual sessions will take place Friday & Saturday, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, 1:30pm & Feb 13, 20, 27, 2:00pm.

Join us in February for school choice assistance!

Join HPL's children's librarians for Take Your Child To The Library Day, taking place virtually on Saturday, February 6 from 10 am to 3 pm.

It is a day of stories in English, Spanish and Urdu, ending with an animal show with the West Hartford Children's Museum at 2 pm.

Poetry, Kisses, & Gifts from Your Librarian, Oh My!
Come have a poem recited to you and receive chocolate Hershey kisses from your librarian.

The Library on Wheels will be present to give away free new books. Bags of groceries donated by Foodshare and new children’s winter coats donated by Lawrence International will be given away. 

Date: Thursday, February 11th
Time: 3:00- 4:00 pm
Barbour Branch
There is nothing out there quite like the group Medusa. Tap dancer Corey Hutchins and percussionist Jocelyn Pleasant combine a smooth mix of jazz and rhythm tap dancing into a completely new and exciting form.
 
Check out them out Sunday, February 7 at 3 pm on Facebook and YouTube.
CBG and the Hartford Sound brightened everyone's Sunday with a show for the ages, playing a type of music that could only be made in Hartford. One delighted Facebook viewer said the show was "the best cure for the Covid blues."

A New Winter Music Series For Families Now Available
HPL is excited to partner with Arts for Learning CT to present "Destination Groove, a weekly Facebook series presenting family music from all around the world every Thursday at 3:00pm.

The lineup:
February 4 - Boogie Chillun
February 11 - Taikoza
February 18 - Nicolas Carter
February 25 - Karim Nagi
March 4 - Caryn Lin
March 11 - Wendy and Monica - a Celtic Celebration
March 18 - Billy B
March 25 - Gideon Freudmann

February Program Calendars
"Few things are better in the world than a room full of librarians. I consider them literary heroes. The keepers and defenders of the written word.”
-- Louise Penny