Digitally Invisible

Dr. Nicol Turner-Lee, Director of the Brookings AI Equity Lab and Center for Technology Innovation and Author of Digitally Invisible, will join us on Digital Learning Day to reveal how the global digital divide is affecting our community and the world and how closing the gap will increase America’s competitiveness on a global stage.

The event will feature a discussion and book signing of Digitally Invisible.

Thursday, February 13 | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture

500 Main Street

Registration is required.

Celebrating Love

Funny Story

Emily Henry

Named a Must-Read Book of 2024 by TIME | NPR | ELLE | Parade | Woman’s World 

“This opposites-attract meets fake-dating plot has vividly drawn characters, emotionally charged storylines, and a beautiful small-town Michigan setting that will captivate devoted followers of Henry’s work and convert new readers into ardent fans.”

—Library Journal

"This book pulls out all of Henry’s signature stops: sparkling banter, thoughtfully rendered family trauma and a charming community of side characters.”

—The New York Times

Find it HERE in our catalog

This Could Be Us

Kennedy Ryan

An instant New York Times and USA Today bestseller, featured on The Today Show and CBS Mornings.

“Heart-searing, sensual, and life-affirming.” 

—Emily Henry, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

“Readers will be most gratified to see Soledad figure out how to turn her long-unpaid domestic labor into a lucrative business by selling her baked goods and starting a farm-to-table pop-up experience. This sexy and mature romance is another hit for Ryan."

—Publishers Weekly

Find it HERE in our catalog

Hip Hop Night

Photo courtesy of Hartford Public Library's Hartford History Center. Three breakdancers on "Break - Pop" floor mural, by Frank Marchese 1984.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with the vibrant culture of Hip-Hop. Featuring talented Hip-Hop producers, dynamic emcees, captivating art, energetic dance performances and more.

Wednesday, February 12 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture

500 Main Street

This Sunday at Baby Grand Jazz:

Elan Mehler Trio

Elan Mehler has released 11 albums as a leader with musicians like Bill Frisell, Dave Douglas, Becca Stevens, Scott Robinson, Francisco Mela, and more. He has garnered stellar reviews from such publications as The New York Times, The Guardian, Jazz Times, and Downbeat. His latest solo piano record was released on Sunnyside Records, and garnered significant press. Elan has brought his projects to clubs and festivals worldwide, including Birdland, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and the North Sea Festival.

Tune in on Sunday!

Sunday, February 16 | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (doors open at 2:00 p.m.)

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture

500 Main Street

Baby Grand Jazz performances are free to the public. Can’t join us in person? Shows will be live-streamed on HPL’s YouTube and Facebook.

Thanks to our 2025 presenting sponsor, The Kaman Foundation, for its continuing support and longtime partners, The Hartford Jazz Society and WWUH 91.3 FM. 

Say It Loud, a Celebration of Black History Month

We've got your post-Valentine's Day covered. Come to the Library for a free concert celebrating Black History Month, themed Say It Loud: A Strings Celebration of Soul by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

Light refreshments will be served. Get here early to receive a single-stem flower.

Tuesday, February 18 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.)

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture

500 Main Street

Love is in the... films!

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a selection of films that capture the magic, beauty, and complexity of love. Kanopy’s collection offers everything from romantic comedies to powerful documentaries that showcase love in all forms. Access the collection for FREE with your library card.

A Place Like No Other

HPL offers engaging, educational, and fun programming for all ages.

Check out our full programming calendar HERE

Check out our Family Programming calendar!

Check out our Adult Programming calendar!

Check out our Youth & Teen Programming calendar!

“There aren’t enough sonnets for friendship. Not enough songs for the kind of love not born of blood or body but of time and care. They are the ones we choose to laugh and cry and live with. When lovers come and go, friends are the ones who remain. We are each other’s constants.”



― Kennedy Ryan, This Could Be Us

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