A few of the books Katherine Trouern-Trend read to children at a Zoom story hour.
One of the hardest things for everyone at Hartford Public Library to deal with during the Covid-19 crisis is the lack of contact with customers.

Despite the difficulties, staff members are finding ways to be responsive and to continue providing service.

One staff members goes the extra mile to help a customer with a need. Another deepens an important relationship.

These are just two stories (of many) showing HPL staff members who extend the library beyond its walls into the community.

You can check out our virtual programming on our Facebook page, YouTube channel, and on our Instagram account!
On Mondays and Thursdays, we'll have story time. On Wednesdays, we'll have a story in Spanish. Tuesdays and Fridays we'll have crafts and other educational activities.
Recycled Art
with Sarah Schniederman
Turn "trash" into art with recycled everyday materials.
Found Percussion with Bob Bloom
Make and play percussion instruments with commonly found items around the house
Artist Colin McMullan has a simple description of what his art entails, even though it encompasses many forms of expression.

“I make art in public spaces, and I do work that considers the moment in time and the world that I live in,” McMullan said.

Colin recently presented a workshop on harvesting maple syrup on Facebook , YouTube , and Instagram . 

This week Julie Styles, manager of public services at the Downtown Library, goes simple with Quick Asian Fishcakes from 5 Ingredients: Quick & Easy Food by Jamie Oliver.

We want to remind you that there is an easy and free way to access all of Hartford Public Library's online resources: the Hartford Public Library app.

  • Conveniently search the library's catalog for books, music, movies, and more.
  • Instantly place holds on materials to pick up at a later time
  • Easily visit your library account to renew your materials
  • Immediately connect to all of the latest events at HPL!

This week, we are rolling out the app in multiple languages: Spanish, Polish, Chinese, French, and Portuguese. 

The app is available on Android and Apple devices.
One of Hartford Public Library's more popular children's programs is Paws to Read, an opportunity for kids to practice reading to a therapy dog.

We are sad to say that Sara Jane (pictured on the left), one of our first Paws to Read dogs, passed away recently. Although she had a rough start to her life, she was rescued and soon her healing transformed her into an amazing therapy dog. She spent many Saturdays encouraging young readers in our Children's Department and supporting our teens' creative work in the YouMedia Lab over her years of service. 

Often times with sadness comes an opportunity for growth and learning. Lina Osho-Williams, youth and family services manager, has assembled a virtual Caring Library of children's books about loss. All books are available with an HPL library card on  Axis 360 .

“ Me, poor man, my library was dukedom large enough.”- William Shakespeare