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We had ourselves a party.
We celebrated our 250th anniversary last weekend and it was a party to remember! Big thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate this milestone with us.
Special thank you to our speakers: Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, Jeffrey N. Brown, CEO of Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Christina Bleyer, Director of Special Collections and Archives, Watkinson Library, Trinity College, Robert Kret, CEO, Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, and to David Barrett, Hartford Public Library Board Chair.
A heartfelt thank you to Louise Blalock, Former HPL Chief Librarian and to Matthew Poland, former HPL CEO.
Reflecting on 250 years of serving as a beacon of culture, education, and community connection fills us with pride. We're honored to be a part of your lives and excited for the future chapters we will write together.
P.S. Thank you to Hartford Film Company for capturing the spirit of HPL so beautifully in this video.
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HPL Weekly Book Recommendations:
Check out what we're reading
We're celebrating Black History Month.
This week is for our YA Friends
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How to Live Without You
Sarah Everett
A heart-wrenching coming-of-age story about sisters, family, grief, and second chances.
“A riveting, thought-provoking read.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Comprising equal parts mystery and tender coming-of-age story.” —School Library Journal
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I Rise
Marie Arnold
A powerful and engaging story about systematic racism and a strong and determined young woman.
"Smart and funny and full of heart. "
—Kwame Alexander, New York Times best-selling author
"A powerful read for justice-minded teens." —ALA Booklist
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Happening tonight!
James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket
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Photo by Dmitri Kasterine | |
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Film Screening and Centennial Kickoff with Shawn Salvant
Tuesday, February 27, 6 - 8 p.m.
Downtown Library
James Baldwin tells his own story in this emotional portrait. Using rarely-seen archival footage, the film melds intimate interviews and eloquent public speeches with glimpses of Baldwin and original scenes from his extraordinary funeral service in December 1987. His close friends and colleagues — even critics — illuminate the narrative, among them Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka.
Check out a preview of this extraordinary film HERE
Immediately following the film, a discussion will be facilitated by Shawn Salvant.
Shawn Salvant is an Associate Professor of English and Africana Studies at the University of Connecticut. His first book Blood Work: Imagining Race in American Literature was published in 2015. Professor Salvant’s areas of teaching and research include: nineteenth-century African American literature, Reconstruction and post-Reconstruction African American literature, and racial science and American literature. He received his B.A. in English from Duke University and his Ph.D. in English from the University of California, Berkeley.
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Baby Grand Jazz
Thread City Jazz Trio performs this Sunday
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March 3
Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC) at the Downtown Library
2 p.m., Doors open to the public (Please come through the Arch Street entrance)
3 p.m., Concert
Thread City Jazz Trio started playing together in 2014; their first CD was released in January, 2023, and another is planned for 2024. Pianist Anthony Cornicello is a Professor of Music at Eastern Connecticut State University. Rick O'Neal plays bass for a few regional bands, including Delta Generators and Straight Up Jazz. He studied music at Eastern Connecticut State University, where he now works, as well as at the Pomfret School, and the Complex Center for the Arts. Percussionist Matthew Bronson studied music education from Western Connecticut State University and holds a Masters of Music from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He is an adjunct Professor at Eastern.
Get a preview of their sound HERE
Anthony Cornicello, piano
Rick O'Neal, bass
Matt Bronson, drums
Learn more our about entire line up of concerts HERE
We're celebrating the 20th season of Baby Grand Jazz with the support of a generous three-year sponsorship from The Kaman Foundation. Our free series features accomplished jazz musicians and bands from around the region.
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Thank you for celebrating Black History Month with us | |
Come on by our Park Street Branch and check out this stunning window display put together in celebration of Black History Month. | |
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We loved sharing programing all month long that honors and celebrates the rich cultural heritage and triumphs of Black people and communities.
Black History Bingo
Wednesday, February 28, 4 - 5 p.m.
Dwight Branch - Ages 6-12
Learn about Black history and have fun at the same time.
Black History Month: Family Storytime
Thursday, February 29, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
South Church - 277 Main Street
Ages 5 and under with parents/caregivers. Stories, activities, music & movement.
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Book Talk with HPL's President and CEO Bridget Quinn | |
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Join HPL President and CEO, Bridget Quinn and The Mark Twain House & Museum for a book talk with local author Carola Lovering.
Told in alternating perspectives in Lovering’s signature suspenseful style, Bye, Baby confronts the myriad ways friendships change and evolve over time, the lingering echoes of childhood trauma, and the impact of women’s choices on their lifelong relationships.
Thursday, March 7, 7 p.m.
The Mark Twain House & Museum
More information and registration HERE
Carola Lovering is the bestselling author of the novels Tell Me Lies, Too Good to Be True, and Can’t Look Away. Her novel Tell Me Lies is now a television series for Hulu.
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Gather
A series of events that goes beyond the music and explores themes of migration, history, women's representation in jazz, and more.
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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!
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Check out some of our upcoming programming:
RSCO Application Assistance and Family Game Night
Wednesday, February 28, 12 - 5 p.m.
Camp Field Branch
Get information about and assistance with the Greater Hartford Regional School Choice Application while having fun playing board games with your family.
ESL Classes
Saturday, March 2, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Downtown Library - Classroom 141
English classes for adult speakers of other languages
Weekend Playgroup
Saturday, March 2, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Albany Branch - Ages 0-5 (siblings welcome)
Games and activities for young children
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"My mother is a Maya Angelou poem. She’s all pride and all grace; sometimes, I swear she doesn’t actually walk, she glides. And God help you if you come into the room after her. No one remembers you were ever there." —I Rise, Marie Arnold
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