Dancing Through Books

Book Dances, Justice Dance Performance Project's (JDPP) newest dance theater performance piece, celebrates books as touchstones of freedom, exploring the power of the right to read and its vulnerability in today’s world.

The event will feature a poem by Kate Rushin, The Library Card, written for Hartford Public Library (HPL), movable shelves of open-faced books that frame the space as dancers explore the impact of books, music by composer Robert Een, and a few words by the dancers.

Monday, March 31 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Atrium

Downtown Library

500 Main Street

A partnership between JDPP, HPL, and UConn Hartford

Spring Into New Books

We All Live Here

Jojo Moyes

"Nobody writes women the way Jojo Moyes does."

—Jodi Picoult, American writer

". . . Moyes combines the warmth of an Annabel Monaghan rom-com with the humanity of a Catherine Newman novel, creating a story that will provoke tears and laughter. A moving, realistic look at one woman’s post-divorce family life that manages to be both poignant and funny."

—Kirkus Reviews

Find it HERE in our catalog

The Opt-Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can't

Erin Loechner

“This volume is a must-have resource for parents."

—Library Journal

“A must-read guide for parents searching for life-giving solutions to push against the invasion of screen time and social media in the lives of their kids and families. If you are looking for practical ideas to nurture your kid's childhood wonder, creativity, and independence, this is the book you've been waiting for . . ."

—Mandy Arioto, president and CEO, The Mom Co by MOPS International

Find it HERE in our catalog

Extraordinary Hartford Women: Leading the Way! 

There are still more events celebrating Women's History Month!

Stop by Camp Field Library to meet the Hartford women working in roles that impact our community. Learn about their work, passions, and the services they provide. The event features community partners such as Compassion In Action, Community Health Network, Hispanic Health Council, Hartford Decides, raffles, and refreshments.

Monday, March 31 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Camp Field Library

30 Campfield Avenue

Something New

HPL is excited to announce a new quarterly newspaper, The HPL Times. This newspaper will be available in person at all HPL locations. 

Check it out to see what's happening and for some fun surprises!

Available now! 

Can't make it to an HPL Location? Check out our online version.

Baby Grand Jazz: NALEDI

Submerging audiences in spirited and deeply rooted encounters is how South African-born, New York-based vocalist, composer, and teaching artist NALEDI is making her mark in the global music industry. NALEDI's voice roots in exploring the jazz tradition, storytelling, and influences of her African heritage. 

Catch her performance on Sunday!

Sunday, March 30 | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (doors open at 2:00 p.m.)

Center for Contemporary Culture

Downtown Library

500 Main Street

Baby Grand Jazz performances are free to the public. Can’t join us in person? Shows will be live-streamed on HPL’s YouTube and Facebook.

Thanks to our 2025 presenting sponsor, The Kaman Foundation, for its continuing support and longtime partners, The Hartford Jazz Society and WWUH 91.3 FM. 

Popcorn & PJ's

We are rolling out the big screen!

Families, throw on your favorite pair of pajamas and join us as we connect with Read to Grow on Zoom to enjoy family storytime.

Author Eva Wong Nava will read Dancing Dumplings for My One and Only and participants will receive a special program book box with an autographed copy of the book, a sketch pad, colored pencils, and popcorn!

Registration is required.

Wednesday, March 26 | 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

Center for Contemporary Culture

Downtown Library

500 Main Street

Please use the Arch Street entrance.

Cook Up Success: Launch Your Home Food Business

Turn your culinary passion into profit by starting your own homebased food service business!

Come learn how to obtain a Cottage Food Operator License! This license will allow you to sell non-hazardous foods from your kitchen. Get expert tips, network with others, and understand the regulations to make your business a success.

Registration required.

Tuesday, April 8 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Room 139

Downtown Library 

500 Main Street

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!

“May a child’s heart be guided by discovery."



―Erin Loechner, The Opt-Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can't

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