From Dreams to Reality:

Empowering Future Generations

Join us as we celebrate youth leadership and education, key components of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. This event will feature a panel discussion, readings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s works, a performance by Bloomfield High School's gospel choir, and connections with local community organizations.

The Hartford History Center at HPL has prepared a display of clippings and images from The Hartford Times newspaper for the public to enjoy that highlights Dr. King’s five official visits to Hartford.

Tuesday, January 14 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture

500 Main Street

Fresh Reads for the New Year

Troubled Waters

Mary Annaïse Heglar

“Weaving together generational trauma, untold stories of the civil rights movement, and an exploration of the impacts of environmental trauma and climate change, Heglar packs a wallop in this lyrical, powerful story of Black women, family love, endurance, and the power of place."

—Library Journal

"An absorbing story of a young woman's journey towards an act of redemptive protest."

—International bestselling author, Amitav Ghosh

Find it HERE in our catalog

Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes Our World

Sara C. Bronin

"... In Key to the City, Sara C. Bronin argues that the solution is not to abolish zoning but to reimagine it, showing us how we can rewrite our zoning codes in the hope of using them to bring about the civilized cities that we deserve."

—Paul Goldberger, American author

"An ardent and articulate argument for expansive regulation of urban development."

—Kirkus Reviews

Find it HERE in our catalog

This Sunday at Baby Grand Jazz: MNM Trio

The trio you've been waiting for! The MNM Trio released their latest album, Grata, in June of 2024. Since then, they've graced stages at the Side Door Jazz Club, The Red Door Jazz series, and the Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz series.

Catch their performance and experience the magic of MNM Trio live at Baby Grand Jazz.

Sunday, January 12 | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (doors open at 2:00 p.m.)

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture

500 Main Street

Baby Grand Jazz performances are free to the public. Can’t join us in person? Shows will be live-streamed on HPL’s YouTube and Facebook.

Thanks to our 2025 presenting sponsor, The Kaman Foundation, for its continuing support and longtime partners, The Hartford Jazz Society and WWUH 91.3 FM. 

Volunteer at HPL

HPL's The American Place is currently seeking volunteer tutors for its after-school Next Steps program. This program aims to provide academic support to high school seniors with limited English proficiency, assisting them in their preparation for college and their adjustment to a new cultural environment.

Tutors are needed Monday - Thursday, between 3:00 and 5:30 p.m. If interested, please fill out the online form.

Wellness Wednesdays

Take a midweek pause to focus on your well-being! Join us every Wednesday in January for mindful activities, gentle exercises, and more. Everyone is welcome to join.

Wednesdays in January | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Ends Wednesday, January 29)

Downtown Library

Atrium

500 Main Street

A Place Like No Other

HPL offers engaging, educational, and fun programming for all ages.

Check out our full programming calendar HERE

Check out our Family Programming calendar!

Check out our Adult Programming calendar!

Check out our Youth & Teen Programming calendar!

"I’ll risk jail, I’ll risk prison, because the other option is the end of everything. The other option is they get to take my brother, and I can’t do nothing.”



―Mary Annaïse Heglar, Troubled Waters

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