It's National Novel Writing Month

Are you ready to create your novel? We can help!

Create. Share. Discover.

Each year, on November 1st, hundreds of thousands of people begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand new novel.

With your HPL library card you'll have the resources available to write your great novel.

Learn how to join this worldwide movement HERE.

Speaking of the great novel...

Revisit a masterpiece

The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald

An exquisitely written book. Rediscover one of the great classics of 20th-century literature.



"More than an American classic; it’s become a defining document of the national psyche, a creation myth, the Rosetta Stone of the American dream." — The Guardian

To Kill A Mocking Bird

Harper Lee

One of the best loved novels of all time. We need more men like Atticus Finch in this world.

"A first novel of such rare excellence that it will no doubt make a great many readers slow down to relish more fully its simple distinction. ... A novel of strong contemporary national significance."  — Chicago Tribune

Sing. Dance. Juggle.

We know Hartford has talent – let’s find it and celebrate it! 

All ages are welcome to audition for Hartford’s Got Talent. Talents may include, but are not limited to: singing, dancing, instrumental music, skits, magic, comedy, martial arts or juggling. Those who advance are eligible for cash prizes and a chance to compete on stage at The Bushnell! Stop by one of three auditions this month at Hartford Public Library:

Drama/Spoken Word Auditions

November 5th, 12-4 pm

Downtown Library, Atrium

500 Main St.

Singer, Rappers, Groups Auditions

November 12th, 12-4 pm

Downtown Library, Center for Contemporary Culture

Dancers, Musicians & Unique Talents

November 19th, 12-4 pm

Downtown Library, Atrium

Register or learn more HERE.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor live!

At the next edition of The Connecticut Forum, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor will participate remotely in a conversation with journalist Soledad O'Brien, who will be on stage at The Bushnell. 

Tuesday, November 15th

7:30pm

The Bushnell

166 Capitol Ave.

*All attendees will receive a free copy of one of Justice Sotomayor's books

Free tickets available for HPL cardholders HERE.

Ballet Hartford

Thank you to everyone who came out last week for the opening of our Picturing the Pandemic exhibition in partnership with UConn. This innovative exhibition explores how people around the globe used images to tell their own pandemic stories — and to question and critique our changing world.

Exhibit open now through Dec. 16

Downtown Library

500 Main St.

You've got the power

Election Day is Tuesday, November 8th

Check your voter registration and look up your polling place HERE.

We're looking for you & we're looking out for you

Join our team!

We've got lots of job openings for all backgrounds.

Check out our many opportunities HERE.

COVID-19 vaccine clinic

Thursday, November 3rd

2-5:30pm

Albany Library

1250 Albany Ave.

Youths & adults

We've got The Beat!

The Lost Tribe was one of three performers at a concert at The Bushnell last week featuring musicians who are part of The Beat, our exclusive music streaming platform highlighting local artists. Check out a bit of their energizing set above!

You can learn more about The Beat HERE.

“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” ― Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird