Broadband Access Help Available from The U.S. Government
The Federal Communications Commission has launched a temporary program to help families and households struggling to afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.

You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit, or by calling 833-511-0311.
Skip the Lines! Register for A Vaccine Appointment at the Arroyo Center Community Clinic
Vaccination appointments can be scheduled by calling the number below. Appointments are strongly encouraged. 
·        Telephone: 855-287-6789, Monday-Friday 6am-8pm PST, Saturday/Sunday 6am-5pm PST (bilingual agents available) 
·        Online: English vaccine appt scheduler or Spanish citas para vacunas en espanol  
·        Transportation Support 
·        Lyft is offering free or discounted rides to people who need help getting to their appointments ($20 per ride; 2 rides per round trip). The promo code is available here: lft.to/vaxCT.
·        People can also get the promo code by calling 855-287-6789.
 
Vaccines at CVS Stores in the area: 
Vaccines are also available at CVS stores in the area. Find more information here. Call (800) 746-7287 between 9am-5pm. 
 
Check out the COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ video series.

The series features two pharmacists addressing the most asked questions about vaccines in English and Spanish to help address common concerns.
"The Bear's Queen" by Alessandra Pisano
New Watercolor Painting Class Available for Students
The Boundless program is launching a new watercolor painting class, led by Alessandra Pisano, a painter who has been published in the Spectrum Fantasy Art book series and a regular artist for "Magic: The Gathering."

The program goes from May 5th – June 23rd meeting every Wednesday from 5:00pm – 6:00pm.

Students from ages 13 to 19 will learn how to use the art supplies. The course will also teach the basics of the color wheel & color theory along with brush and paint application techniques.

Open to ages 13-19. Students can register by emailing Shantal Carr at [email protected]
Join the Camp Field Library in an art workshop inspired by the popular springtime phrase, "April Showers Bring May Flowers." Explore the concept of radial symmetry in flowers to create a piece of artwork. Supplies will be provided. Registration is required. For more information, please contact [email protected].
 
Date: Friday, May 7th
Time: 2:00 pm
Virtual, Zoom 
 
To register, click here
Celebrate Mother's Day with HPL
Join the Dwight Library online to paint and decorate a jewelry box for Mom or another special lady in your life!
Wednesday, May 12
2-3 PM
Virtual Zoom Program
Art supplies will be provided to participants upon registration.
Register HERE: https://bit.ly/3aM0NzH
Make Your Own Mask Keepers
Thursday, May 13
All ages, 4:00 pm

Make a necklace to attach to your mask to so you never lose it! All craft kits come with a reusable mask. Contact Vickie at (860) 695-7402 or [email protected] for questions about signing up or picking up supplies.
Join the Park Library for a session where HPL library cardholders will get an overview on the digital resources available to to them on our website.
 
Una sesión informativa donde aprenderás a usar los recursos digitales disponibles atravez de la página web de HPL.
 
Dates: Wednesday May 12th: 3:30pm and  Friday May 21st: 10:00am 
Virtual, Zoom 
 
To register, click here
National Mental Health Awareness Month Book Suggestions
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s no secret that for many people this past year has been one of anxiety and uncertainty. Over the course of this month, we’ll be sharing suggestions from the HPL leadership team of books and podcasts that have inspired them, given them peace, and offered a new perspective on how to be in the world.

We start off this week with suggestions from Marie Jarry, HPL's director of public services.
The Monkey is the Messenger
by Ralph De La Rosa
These days just about all of us know we should be meditating, but that doesn’t make it any easier to sit down and face the repetitive thoughts careening around our brains. Poignant and entertaining, The Monkey Is the Messenger offers a remedy for all those who want to meditate but suppose they can’t because they think too much. “If you’ve been interested in trying meditation but find yourself saying 'My mind is so busy I can’t sit still', this is the book for you," Jarry said.
Radical Compassion
By Tara Brach
Tara Brach's work counters today's ever-increasing onslaught of news, conflict, demands, and anxieties--stresses that leave us rushing around on auto-pilot and cut off from the presence and creativity that give our lives meaning.
In this heartfelt and deeply practical book, she offers an antidote: an easy-to-learn four-step meditation that quickly loosens the grip of difficult emotions and limiting beliefs. "The love letter you didn’t know your soul was asking for," Jarry said.
Are you between the ages of 14 and 24? Would you like to find paid summer employment?

Check out the Capitol Workforce Partners' Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program (SYELP).

The pre-application program has been extended to May 14.

We've added a Vaccine Information page to our comprehensive collection of Covid-19 related materials. Learn the facts about the virus and how to protect yourself and your family. There is also information available about housing assistance, financial help and the latest from the Hartford Public Schools.
May Program Calendars
"A good library will never be too neat, or too dusty, because somebody will always be in it, taking books off the shelves and staying up late reading them."
– Lemony Snicket