Special Notice


Reminder: All Hartford Public Library (HPL) locations will close at 5:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, December 31, and will be closed Thursday, January 1, in observance of New Year's Day. HPL will be open our regularly scheduled hours on Friday, January 2. 

HPL’s Boundless Library @ Rawson will be closed for winter break from December 23 to January 6, and will reopen on Thursday, January 8, with regular schedule hours.


Happy Holidays!


Click HERE for hours and locations.

How do you spend the holidays?

Harford Public Library wants to hear from you!


We're thinking about what comes next, and we’d love to talk with you.


Join us for a casual, virtual drop-in conversation where you can share your thoughts about the Library — what you enjoy, what could be better, and what you’d like to see in the future.


There’s no formal presentation and no commitment required. Stop by for a few minutes at one of the two virtual sessions we’ll be hosting, or stay longer — whatever works for you. Come chat, share ideas, and help shape what’s next for the Library!

Session #1:

Wednesday, January 7 

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Session #2:

Thursday, January 8

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Prepping You for 2026

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life

Jen Sincero


#1 New York Times bestseller with over 5 million copies sold


"If touchy-feely self-help tomes make you feel, shall we say, less than inspired, this no-nonsense manifesto to awesomeness might be just what you’re looking for. Filled with blunt and sassy advice, do-it-yourself exercises in personal transformation, and a whole lot of hilarity, You Are a Badass will silence your inner critic and help you build a life . . . that others envy."

—Bustle


"It’s relatable and funny, and it provides the kick in the behind that so many of us need. Jen Sincero comes across as a good friend with the tough love and positive thinking that everyone needs in their life . . ."

—PopSugar

 

Find it HERE in our catalog

Go Higher: Five Practices for Purpose, Success, and Inner Peace

Big Sean


National Bestseller


"Big Sean’s manual on mental health, Go Higher, reminds us to experience our thoughts with absolute compassion and intent, to envision our lives with courage and acceptance, and that the necessary journey toward mental and spiritual strength can start at any time."

—Will Smith, actor, producer, musician, and New York Times bestselling author


"It explores the essential elements of personal growth and fulfillment. Through the practices of accepting, strategizing, trying, trusting, and manifestation, he offers a thoughtful guide to achieving inner peace and purposeful success . . ."

—Deepak Chopra, MD, bestselling author and Founder of the Chopra Foundation

 

Find it HERE in our catalog

Baby Grand Jazz is Back


Kickoff the new year at the Library with our popular Baby Grand Jazz series!


This season’s opener is Iftah Kary Trio. Iftah Kary is a New York-based jazz pianist known for his skillful and soulful performances. Since graduating from the New School in 2017, Iftah has performed across the US and Europe in renowned venues and festivals. Iftah regularly performs with esteemed musicians such as George Braith, Tyler Mitchell, and Pat O’Leary, and is influenced by jazz greats including Sonny Clark, Horace Silver, Wynton Kelly, Tommy Flanagan, and Bud Powell. His sound is a blend of tradition and innovation, bringing something new to the music he loves. The trio will perform refreshing renditions of jazz standards and Iftah’s original compositions.


Iftah Kary – piano 

Dan Weisselberg – bass

Aleksi Heinola – drums


Can’t make it in person? Watch the live stream on HPL's YouTube, HPL’s Facebook or on HPATV.

Sunday, January 4 | 3:00 p.m.

Doors open at 2:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC)

500 Main Street

Thank you to our 2026 presenting sponsor, The Kaman Foundation, for their generous support, and to our longtime partners, The Hartford Jazz Society and WWUH 91.3 FM, for helping us bring incredible music to the community every week.

2025 Caroline M. Hewins Scholarship Recipient


HPL is pleased to announce Mirna Gutierrez-Saucedo of Anaheim, CA, as the 2025 recipient of the Caroline M. Hewins Scholarship, awarded annually to promising library students who intend to become children’s librarians. Gutierrez-Saucedo is currently studying for her Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) at San Jose State University, where her coursework addresses the evolving needs of today’s youth.


To learn more about Mirna, and to see her book recommendations, check out our blog!

From the left are Edwin Raymond and Dr. Michael Mallery Jr.

Reading for Change


HPL, in collaboration with the Stowe Center for Literacy Activism, invites you to an author talk hosted at HPL’s Downtown Library. This conversation brings together two essential voices: author Edwin Raymond and Dr. Michael Mallery Jr., Chair of the Stowe Center's Board of Trustees, whose experiences illuminate the themes at the heart of An Inconvenient Cop. Their combined perspectives help participants gain a deeper understanding of policing, justice, and related issues.


Registration is encouraged.

Wednesday, January 14 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC)

500 Main Street

New Year, New Events

ServSafe Food Manager

Check out what we have in store for the New Year. From story times to dance to monthly planning to gardening, we've got you covered.


Click the button below to learn more!

Step into food service leadership with ServSafe Food Manager Certification! Classes run on Wednesdays, starting Jan. 7 until Feb. 18 | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.


Downtown Library

500 Main Street

Warming Centers

Help Hartford Fight Hunger

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


Click HERE for hours and locations.

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!

"Ironically, the only way to make time feel like it’s stretching out is to slow down and fully appreciate every minute."


—Big Sean, Go Higher: Five Practices for Purpose, Success, and Inner Peace

🌟 Your support makes a difference 🌟

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