Weekly Updates from HPL

Special Notice

Hartford Public Library's (HPL) Downtown Library is closed today, December 3, due to a sprinkler system issue. We plan to reopen tomorrow, December 4, at noon.

The classrooms and the Center for Contemporary Culture on the main floor, and UConn on the ground floor, remain open, with access available through the Arch Street Entrance.

Click HERE for hours and locations.

Audition for Hartford's Got Talent

A Joe Young production in partnership with HPL will host auditions for Hartford’s Got Talent at HPL’s Downtown Library. Walk-ins are welcome. Performers selected from a series of community-wide auditions will be chosen to go on to Hartford’s Got Talent! The live finale at the Bushnell will feature competing and performing in a multi-genre showcase celebrating local talent.

Saturday, Dec. 6 | 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC)

500 Main Street

December Finds

The Predicament

William Boyd

From the internationally bestselling author, a thrilling novel starring the travel writer-turned-reluctant spy Gabriel Dax, who finds himself implicated in a dangerous conspiracy with global consequences

"Full of wry humor, this is a compelling novel full of intrigue, romance, and, once again, plenty of alcohol."

—Booklist Online

"Readers will be charmed by Dax’s tendency to fail upward, and Boyd smoothly incorporates real history into his wildly entertaining plot. This is a treat."

—Publishers Weekly

Find it HERE in our catalog

Dominion

Addie E. Citchens

A Must-Read: People, NPR, Vulture, Literary Hub, The Millions, Garden & Gun, Goodreads

"This is an important novel that deftly tackles misogyny and hypocrisy. A stunning debut."

—Kirkus Reviews

"Readers will be stunned."

—Publishers Weekly

Find it HERE in our catalog

La Tertulia Holiday Party

A family-friendly event where you can create a holiday card, engage in sensory play with Cubs Learning Hub and enjoy a special presentation by the Hartford Stage at HPL’s Downtown Library. Light refreshments will be provided.

La Tertulia is a series co-hosted by Connecticut Public and HPL with support from Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and in collaboration with Cubs Learning Hub.

Registration is required.

Saturday, Dec. 6 | 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC)

500 Main Street

Festive Fun

Festival of Trees and Traditions Field Trip

Families and friends, get your Christmas-themed attire ready for a winter field trip! Meet us at The Wadsworth Atheneum for the Festival of Trees and Traditions. Ms. Nichole will be there, eager to greet you!

Registration is required, register HERE.

Saturday, Dec. 6 | 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

The Wadsworth Athenaeum

600 Main Street

Bright Nights

Experience the magic of the holidays at HPL's Park Street Library @ the Lyric from Tuesday, Dec. 9, through Thursday, Dec. 11, with three nights of twinkling lights, joyful songs, cozy stories, and festive fun for the whole family.

Programming is in partnership with Greater Hartford Regional School Choice Office.

Starting Tuesday, Dec. 9 - 11 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Park Street Library @ the Lyric

603 Park Street

iPad Contest

Download the new and improved HPL app for an opportunity to win an iPad. To be entered into the drawing, you must download and log into the app between now and Monday, Dec. 15.

Here's what you can do on the app:

Store your barcode: Keep it in the app or add to Google/Apple Wallet.
Browse the collection: Explore books, movies, music, and more!
Check out our events: See what’s happening at all HPL locations.
Access your account: Manage holds, renewals, and account information.

Enter HERE.

Did you download the HPL app?

Yes

Going to now!

Winter Dreams Tickets

Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s Winter Dreams is here and we are offering free tickets with your library card!

About:

Winter Dreams blends timeless beauty with bold reinvention. Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1, Winter Dreams, evokes a snow-covered landscape through lush melodies and rich orchestration, capturing the magic and nostalgia of the season. Curtis Stewart’s Seasons of Change reimagines Vivaldi’s Four Seasons through a contemporary lens, weaving improvisation, electronics, and recorded voices to explore climate change and humanity’s evolving connection to nature.

Tickets are now available. The show runs from Friday, Dec. 12, to Sunday, Dec. 14.

Reserve Your Tickets

Call for Artists!

Have you produced an EP or full-length album? Do you live and regularly perform in the Hartford region? The Beat is looking for the next group of artists to join the collection!

Submit your music today and join other Hartford artists on HPL's streaming platform. A paid, $250, opportunity for artists accepted into The Beat.

Submissions are open until December 31, 2025.

Learn More & Apply Here

Important Update: Boundless App Closing

The Boundless ebook app will shut down on December 15. Starting December 1, you won’t be able to check out new books or place holds on the Boundless ebook app —but any book borrowed before then can still be finished in the app.

What’s next?