Weekly Updates from HPL

Special Notice

All HPL locations will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, for Veterans Day. Locations will reopen with regularly scheduled hours on Wednesday, November 12.

For hours and locations, visit HERE.

From the left are Adam Giroux, Ande’Ja Johnson, Javaun Montford, and Matthew Pelletier.

Created to Create

Hartford Public Library (HPL) is excited to announce an opportunity for young artists in Hartford, in partnership with The 224 EcoSpace and Artists of Color Accelerate. Learn essential skills while also navigating personal exploration by using different mediums during the course.

Meet the instructors:

Adam Giroux is professionally trained in vocal performance and self-trained in vocal and instrumental music production. He is a singer and a member of a choir based in Hartford.

Ande’Ja Johnson believes we were all created to create. She finds that her spiritual practices have a heavy influence on the pieces that her heart, hands, and mind produce, influencing her to share peace with others.

Javaun Montford, professionally known as Khali, is a music producer, recording engineer, musician, and overall enjoyer of sound. Javaun is currently doing live sound for his church and working as an in-house engineer and producer.

Matthew Pelletier has a B.F.A from Pratt Institute and an M.A. in Art Education from Boston University. A professional artist of over 20 years who is known for hand drawings, custom murals, and digital art.

Registration is required. Sessions will be offered by age groups and are held on Thursdays through February 2026 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to attend all sessions.

Ages 12-17

Albany Library

1250 Albany Avenue

Starting Thursday, Nov. 20

Ages 21-26

Downtown Library

500 Main Street.

Starting Thursday, Nov. 13

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology

Shane Hawk

Shirley Jackson Award Nominee for Best Edited Anthology | National Bestseller 2024| Bram Stoker Award Nominee for Superior Achievement in an Anthology

"Never failed to surprise, delight, and shock."

—Nick Cutter, author of "The Troop and Little Heaven"

"A collection of Indigenous horror stories that offers something for every listener, from quietly unsettling tales to gruesome body horror. Don't miss it."

—Library Journal

Find it HERE in our catalog

Buffalo Dreamer

Violet Duncan

National Book Award Finalist

"Compelling yet heartbreaking—and essential reading for all young people."

—Kirkus Reviews

"A powerful addition to all middle grade library shelves highlighting a time in history that has been hidden and often forgotten in both Canada and the U.S."

—School Library Journal

Find it HERE in our catalog

Author Talk

Author Karmen Tartt will join us to read her viral sensation, Moodypuffs: My Super Mom Has Moody Days Too, illustrated by her children.

Attendees can engage in a Q&A session and will receive an autographed copy of the book. Check out Moodypuffs on YouTube!

Registration is encouraged.

Monday, Nov. 10 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Children's Department, Third Floor

500 Main Street

Digital Filmmaking

Intro to Digital Filmmaking continues through November! This session features Evan Newman, who will discuss the role of a production supervisor for film and television. Monday, November 10.

About Evan Newman:

Evan Newman is a Los Angeles based Screenwriter and Producer. Evan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Critical Studies from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. His main interest is in writing and producing films.

On Wednesday, November 12, will feature Preston Holmes.

About Preston Holmes:

Preston Holmes is an industry veteran with over 40 years of experience in feature films, television movies and documentaries. His production experience runs the gamut from studio features to lower-budgeted independent productions. Learn more about Preston HERE.

Registration is required.

Monday, Nov. 10 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Classroom 139

500 Main Street

From Page to Plate: A Cookbook Club

Do you enjoy looking through cookbooks, trying new recipes and talking about them with your friends? If so, please join us as we explore the cookbook, Half Baked Harvest: Quick & Cozy by Tieghan Gerard. We will be making maple banana pudding for you to take home.

Registration is required.

Friday, Nov. 14 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Albany Library

1250 Albany Avenue

Fall Themed Cooking Demos

Can't make the cookbook club? Don't worry! Shoprite will be hosting cooking demonstrations at the Library. Learn practical tips for cooking and eating healthy, watch as tasty dishes are prepared, and enjoy samples.

Friday, Nov. 7 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Barbour Library

261 Barbour Street

Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Ropkins Library

1750 Main Street

Let's Get Crafty

Get into the holiday spirit with a hands-on sewing workshop. Attendees will learn simple hand-stitching techniques that will create the perfect felt ornaments. No experience necessary.

Registration is required.

Saturday, Nov. 15| 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Albany Library

1250 Albany Avenue

(RE)Framing College Access by and with Communities of Color

This event is in partnership with HPL and UConn Hartford's CO:LAB.

Spend your afternoon with an author talk featuring historical reflection and contemporary views on the challenges communities of color face in accessing a college education today. Bring your lunch and take part in this important conversation, Q&A, and book signing.

Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 12:00 p.pm.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture

500 Main Street