Thanks to Cigna’s donation of 500 boxes of unperishable food, Hartford Public Library is able to nourish the body as well as the mind.

The first big distribution of food took place this past week. Park Library manager Graciela Rivera coordinated the donation of 150 boxes of prepackaged food to La Bodeguita de la Gente, which was delivered on Tuesday, October 13. It took two trips with a full pickup truck to bring the food to the organization’s storefront, located almost directly between the current and the future Park Libraries.

Cigna’s food boxes – filled with staples like pasta, beans, oatmeal, and much more – helped address some issues of food insecurity. “When we heard that Cigna had donated boxes of food and was looking for us to partner with different organizations to distribute the boxes, I knew (La Bodeguita) was perfect,” Rivera said.

Food boxes will also be distributed at the Arch Street entrance of the Downtown Library on Tuesday 10/27 from 2-4 pm and Thursday 10/22 and 10/29 10 am-12 pm.

In an effort to provide information about health and wellness, and opportunities offered by local health organizations, Hartford Public Library’s Barbour branch will be convening a public health fair.

The event will take place on Tuesday, October 27 from 12 to 3 pm at Unity Plaza, 261 Barbour Street.

The neighborhood surrounding the Barbour Library wrestles with serious health concerns, including food scarcity, diabetes, obesity, and mental health issues. “In the North End and Northeastern parts of Hartford health is a big issue,” said Irene Blean, Barbour Library manager. “It’s my goal to help people become more educated in terms of their health.”

Sullivan and her family
Hartford Public Library takes a moment to thank and celebrate Gerri Sullivan, who retired from the board in early October. Sullivan joined the board in 2002. She served until 2013, including terms as president of the board and as the chair of the strategic planning committee. Sullivan returned to the board in 2015.

“Gerri has a quick smile and laugh, but can be serious and tough when there is a challenge or problem to solve. She is a loyal friend to the staff and HPL in general,” said Bridget Quinn-Carey, HPL president and CEO.

Sullivan was an integral member of the Board during key times – renovating the Downtown Library, advocating for a new Park Street Library and for a new North Hartford branch. She and her husband Tim support the Library not only financially, but with their presence – they regularly attend public programming events and staff celebrations. Sullivan has helped with the Corporators, Beyond Words events, Caroline Hewins Award and many other projects. 

YOUMedia is Back!
YOUmedia is now open with a limited capacity, offering in person workshops in four areas including Extended Reality, Graphic Design, Gaming & Streaming, and Audio Production. All in person programming takes place Monday through Thursday from 3 pm to 6 pm.

Click here for information on our in-house programming and for the programs that we'll be offering at Hartford High School and/or virtually, such as Toivo, New England Science & Sailing, and more! YOUMedia's virtual programs take place Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 pm.
Our free online homework tutoring for students from kindergarten through 12th grade is a big hit!

It’s called “Brainfuse: Help Now” and offers live online tutoring every day from 2:00 PM to 11:00 p.m. To login in, you need your library card number and a PIN, which is the last four digits of your library card.

HelpNow's features include:
  • Homework Help Interact with live tutors in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP and state standardized tests.
  • Skills-Building Choose your topic to receive real-time help.
  • Personalized eLearning Tools My File Sharing, My Session Replay, My Tutoring Archive, My Tests Archive, and more!
  • 24-Hour Writing Lab Submit essays and other forms of writing for constructive feedback.
  • Homework Send Question Submit homework questions for expert guidance.
  • Adult Learning Center Access a library of rich adult learning content (GED) and live, professional assistance in resume/cover letter writing, U.S. citizenship prep, MS Office Essential Skills Series, and more!
  • Foreign Language Lab /Spanish-Speaking Support

The 2020 Election is coming and everyone who is eligible should register to vote!

HPL offers a complete guide with all the information you need to register and to know your voter rights.

October Adult and Youth Program Calendars
Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life.

- Sidney Sheldon