Library awarded grant to restore Hiram Percy Maxim films
The Hartford History Center was recently awarded a grant from the National Film Preservation Foundation for the restoration and digitization of a collection of films taken by radio pioneer, inventor and Hartford resident Hiram Percy Maxim in the early 20th century.

Learn more about this award and project HERE.

P.S. Fun fact: Hiram Percy Maxim invented the muffler!
Your back-to-school reading list
Steve Brusatte
Best Book of the Year:
Smithsonian, Science Friday and more

Rediscover your fascination with dinosaurs. Your 5-year-old self will thank you.

“A page-turner. ... Brusatte skillfully brings dead dino bones to life. ... The beauty of this book lies in the details, too, and in the stories of the scientists who dig them up.” — New York Times Book Review
Michael Pollan
New York Times bestseller

Combining history and science, this book digs deep into plants we use to alter our brains. It will get you thinking differently about your morning cup of joe.

“[A] wonderful and compelling read that will leave you thinking long after you set it down. ... Pollan is an astonishingly good writer." — Washington Post
One for the whole family!
We Don't Deserve Dogs

A powerful documentary about the unconditional love of dogs.

Stream this beautiful film HERE and many more for free with just your library card at Kanopy.

You can watch the trailer HERE.

"Dogs, who are in essence, better and purer than human beings. And with that, the documentary dives into the awe and appreciation we should have for these kind and gentle animals" — Hollywood Insider
Youth programming
Open mic talent show

Sing song, do a dance, tell some jokes and win a prize!

Tuesday, August 30th
3-5 pm
Albany Library
1250 Albany Ave.
Ages 6-12
Self care to start the school year

Create lavender eye patches. (They smell amazing!)

Monday, August 29th
11 am - 1 pm
Barbour Library
261 Barbour St.
Ages 5-19
How about one last adventure before school starts?
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

This museum celebrates beautiful and classic illustrations in children's books. Through our museum pass program a group of two adults and up to four children can go for free. Check out the list of museums that participate HERE. (Select a date on the calendar to see what passes are available for that day).

Learn more about the Eric Carle Museum HERE.
 Caroline M. Hewins Scholarship available
Applications accepted until September 1st
The Caroline M. Hewins Scholarship Fund was established in 1926 as a tribute to one of the great pioneers in American librarianship in special recognition of her creative work for children throughout the country. The scholarship is open to those who plan to specialize in library work with children.

Learn more and apply HERE.
Book signing for our award-winning young authors
Congratulations to our SINA 2022 REACH Book Author Contest winners!

Each one of these budding authors wrote and illustrated their own book inspired by the theme of Earth Day. All the books are in print and are available for borrowing at Hartford Public Library

Learn more about the contest winners and this partnership between HPL and SINA (Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance) HERE.

Above: The winners of the 2022 REACH Book Author Contest pose for a photo at the Park Street Library @ the Lyric on Thursday, August 18th, with Leticia Colon de Mejias, founder and CEO of Energy Efficiencies Solutions and the keynote speaker for the event.
Thank you Ms. Selina!
Ms. Selina from the Albany Library visited with Jumoke Academy pre-K students last week for a story time to get them excited about the start of the school year.
"Here’s what’s uniquely insidious about caffeine: the drug is not only a leading cause of our sleep deprivation; it is also the principal tool we rely on to remedy the problem. Most of the caffeine consumed today is being used to compensate for the lousy sleep that caffeine causes." — Michael Pollan, This is Your Mind on Plants