New E-Resource

Did you know that as an HPL cardholder, you can get FREE access to all of The New York Times, including News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter and The Athletic?

Learn more HERE! 

Upcoming Highlights

Thursday, February 19:

Lift Every Voice and Drum: Celebrating Black Joy, will feature African drumming, a gospel performance by Bloomfield High School, and more. Refreshments will be provided. Register HERE.

Downtown Library, Center for Contemporary Culture | 500 Main Street | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Celebrate Black History Month with a film screening at Park Street Library @ the Lyric as they show The Princess and the Frog. Refreshments will be provided.

Park Street Library @ the Lyric | 603 Park Street | 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Stop by the warm-weather essentials giveaway. Come grab a hat, mittens, a coat, a scarf, or a pair of socks for the winter season. While supplies last, first-come, first-served. Refreshments will be provided.

Park Street Library @ the Lyric | 603 Park Street | 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Join Ms. Katherine to celebrate award-winning African American authors and illustrators with stories and crafts. Register HERE.

Downtown Library, Children's Department | 500 Main Street | 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 24:

Where bingo, books, and specialty brews of tea collide. The perfect opportunity to connect with the community, share your love of tea, and enjoy friendly competition. Register HERE.

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

Grab your PJs and get the popcorn ready for a virtual family storytime. Attendees will receive a program box containing an autographed copy of the featured book, a sketchpad, and more. Register HERE.

Zoom | 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

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

Baby Grand Jazz



Vocalist, composer, and educator Jamile brings a versatile voice and a distinctive artistic perspective to today’s music. Known for her unique heartfelt tone and exceptional vocal control, she moves fluidly across genres from jazz and soul to bolero and the music of her native Brazil.

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

Sunday, February 22 | 3:00 p.m.

Doors open at 2:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture

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.

Book Recommendations

Bad Bad Girl

Gish Jen

LA Times Best 15 Books of 2025

"A transcendent work of art."

—Boston Globe

Find it HERE in our catalog

The Road Is Good: How a Mother's Strength Became a Daughter's Purpose

Uzo Aduba

"It is a must-have for fans of Aduba or Orange Is the New Black and for those wanting to read about the African diaspora."

—Library Journal

Find it HERE in our catalog

"The journey was worth it."



—Uzo Aduba, The Road Is Good: How a Mother's Strength Became a Daughter's Purpose

Immigration, Enforcement & Human Rights

Join us in collaboration with the World Affairs Council of Connecticut for a candid conversation with Kica Matos, President of the National Immigration Law Center, on the realities of U.S. immigration policy.

Thursday, February 19 | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture

500 Main Street

Weekend Wellness

HPL joins forces with Eight Six Go, bringing you a community run starting at HPL's Downtown Library, continuing through Hartford's Black Heroes Trail.

You will have the choice to participate in a 5k or 10k run. Registration is required.

Saturday, February 21 | 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Snow date: Saturday, February 28

Downtown Library

Meet on the terrace

500 Main Street

Press Play

Kick back and enjoy Press Play – the genre-blending concert performance by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.



This show features anime music, with additional fan favorites from other genres.

Wednesday, February 25 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture

500 Main Street

New Week!

Showcase your talents at HPL’s Open Mic Night hosted by Hydro8SIXTY and featuring DJ Sealth. Welcoming all artists, whether you’re a poet, rapper, or stand-up comedian, all are welcome. This program is for all ages. 

Registration is required.

Thursday, February 26 | 5:30 -7:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture

500 Main Street

Make Your Video

HPL's The American Place has teamed up with Hartford Film Company to offer you a chance to win a cash prize. All you have to do is create a video and post it on social media about smart money habits.

Submission deadline: Saturday, February 28. For rules and prize money amount, click HERE.

Resources & Services

Warming Centers: 

All HPL locations are welcoming warming centers during the winter months. Stop by to read, relax, and enjoy everything the Library has to offer. Click HERE for hours and locations.

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. Please call: (860) 840-1264.

Free ServSafe Classes: 

Ready to take the next step in your food service career? The ServSafe Food Handler Certification can help you secure employment and advance in the industry. The best part is, classes are free! Apply HERE.

Every Monday & Wednesday starting February 23 - March 9 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

500 Main Street

Your support makes a difference.