Caroline M. Hewins: First Lady of the Library

Hartford Public Library's 250th Anniversary publication is now on sale. Purchase your copy online or visit us in person.

Honoring Black History Month

Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People

Imani Perry

NAMED A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK BY: Time, USA Today, People, AARP, Harper's Bazaar, Today.com, BookRiot, Bustle, LitHub, BookPage, and more.

“...impressionistic cultural history of the African diaspora through its connections to the color blue, from the Congo to Haiti, Jamaica, and the American South, in music, dance, folklore, art, and literature. As enslaved Black people in the U.S. fought to affirm their humanity, the color blue was key..."

—Booklist

"...finds shades of meaning — beautiful and ugly — in art, artifacts, music, fashion and more.

—New York Times

Find it HERE in our catalog

The Black Utopians: Searching for Paradise and the Promised Land in America

Aaron Roberston

One of The New York Times's 100 Notable Books of 2024 | One of the Washington Post's 50 Best Nonfiction Books of 2024 | A New York Public Library Top Ten Book of 2024 

“[An] extraordinary new work of history and memoir . . . Unforgettable."

—Gabriel Bump, The Washington Post

“...in Black utopian projects, as well as reflecting on his family’s “sacred” relationship with Promise Land, Robertson paints a vivid and beguiling picture of the indomitable human yearning for a safe and nurturing home. It’s a must-read."

—Publishers Weekly



Find it HERE in our catalog

Career Readiness Programs at The American Place (TAP)

CompTIA A+ Certifications

Do you or someone you know have a strong interest in IT? TAP offers FREE classes facilitated by an experienced technical support specialist. These classes are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge guaranteed to support your future endeavors.

• Classes held every Saturday | 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Accepting high school graduates ages 18-24
• Admission is contingent on a first come, first serve basis
• No experience is required

Learn more and apply HERE

West Middle School (please use the 927 Asylum Avenue entrance)

44 Niles Street

FREE GED MATH PREP

Mondays & Wednesdays| 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. (after 6:00 pm, please use Arch Street entrance)

Registration is required. Learn more and register HERE

Downtown Library

Classroom 141

500 Main Street

Mind, Body and Soul

Add more mindfulness to your Wednesday and Thursday afternoons! Join us every week for yoga sessions that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. Classes are designed to help you find your flow. Yoga mats are provided but limited on a first come, first serve basis. Registration is encouraged.

Starting Wednesday, February 5 | W: 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. & TH 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

Atrium

500 Main Street

This Sunday at Baby Grand Jazz:

Aja Moyé

Aja Moyé is a singer/songwriter from Hartford, whose journey spans intimate regional performances and world-class stages worldwide. She draws inspiration from the tapestry of everyday life, infusing her songs with the essence of human connection and shared existence. Her musical prowess is a testament to the rich influences that have shaped her, from classic R&B/Soul and the intricate artistry of traditional jazz.

Join her this Sunday!

Sunday, February 9 | 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. 

Domestic Violence Awareness

To raise awareness of domestic violence, Albany Library will be hosting an educational presentation with speakers from Interval House. The presentation will focus on educating, supporting, and building a sense of community in Hartford.

Saturday, February 8 | 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Albany Library

1250 Albany Avenue

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!

"Blue is the protection, that color that God gives to you so you have to see it. And it carries lots of meaning."



― Imani Perry, Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People

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