Upcoming Highlights

Friday, June 19

Teens, learn how to create a character and get together with your friends to tell amazing stories using the “granddaddy of all RPGs,” Dungeons & Dragons.

Albany Library | 1250 Albany Avenue | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 23

Bingo, Books and Brews is a unique monthly series that combines the excitement of bingo with the sophistication of a curated tea tasting, offering a perfect blend of fun and relaxation. Register HERE.

Albany Library | 1250 Albany Avenue | 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

Juneteenth Events

Celebrate Juneteenth at the Library with family-friendly activities, crafts, and more! Learn more HERE.

For more fun and engaging programs and events, click the buttons below!

Black Artistry, Culture & Freedom

Enjoy live music on the terrace by Isaac Monts Collective to celebrate Juneteenth and Black Music Month. Refreshments will be provided. 

Registration is encouraged.



Thursday, June 18 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Terrace

500 Main Street

Book Recommendations

The Fire Next Time
James Baldwin

A National Bestseller

"Baldwin wrote The Fire Next Time as a long polemical essay on the black person's search for identity of self and race in American society. His vociferous spirit is couched in luxurious prose."

—Booklist Online

Find it HERE in our catalog as an eAudiobook and eBook

You've Got A Place Here, Too

Ebony LaDelle

"The best kind of homecoming... heartbreak, self-discovery, belonging, culture, history, and Black love... What more could you want from your time in the HBCU universe?"

—USA Today bestselling author Adriana Herrrera



Find it HERE in our catalog

"The best thing about being at an HBCU is that you don't really have to find your community. 'Cause it's all of us. You just have to find your tribe. It's like we're all cookies, but what kind of cookie are you?"

—Ebony LaDelle, You've Got A Place Here, Too

Just Two More Kickoffs

The kickoff celebrations continue for our Summer Reading Challenge!

Each celebration will feature live music from Mega Education, story time hosted by Little Miss Puerto Rico, refreshments, and a resource fair featuring local organizations.

Wednesday, June 17: Dwight Library | 7 New Park Avenue | 2:45 - 4:45 p.m.

Thursday, June 25: Park Street Library @ the Lyric | 603 Park Street | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Summer reading registration will be available. To learn more about the Hartford Summer Reading Challenge and to register for the challenge, click HERE.

Thank you to our partners for making this possible.

Author Talk

Join us for an inspirational afternoon with Andreyah Black, author of Revelations for Resilience: Whispers from the Divine for Soul Care, as she dives into her collection of poetry and spiritual insights designed to rejuvenate the soul.

Registration is encouraged.



Monday, June 22 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Garmany Hall, Main Floor

500 Main Street

Arazzo Music Festival

Our Community Threads program bridges the gap between the stage and the local community by bringing professional musicians directly into library spaces. Founded in 2022 by Juilliard-trained cellist Samuel DeCaprio, the Arazzo Music Festival is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of Connecticut by providing world-class chamber music performances and educational opportunities.

Registration is encouraged.



Tuesday, June 23 | 12:30 - 1:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Main Floor, next to the elevators

500 Main Street

Roots of Democracy in Hartford

The Ancient Burying Ground Association presents a dynamic lecture on the roots of democracy in Hartford. Erin Monroe, the Krieble Curator of American Paintings and Sculpture, will explore The Wadsworth’s latest exhibition, Framing American Democracy: Radical Roots.

Through the stories of Hartford’s earliest leaders, such as Rev. Thomas Hooker, and influential figures like Col. Jeremiah Wadsworth, discover how bold ideas, civic leadership, and a commitment to self-governance helped shape the foundation of American democracy.

Their legacies live on in the monuments and markers of the Ancient Burying Ground.

Guests are invited to visit the Hartford History Center from 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. to enjoy the current exhibits prior to the lecture, followed by the Annual Meeting. Refreshments will be served.

Registration is encouraged.



Thursday, June 25 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

Travelers Center for Arts & Culture, Main Floor

500 Main Street

LGBTQ+ Author Talk

Ray DaRosa, author of The Fall of Paradise, will discuss his gripping fantasy adventure exploring courage, identity, and the fight to reclaim who we truly are. In partnership with the Hartford Pride Center, a celebration of LGBTQ+ voices. 

Registration is encouraged.



Friday, June 26 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

Garmany Hall, Main Floor

500 Main Street

Resources & Services

Fight Hunger: 

Facing food insecurity? Here's help:

• Text "211Food" to 898211
• Enter your zip code when prompted
• Identify an open food pantry near you
• For more information, click HERE.

Free Medical Rides: 

HPL + Bus or Car Rides = FREE rides to medical appointments for Hartford residents 18+. Contact us or have your provider contact us to schedule transportation to your next verified medical appointment. This service is for those who do not have a transportation benefit through their insurance provider. Please call: (860) 840-1264 for more information.

Your support makes a difference.