Hartford History Center Chosen As Connecticut History 'Game Changer' by Connecticut Explored

Out of a pool of 120 nominees, the Hartford History Center at HPL was one of 20 organizations or individuals honored with the title of "Game Changer" by Connecticut Explored magazine.

The Hartford History Center reflects community life in Hartford from the 1630s to the present and works with community partners to create programs and exhibitions that speak to Hartford’s rich cultural history, such as its intergenerational Hartford Changemakers series that lifts up Hartford heroes from underrepresented communities as a way to inspire people to be history-makers in the present day.

Learn more about this award HE RE.

The Hartford History Center will host a public program featuring Game Changers Pablo Delano and Elena Rosario in conversation.

Wednesday, September 21

6-8 pm

Park Street Library @ The Lyric,

603 Park Street

Learn more and register HERE.

Short List Picks For The 2022 Mark Twain American Voice In Literature Award

Damnation Spring

Ash Davidson

Best Books of 2021 — Newsweek, San Francisco Chronicle, Washington Post

A beautifully written story about the enduring power of family, community and love.

"Probably the best novel I’ll read this year." — Stephen King

“An incredibly moving epic about an unforgettable family.”— CBS Sunday Morning

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev

Dawnie Walton

Best Books of 2021 — Barack Obama, Washington Post, NPR

Wow. This dazzling book will take you on a ride.

“This novel is so good... it feels truer and more mesmerizing than some true stories." — New York Times Book Review

“Dawnie Walton’s fabulous debut novel is an utterly fresh take on finding one’s voice, on systemic racism and sexism, and on freedom of expression.” — OprahMag.com

This one's for the cat lovers

KEDI

Winner of Best First Documentary, Critics Choice Awards.

A profile of Istanbul its unique people, seen through the eyes of one of the most mysterious and beloved animals, the cat.

e Cat.

Stream KEDI HERE and many more for free with just your library card at Kanopy.

Watch the trailer HERE.

"Remarkable. A splendidly graceful and quietly magical documentary." — Variety

September book clubs

Hartford Reads in Color

Thick: And Other Essays

Tressie McMillian Cottom

"This book is essential for anyone who wants to think deeply about race, feminism and culture." — BookRiot

Meetup: Sunday, Sept. 11, 2-3 pm

Virtual: Via Zoom

African American Literature Book Club

Two Trains Running

August Wilson

“Vivid and uplifting… pure poetry… remarkable!” — Time

Meetup: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 7-8:30 pm

Virtual: Via Zoom

An art exhibit perfect for horse lovers

Carousel Memories

the paintings of Ellen Sinclair

These beautiful paintings feature the horses of the Bushnell Park Carousel, built in 1914 and one of just three Stein and Goldstein carousels still in operation. Before coming to Hartford in 1974, the carousel's home was Meyer's Lake Park, a popular amusement park in Canton, Ohio, operated by Carl Sinclar, Ellen's father.

The works were donated to the Bushnell Park Foundation and the City of Hartford after Ellen's death on Dec. 25, 2021, at the age of 92.

On display on the third floor of the Downtown Library Sept. 1 - Oct. 12.

10 things you may not know are available at your library

Yes, we've got lots of books for you to borrow. But did you know you can borrow a sewing machine? Or a cake decorating set? Check out a list of 10 things available to you at the library besides books HERE.

Liz Castle: Along for the ride!

"Hartford is a very vibrant and life-giving place and a place where people really support each other. I think that’s what attracted me to being—and staying—here"

— Liz Castle, programming and events manager at HPL

Check out what Liz has to say about her Hartford HERE in an interview with the Metro Hartford Alliance.

Thank you Liz for bringing joy to your work and community every day!

All Hartford Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5th in observance of Labor Day. We will see you on Tuesday!

“Because what was hope but belief, no matter how rare the miracle?”

― Ash Davidson, Damnation Spring

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