Weekly Updates from HPL

TODAY

You're invited! Join us, Connecticut Public's Latino Initiative, SOMOS CT, and UConn Hartford, for a lunchtime author talk and book signing with Zeke Hernandez this afternoon. Hernandez is a Wharton professor and author of The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers. Hernandez, a scholar in his field, brings clarity to one of the most misunderstood topics of our time.

The first 100 registrants and attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the book.

Registration is required.

TODAY, Wednesday, Oct. 1| 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture

500 Main Street

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America

Margarita Longoria

"Superlative... A memorable collection."

—Booklist Online

"Voices reach out from the pages of this anthology... It will make a lasting impression on all readers."

—School Library Journal

Find it HERE in our catalog

Oye

Melissa Mogollon

National Bestseller

"A portrait of love, heartache, and hilarity that transcends its medium."

—Elle

"Brilliant... Melissa Mogollon did not come to play."

—Kiley Reid, New York Times bestselling author of "Such a Fun Age"

Find it HERE in our catalog

Hartford Stage's 2025-2026 Season Starts Now!

The season starts now, and your free tickets are waiting for you! 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 Rope:

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

Flipping My Script

Join actor and author Adrian Alvarado for a special Hispanic Heritage Month program at HPL. The program will include selected readings from his memoir, Flipping My Script, an engaging conversation on the Puerto Rican diaspora, Q&A, and a book signing.

Monday, October 6 | 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

Atrium

500 Main Street

Digital Filmmaking

Intro to Digital Film Making is expanding into a multi-workshop series taught by industry professionals, this week featuring, Renetta Amador, discussing script supervision on Monday, October 6.

About Renetta Amador:

Renetta G. Amador, for over 20 years, has honed her filmmaking skills on Oscar Nominated films Selma, Marriage Story, and Promising Young Woman as well as other critically acclaimed projects such as Dope and 500 Days of Summer. It was through those, as well as dozens of other productions that she began to find her voice and passion leading her to direct. Watch the trailer to Selma HERE.

Making a splash in the film festival circuit the last few years, her short films Processing and Gummies have garnered awards such as Best Horror Short, Best Directing, Best Acting, Best Music, and many others.

Check out some of her work HERE.

Next session on Wednesday, October 8, will feature industry professional Autumn Bailey, on creative producing.

Registration is encouraged for all sessions. Upcoming sessions: Monday and Wednesday on October 15 & 20.

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

Downtown Library

Classroom 140, Second Floor

500 Main Street

Banned Books Week

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.

ServSafe Certification

Classes run on Mondays and Wednesdays until October 29 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

500 Main Street

Step into food service leadership with ServSafe Food Manager Certification!

Employers are actively seeking certified managers, and this credential puts you at the front of the line for promotions and new opportunities...or for starting your own food services business!

Apply Here

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Film

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Kanopy’s film collection, showcasing the richness and diversity of Hispanic stories and cultures. This thoughtfully curated selection of films spans powerful documentaries, award-winning features, and compelling narratives that highlight the richness and diversity of Hispanic heritage across the globe.

Check Out the Collection