New Year. New Milestone. New Logo.

Hartford Public Library is turning 250! 

We're kicking off a milestone year of festivities and reflections on the incredible history of this beloved place like no other. Check out what we got going on this week:

New brand and logo launch! (including a 250th-year edition)

Wednesday, January 3, 11:30 a.m.

Downtown Library - Center for Contemporary Culture

(Please enter through the Arch Street entrance)

HPL 250 Birthday Party

Friday, January 5, 2:30 - 4 p.m.

Albany Branch

We're taking our birthday celebration to all our neighborhood branches. We’ll have cake, activities, storytelling, face painting and so much more. Did we mention cake?

HPL Weekly Book Recommendations:

Check out what we're reading

Starting the year of with the laugh

You Can't Touch My Hair

Phoebe Robinson

New York Times Bestseller

A hilarious (seriously, you will LOL) and timely essay collection about race, gender, and pop culture from comedy superstar and 2 Dope Queens podcaster Phoebe Robinson.

"…a promising debut by a talented, genuinely funny writer.” —Publishers Weekly

"Honest, touching, laugh-out-loud funny.” —Kevin Bacon, actor and musician

My Sister, the Serial Killer

Oyinkan Braithwaite

Booker Prize Nominee

You will fly through the pages of this rapidly paced dark comedy that tells the story of two sisters, one who is a killer and the other who is protecting her.

"It’s the wittiest and most fun murder party you’ve ever been invited to.”

—Marie Clare

"...a bombshell of a book—sharp, explosive, hilarious." —The New York Times Book Review

Berkins on Main Now Open!

Stop by for coffee, tea, or lunch (try a delicious scone too) and say hello!

Berkins on Main

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

Wednesday, January 17, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Downtown Location

Nat Reeves and Friends 

Kicks off the 20th Season of Baby Grand Jazz

This Sunday!

Nat Reeves and Friends

January 7, 3 p.m.

Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC) at the Downtown Library

We're celebrating the 20th season of Baby Grand Jazz with the support of a generous three-year sponsorship from The Kaman Foundation. Our free series features accomplished jazz musicians and bands from around the region. 

For more than 40 years, Nat Reeves has been one of the top bassists in jazz. His supportive and stimulating playing has uplifted a countless number of sessions and recording dates (most notably with the great altoists Jackie McLean and Kenny Garrett) and he has led his own recordings State of Emergency and Blue Ridge. Both as a performer and an educator, he has made a strong impact on the jazz world.

Learn more about the entire series HERE

A Place Like No Other

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

Check out our calendar of programming HERE and head to your favorite branch!

Check out some of our upcoming programming:

Senior Fitness

Thursday, January 4, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Dwight Branch - For Older Adults

Learn how to stretch and work out safely, with a certified trainer.

Register HERE

Play-Dough Sensory Story Time

Friday, January 5, 11 - 11:30 a.m.

Barbour Branch - Ages 3-5

Join Ms. Fe for play-dough and stories!

Sleep Harmony: Weight, Wellness & DIY Relaxation

Saturday, January 6, 1 - 2 p.m.

Albany Branch - For Adults

Workshop on weight management, chronic illness, and crafting relaxation with DIY Sleep-Enhancing Shower Steamers.

Register HERE

“Nope. You can’t touch my hair. Even if my hair catches on fire, do not come to my rescue; just let me do a Michael Jackson spin move to put the blaze out.” ―Phoebe Robinson, You Can't Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain