Caroline M. Hewins Scholarship Fund applications open July 1
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.

It provides an annual $4,000 scholarship to an individual who plans to specialize in library work with children.

“I really look forward to working in a public library and being part of a positive, altruistic, inquisitive community eager to improve knowledge accessibility. It truly takes a team and a village to be able to serve all your patrons equitably regardless of socioeconomic status.” — 2021 winner Julia Conversano


Learn more and apply HERE.
Blast off on your Summer Learning adventure
Hartford Summer Space Mission!

Stay with us all summer long for reading challenges, STEM activities, raffle prizes and so much more!

This week's branch kickoffs include:

Camp Field Library
30 Campfield Ave.
Friday, July 1, 2 p.m.

Check out the full schedule of programming HERE.
The Lost Tribe:
Featured artist on The Beat
The Lost Tribe is a drum-centered Afro-funk fusion ensemble, led by multipercussionist Jocelyn Pleasant. They are so much fun to witness live and now you can experience their music through The Beat, HPL's new digital music platform.


Check out The Lost Tribe's music and more HERE.

P.S. If you’re a local artist you can get paid to let us share your music on The Beat. We are accepting submissions now through July 5. Join other talented artists including: The Lost Tribe, Ghazi Omair, Black Phonze and Lee Mixashawn Rozie.

Ahh... the joy of summer reading
Jess Walter
New York Times Bestseller


A love story set in Italy that spans decades in our opinion is a perfect summer escape book.

“A beautiful narrative. ... This writer is a genius of the modern American moment.” — Philadelphia Inquirer

“A literary miracle.” — Maureen Corrigan, NPR's Fresh Air
AkWaeke Emezi
Most Anticipated Book of 2022 —
Washington Post

A beautifully written love story about love, grief, friendship and hope.

"A deeply heartfelt romance novel ... a love letter to the brave choices we make in the name of love, the costs we pay for it, and the glory of the reward at the end." — Marie Claire
Summer blockbusters!

Duuuunnnn dun… duuunnnnnnnn dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dunnnnnnnnnnn dunnnn.

"We're gonna need a bigger boat."
How much fun will it be to watch this movie again?!

Check out the classic trailer HERE.

And watch this movie and more with your library card on Kanopy.
Summer classics!

Check out some of the fun summer playlists Freegal put together. There are classic summer happy tunes and soundtracks from some of your favorite blockbusters.

They are the perfect backdrop to any summer BBQ, party or day at the beach

Stream some great memories and countless other songs at Freegal, with just your library card.
Help support HPL's long-term future
Through June 30, the Zachs Family Foundation has generously agreed to match donations to HPL of between $250 and $10,000 through its new Endow Hartford 21 program. The 1:2 match means a $1,000 donation will yield an additional $500 for HPL in an endowment fund to support our mission.

Learn more HERE and make your contribution HERE.

(Reminder: the Endow Hartford 21 match ends on Thursday, June 30.
We're having too much fun
Many thanks to Lady Carri Trimmer McCoy of JADHA Foundation & Family Ministries who spent they day with us teaching Double Dutch at the Downtown Library.

Hartford once dominated the world (yes you read that right) in Double Dutch and Carrie is committed to bring the sport back to our city!
Jobs, jabs, tests and masks
Join our team!

Make a difference in our community while building your career.

Join an excellent group of colleagues and help us grow our collections, provide much-needed services for our neighbors and strengthen and celebrate our diverse community.

We've got openings in multiple departments.

Learn more about our current employment opportunities HERE.
FREE COVID-19 vaccines and supplies

Need your COVID-19 booster shot, at-home test kit or a high-quality mask? We've got you covered.

This week's vaccine clinic:

Thursday, June 30
Albany Library
1250 Albany Ave.
2-5 p.m.
All ages welcome.

Tests and mask are available at all library locations, just ask at the library front desk during regular business hours. (Proof of Hartford residency required).
All library locations will be closed Monday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day
“And even if they don't find what they're looking for, isn't it enough to be out walking together in the sunlight?” ― Jess Walter, Beautiful Ruins