In a year when truth was routinely stranger than fiction, Hartford Public Library customers sought a wide array of stories, often seeking escape, but also looking for inspiration and a way to understand the world around them.

We are excited to share with you the titles that were most popular in Hartford in 2020. 
MOST CHECKED OUT ADULT BOOKS OF 2020

HPL customers reveled in Michelle Obama's life story, chronicling her personal quest to be the best person she can be.


Other popular titles include: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, A Time For Mercy by John Grisham, and Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkinson
MOST CHECKED OUT TEEN BOOKS OF 2020
  1. Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto

The international phenomenon about the best ninja in the world was a hit with teens in Hartford.


Other popular titles include: Black Bird by Kanoko Sakurakoji
MOST CHECKED OUT CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF 2020
Dog Man: Unleashed by Dav Pilkey

Pilkey's charming series about the importance of being true to one self resonated with kids in 2020.


Other popular titles include Pug by Ethan Long and Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus by Mo Willems.
Baby Grand Jazz 2021 Kicks Off January 3
The Ken Serio Jazz Trio brings their unique sound to the 2021 Baby Grand Jazz series.

The first virtual concert of the series will take place on Sunday, January 3 at 3 pm on Facebook and YouTube.

The band prides itself on playing jazz for every listener, from traditional to fusion, with passionate excellence.
Hartford Public Library will be holding a winter coat giveaway on Thursday, January 7.

The giveaway will take place at Barbour Library, 261 Barbour Street, from 2:30 to 3:30 pm.
Coats will be distributed on a first-come, first served basis. Limit one coat per individual. The coats were donated by Button Up Connecticut, a non-profit organization whose mission is to collect gently used winter coats and distribute them to residents in need all throughout Connecticut.

The Library on Wheels will also be on hand to distribute free books, new youth books, and craft supply bags.
After immigrating to the United States Kalkidan (Kelly) Asefa found a support network at Hartford Public Library’s The American Place. Surrounded by students going through the same experience and a committed team of library staffers, Asefa was able to graduate top of her class and attend Trinity College.

Please support The American Place and all HPL programs! Consider giving to Beyond Words 2020 today!

To enjoy this year's Beyond Words documentary, please watch here.
January Program Calendars
"I was made for the library, not the classroom. The classroom was a jail of other people’s interest. The library was open, unending, free."
—Ta-Nehisi Coates