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Thank you Connecticut’s Old State House
The American Place had 21 students in attendance at Connecticut's Old State House from all across the globe for our citizenship classes. The close proximity to Center Church, where we are currently holding our ESL classes, has been an asset to students in need of additional English classes to qualify for citizenship. (And the beautiful surroundings are fantastic too!)
Learn more about how our partners are supporting us and the HPL Restore + Renew campaign HERE.
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Celebrating Black History Month | |
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The Talk: Conversations about Race, Love and Truth
Wade Hudson & Cheryl Willis Hudson
An NPR Best Book of the Year
A powerful collection of short stories, essays and poems for children and adults, The Talk is a call-to-action that invites all families to be anti-racist and advocates for change.
"An anthology filled with abiding inspirational messages of self-love and love for others.” — Shelf Awareness
"The approaches, cultures and experiences of the authors will compel readers of all backgrounds to continue forward.” — Booklist, starred review
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Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick
Zora Neale Hurston
Essence’s Best Books by Black Authors
An outstanding collection of Neale Hurston's writing on racism, classism, sexism, gender and migration. It's a classical piece that challenges our perspective of Black culture and African American life.
"With biting wit, Hurston gets to the heart of the human condition ... her rediscovered stories will electrify." — starred review Booklist
"A reminder of why literature is so important." — Cultured Vultures
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Baby Grand Jazz this Sunday | |
Caio e Jess
Caio Afiune, born in São Paulo, Brazil, and Jessica Curran in Boston, uniquely blend their backgrounds in Brazilian music, pop and jazz to create organic and lush compositions. What they create together is magical. Get a preview of their sound HERE.
Sunday, February 12th, 3 pm
Center Church
675 Main St., Hartford, CT 06103
Seating is first come, first seated, starting at 2 pm each Sunday. No registration is required. Concerts will continue to be streamed on HPL's Facebook page and YouTube channel. Learn more HERE.
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You can head outside again! | |
Keney Lovebirds Community Birdwalk
Listen to some beautiful poems by Black poets while taking a walk through Keney Park. (P.S. We hear there will be hot cider and donuts too.)
Friday, February 17th, 3:30-4:30 pm
Keney Park Pondhouse (323 Edgewood St.)
All ages and abilities welcome
* Image of Downy Woodpecker in Hartford by Helder Mira — see more of his bird (and cat) photos HERE.
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Hartford Black Heroes Trail | |
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We're proud to play a part in helping to launch Hartford Black Heroes Trail celebrating Black History Month. The installation along Main Street highlights 19 impactful heroes who made history locally and nationally, and is an extension of the Hartford History Center's Changemakers series. Two important figures in our history, beloved Gertrude Blanks and Dr. Spencer Shaw, the first librarian at HPL. are among honorees.
More information about the heroes honored and interactive map of the trail HERE
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No Name Book Club at Semilla Cafe | |
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Founded by the artist Noname, this is an effort to amplify authors and voices of color. The club will meet every second Saturday of the month at Semilla Cafe. This months selection is The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus.
First Meeting
February 11th, 1:11 pm
Semilla Cafe
1283 Main St., Hartford, CT 06103
REGISTER HERE
P.S. Even if you didn't read the book stop by anyway — both the coffee and the ambiance are excellent at Semilla Cafe!
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Craftivities: Alma Thomas collage
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Create a collage art piece and learn a little bit about the incredibly talented artist Alma Thomas.
Friday, February 10th
2:30-3:30 pm
Albany Library
1250 Albany Ave.
P.S. With just your library card you can find tons of craft ideas — free — HERE.
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Hartford Public Library is looking for a new logo that can be used throughout our 250th anniversary celebration in 2024 and beyond to build enhanced brand awareness within our community.
Learn more HERE.
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Big congratulations to Lisa Gibson, a member of our security team who recently published her first children’s book, Lisa’s Magic Dream Bed. The book, illustrated by Brittany Rollings, is the first in what Lisa hopes will be a series. It tells the story of a little girl who dreamed of a new bed with a purple and pink headboard and how her dream came true.
“I hope the book inspires people to follow their dreams, no matter where you come from, where you live, you can be anything you want to be if you have a positive mindset.” — Lisa Gibson
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We ❤️ you right back!
What do you love about your library? Stop by the Barbour Library and let us know, or you can email us too (rblair@hplct.org). There will be a sweet treat waiting for you! Thanks Felicia for putting this together!
📸: Barbour's own Martha Rae is ready to hear what you love about HPL.
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Get a free bag of groceries and information on community resources
Thursday, February 9th
3 pm
Barbour Library
261 Barbour St.
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“All of us got poetry in us, 'cause our lives are in constant motion and unfolding, and when we observe it and behold it, it becomes poetry. A place to reflect, a prayer, a possibility for your existence to be connected to all that exists.”
― Junauda Petrus, The Stars and the Blackness Between Them
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