Apolina Jerome (center) and classmates on an educational field trip to the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford
When Apolina Jerome came to Hartford with her family from Tanzania in 2016 she didn’t speak English at all. Just a few years later, she found herself on the Dean’s List at Capital Community College.
One of the factors in Apolina’s success was the commitment of one of Hartford Public Library’s volunteers, Carolyn Dorais.
With funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services and the Nutmeg Foundation and the help of volunteers like Carolyn The American Place offers English classes and tutoring sessions to help give students like Apolina the extra support they need to be successful.
Check out a Wi-Fi hotspot with your library card. The loan period is three months and you must be 18 or older to borrow.
Make an appointment to learn more about borrowing the hotspot by calling 860-695-6300.
Black History Month Book and Movie Suggestions
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
An American Marriage is a masterpiece of storytelling, an intimate look deep into the souls of people who must reckon with the past while moving forward—with hope and pain—into the future.
When We Were Kings
A documentary of the 1974 heavyweight championship bout in Zaire, "The Rumble in the Jungle," between champion George Foreman and underdog challenger Muhammad Ali.
The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath
Written By Julia Finley Mosca and illustrated by Daniel Rieley
As a girl coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement, Patricia Bath made it her mission to become a doctor. When obstacles threatened this goal, she persevered―brightening the world with a game-changing treatment for blindness.
Like many people, Director of Public Services Marie Jarry was looking for ways to become more peaceful. So she put together the Namaste List, a collection of books on mindfulness.
"I started meditating and learning more about mindfulness about a year and a half ago. These books really helped me understand meditation and my own brain. I think we can all use some self-compassion and calm in our lives right now so I put this list together in hopes someone out there might find a title useful in their life."
Up Next on Baby Grand Jazz 2021: Medusa and the John Kordelewski Trio on February 14
Jazz is in the air this Valentine's Day with a special afternoon of not one, but TWO Baby Grand Jazz performances. Catch Medusa from 1:00-2:00pm for a smooth mix of jazz and rhythm tap dancing, and then tune in again for the John Kordalewski Trio from 4:00-5:00pm to take you all over the jazz spectrum including the sounds of South Africa and West Africa.
Check out them out Sunday, February 14 on Facebook andYouTube.
Looking for a great new book to read? We've added recommendations to our HPL App.
Just open it up and find lists of books recommended by our librarians.
You can also browse our collection, check out e-books, reserve museum passes, manage your loans and more. And now the app is available in Spanish, Polish, Chinese, French, and Portuguese.
Jornay is a professional cuddler who learns that her new client Ruben needs more than her touch. Through Ruben, Jornay also learns that she must do what she can to repair her relationship with Tiffany, her 17-year-old daughter. Talkin’ to This Chick Sippin’ Magic Potion explores love, resentment and the journey to becoming the best version of oneself.
