Our 2022 annual report is here!

Last year was one for the books for Hartford Public Library! We opened new branches, returned to a robust schedule of in-person programming and strengthened our role as a community anchor for the City of Hartford.

Read all about our year of transformation and growth HERE.

Why yes, I would like to read a mystery thank you.

The Silent Patient

Alex Michaelides

New York Times Bestseller

A shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband — and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive.



"Impressive first novel ... with an ending worthy of a classic Agatha Christie mystery." — The Wall Street Journal

"Impressive debut ... The Silent Patient is intelligent, imaginative and a terrific read." — The Times (London), Book of the Month

Arsenic and Adobo

Mia P. Manansala

Crime Reads' Most Anticipated Crime Books of 2021

BookRiot's Most Anticipated Books of 2021

The first in a series that is full of amazing food, humor and mystery.

"A tale full of eccentric characters, humorous situations and an oh-so-tricky mystery. " — The Washington Post

"A delightfully decadent whodunit." — Woman's World

Celebrating Native American history

Robin Pease, a Mohawk descendant, comes to the library to take you on a journey through Native American culture with stories, songs and dance.

Thursday October 27th

4:45-5:30 pm              

Dwight Library

7 New Park Ave.                        

Saturday, October 29

2-2:45 pm

Downtown Library

500 Main St.

More Native American cultural programs:

Walker Between Worlds

Wednesday, October 26th

10:30-11:15 am

Barbour Library

261 Barbour St.

Pictographs 

Saturday October 29

3-3:45 pm

Downtown Library

500 Main St.

🎃 Pumpkin carving contest and trunk or treat! 🎃 

Come and show off your pumpkin carving

skills! Fun prize for the winner.

Wednesday, October 26th

3-5 pm

Dwight Branch

7 New Park Ave.

Register today!

Looking for more Halloween fun?

Thursday, October 27th:                        

Mask making

4:30-5:30 pm

Camp Field Library

30 Campfield Ave.

Ages 6 and up

Monster mash

4:30-5:30 pm

Downtown Library

500 Main St.

Ages 6-12

Don't miss our Keney Halloweeny trunk or treat! 

Monday, October 31st:

Keney Halloweeny Trunk or Treat

4-5:30 pm

Keney Park Pond House

323 Edgewood St.

Enjoy music, free books, costumes and CANDY.

(We're still looking for volunteers: please sign up HERE.)

Women empowering women 

October is Domestic Awareness month. We were proud to partner with the Hispanic Health Council on the recent #PurpleThursday walk spreading awareness on an important topic. Find resources and learn more HERE.

Wishing you and yours a bright and joyful Diwali!

Join us next month to celebrate this special holiday with a fun-filled afternoon of Indian culture, food, music and dance to celebrate the spirit of Deepavali.

Diwali Community Festival

Saturday, November 19th

12:30-4:30 pm

Downtown Library

500 Main St.

Connecticut Foodshare visit on Thursday

Apolina Jerome is a refugee from Tanzania. During her high school years she was an active participant in after-school English classes at Hartford Public Library. She is now a student at Capital Community College, where she is on the dean’s list and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Apolina was recently featured by the Aurora Foundation for Women and Girls at its Luminary Cocktails for Community Event. Congratulations Apolina! 

Attention Hartford Residents:

The Hartford City Council approved numerous proposed changes recommended by the city’s Charter Revision Committee in a process to overhaul the document that outlines how Hartford city government operates. Now voters will have the final say.

Find more details on the proposed changes HERE.

Beyond Words celebrates the creative expression that happens at all locations of HPL every day. Please mark the date on your calendar today so you don’t miss it: Thursday, December 8th from 6-8 pm at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.

For more information or to register click HERE.

“You become increasingly comfortable with madness — and not just the madness of others, but your own. We’re all crazy, I believe, just in different ways.”

― Alex Michaelides, The Silent Patient