Special Notice

All Hartford Public Library (HPL) locations will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, and Thursday, December 25, in observance of Christmas. Locations will reopen with their regularly scheduled hours on Friday, December 26.

Happy Holidays!

All HPL locations are welcoming warming centers during the winter months. Stop by to read, relax, and enjoy everything your library has to offer.

Click HERE for hours and locations.

Take Our Survey

We want to hear from you! Help shape our next Strategic Plan by taking this short survey. Tell us what would make the Library more useful, welcoming, and relevant to you.

It only takes a few minutes — your voice matters.

Cozy Christmas Reads

Joy to the Girls

Alyson Derrick and Rachael Lippincott

"Perfect for anyone looking for a refreshing queer romance to read while the snow falls."

—Booklist Online

"An adorable, romantic, sapphic rom-com perfect for fans of the original, but still accessible for new readers who just want a quick, fun romp."

—School Library Journal

Find it HERE in our catalog

A Ferry Merry Christmas

Debbie Macomber

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author

"A cozy, easily read Christmas tale in which the couples happily pair off and disagreements are resolved."

—Kirkus Reviews

"It’s a somewhat slight but nevertheless enjoyable tale that’s sure to please Macomber’s devoted following."

—Publishers Weekly

Find it HERE in our catalog

We did it!

HPL has been named as an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Innovations Initiative by the

Urban Libraries Council, North America’s leading nonprofit for urban libraries. This recognition is in honor of HPL’s Empowering Immigrant Youth and Families, which empowers immigrant youth, first-generation college students, and underserved teens through integrated educational programs that combine literacy, college readiness, workforce skills, and mentorship.

Read the entire press release by clicking the button below!

Baby Grand Jazz Returns for 2026!

Start your new year at the Library as HPL's Baby Grand Jazz Series will return for its 22nd season on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

A generous three-year sponsorship from The Kaman Foundation supports the free series, which features accomplished jazz musicians and bands from around the region. Concerts will be held at HPL’s Downtown Library on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. from January through April, excluding Easter Sunday on April 5. 

Performances will take place in the Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC), 500 Main Street, Hartford. Doors open at 2:00 p.m., and each concert lasts about an hour. All concerts are free and open to the public.

“Baby Grand Jazz continues to be one of our most popular programs, and we are thrilled to host such a talented lineup of musicians this season,” said Bridget E. Quinn, HPL President and CEO. “Thanks to the generous support from the Kaman Foundation, we are excited to launch our 22nd season of Baby Grand Jazz.” 

Concerts will be streamed on HPL’s Facebook page, YouTube channel and Hartford Public Access TV. 

Hygge Night

Embrace the Danish concept of hygge with a cozy, chill night at the Library. Join us for warm tea, relaxing puzzles, and calming activities designed to help you unwind and enjoy simple comforts.

Tuesday, Dec. 23 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Dwight Library

7 New Park Avenue

12 Days of Kanopy

It's officially day 5 of 12!

Unwrap the surprising story behind the holiday soundtrack we all know and love. Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas explores how Jewish songwriters gave us some of the most iconic

festive classics.

Holiday Wrapping Parties

Bring your unwrapped gifts, and we'll provide all the supplies to make your holiday gift wrapping a breeze.

All parties will take place on Monday, Dec. 22. 

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

Registration is required at this location. Please register HERE.

Downtown Library

CCC

500 Main Street

4:00 – 5:30 p.m. 

Park Street Library @ the Lyric

603 Park Street

4:00 – 5:30 p.m. 

Albany Library

1250 Albany Avenue

We Want You!

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

Deadline: December 31, 2025.

Help Hartford Fight Hunger

Here's what to do:

• Text "211Food" to 898211
• Enter your zip code when prompted
• Identify an open food pantry near you

For more information click HERE.

250 Stories

Free Medical Rides

250 Stories is a series of firsthand interviews that explores the personal impact of libraries. Subscribe so you never miss a conversation!

Hartford Public Library + Bus or Car Rides = FREE rides to medical appointments for Hartford residents.

Contact us or have your provider contact us to schedule transportation to your next verified medical appointment.

Call us: (959) 257-3630

Email us: socialservices@hplct.org

A Place Like No Other

HPL offers engaging, educational, and fun programming for all ages.

Check out our full programming calendar HERE

Check out our Family Programming calendar!

Check out our Adult Programming calendar!

Check out our Youth & Teen Programming calendar!

"The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek ways to make life better for those around us."

—Debbie Macomber, A Ferry Merry Christmas

🌟 Your support makes a difference 🌟