Weekly Updates from HPL

Which banned book should you read this week?

Your reading destiny is written in the stars . . . and occasionally challenged in court.

ARIES (MAR 21 – APR 19)

Bold and brave, you don’t shy away from controversy, perfect for diving into a once-banned classic. Fahrenheit 451 or The Hate U Give might just fuel your fire this month. Light it up (metaphorically, please).

TAURUS (APR 20 – MAY 20)

You're grounded and loyal to your comfort reads, but this month, take a risk. Cozy up with a title someone didn’t want you to read, like The Bluest Eye. It may challenge you, but you'll emerge even more rooted in your values.

GEMINI (MAY 21 – JUN 20)

Chatty and curious, you're the most likely to ask, “Why was this even banned?” (Great question!) Check out Looking for Alaska or Gender Queer, then tell everyone about it, twice.

CANCER (JUN 21 – JUL 22)

Tender-hearted Cancer, your emotional depth runs deep. Let it guide you to books that have been challenged for being too real. Let Speak or A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo find its way into your HPL tote bag.

LEO (JUL 23 – AUG 22)

You were born for bold covers and bold ideas. This is your time to read, loudly. Pick up The Handmaid’s Tale or Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, and don’t be afraid to post about it. You're not just reading, you’re making a statement.

VIRGO (AUG 23 – SEP 22)

Analytical and thoughtful, you’ll want to understand the why behind book challenges. Explore a title that caused a stir, then dive into the reasons behind it. Try Brave New World or Fun Home. Bonus points if you make a spreadsheet.

LIBRA (SEP 23 – OCT 22)

Fairness and justice are your guiding lights. Banned books are often about voices being silenced, something you can’t abide. This month, read something that was banned because it told the truth. All American Boys or The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian might call to you.

SCORPIO (OCT 23 – NOV 21)

Mysterious and intense, you’re drawn to books that stir strong emotions. Seek out stories that someone thought were too provocative, too honest, too something. Try Beloved or Go Ask Alice. You’re not afraid of the shadows.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 – DEC 21)

You’re an explorer at heart, geographically and intellectually. Let banned books be your map to new perspectives. Read Persepolis or The Kite Runner and expand your world without leaving your library card behind.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22 – JAN 19)

Practical and ambitious, you understand the power of information and the danger of trying to erase it. This month, pick up 1984 or Slaughterhouse-Five , and remind yourself why freedom of expression matters. (Spoiler: you already know.)

AQUARIUS (JAN 20 – FEB 18)

Visionary and rebellious, you were made for Banned Books Month. You believe in challenging systems and elevating voices. Grab This Book Is Gay or The 1619 Project, then spark conversations that matter.

PISCES (FEB 19 – MAR 20)

Dreamy Pisces, your soul thrives on empathy and emotion. Banned books often reveal hard truths, and you’re ready to feel all of it. Anne Frank’s Diary or I Am Jazz will leave you misty-eyed but inspired.

Celebrating Banned Books Week

Flamer

Mike Curato

Named one of Kirkus' Best Books of the 21st century | A Horn Book Fanfare Best Book | Lambda Literary Award

"This book will save lives"

—Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of National Book Award Finalist "Hey Kiddo"

"Emotional and raw, Curato’s story plummets Aiden deep into despair, including suicidal ideation, juxtaposing powerful moments of burning, fiery hope."

—Publishers Weekly

Find it HERE in our catalog

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

Jesse Andrews

Green Mountain Book Award | Best Fiction for Young Adults | Westchester Fiction Award

"Everyone should read this book. Whether you’re a teenager or middle aged, boy or girl I truly believe that everyone will be entertained and moved by Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. I was. It’s the kind of book that sticks with you long after you have read it."

—The Guardian

"Though this novel begs inevitable thematic comparisons to John Green's The Fault in Our Stars, it stands on its own in inventiveness, humor and heart. "

—Kirkus Reviews

Find it HERE in our catalog

Always Free To Read

The American Library Association and Banned Books Week Coalition are pleased to announce the theme for Banned Books Week 2025, “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.” Banned Books Week is celebrated Sunday, October 5 – Saturday, October 11.

This year’s theme reminds us that the right to read belongs to all of us, that censorship has no place in contemporary society, and that we must defend our rights.

Check out the top 10 most challenged books of 2024 HERE.

Perfect for the spooky season!

Reserve your tickets to the World Premiere of Rope, a crime, a cover-up, a dinner party to die for. The show runs from Friday, October 10, to Sunday, November 2.

About the show:

Jeffrey Hatcher’s thrilling adaptation of Rope brings to life the gripping story behind Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic film. When two young men commit what they believe is the “perfect murder,” they test their nerves by hiding the body during a party for the victim’s closest friends. But as tension builds and secrets stir, the question becomes: how long can anyone keep up the charade?

Special thanks to this season's presenting sponsors, Stanley Black & Decker, Travelers, and The Hartford.

Reserve Your Tickets

Digital Filmmaking

Intro to Digital Film Making is expanding into a multi-workshop series taught by industry professionals, this week featuring, Mark Steven, who will discuss creating shot lists and shooting schedules, managing sets during filming, and more on Monday, October 13.

About Mark Sevens:

Mark C. Stevens is known for The Lovebirds, Project Power and The Expendables. Check out some of his work HERE.

Next session on Wednesday, October 15, will feature industry professional Richard Mall, on creative producing.

Registration is encouraged for all sessions. Stay tuned for upcoming sessions.

Monday, Oct. 13 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Classroom 140, Second Floor

500 Main Street

From the left are Kareem Weaver, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Fulcrum, Dr. Kondra Rattley, Deputy Superintendent of Hartford Public Schools, Jennifer Leeper, Connecticut State Representative, Kaitlyn Marinelli, Hartford Public High School Teacher, and Dr. Melissa Hickey, Director of Literacy Research and Reading Success.

Expert Panel Discussion

Join us in partnership with Read To Grow for an engaging panel discussion centered around The Right to Read. Facilitated by Suzannah Holsenbeck, Executive Director of Read to Grow, expert panelists will explore the documentary's events, impact on literacy legislation, and ongoing movement to ensure all children have the right to read.

Check out the trailer HERE.

Registration is encouraged.

Monday, Oct. 20 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture

500 Main Street