Weekly Updates

from HPL

Hartford Public Library (HPL) brings you something new every week! From author talks and concerts to cooking demos and music production, stay tuned for fun and educational programs for all.

Special Notice

All Hartford Public Library’s (HPL) locations will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Locations will reopen to the public on Tuesday, May 26, with regular operating hours.

HPL's Downtown Library hours have changed. Please visit us:

Monday - Thursday: 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: closed

For hours and locations, click HERE.

Upcoming Highlights

Wednesday, May 20:

In celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, this conversation will explore histories of resistance, innovation, culture, and leadership that have shaped the country. Attendees are invited to engage in thoughtful dialogue and reflect on how these legacies continue to influence our future. This program is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Register HERE.

Downtown Library, Travelers Center for Arts & Culture | 500 Main Street | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Friday, May 22:

Teens, come learn how to make your own jewelry. Supplies will be provided.

Albany Library | 1250 Albany Avenue | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 26:

Bring your imagination to life with Legos. This program is open to children and teens.

Barbour Library | 261 Barbour Street | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

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

FAMILY

YOUTH

ADULT

Happening Today!

Join us as we break ground on the new Barbour Library. Construction is set to begin this summer.

Free and open to the public.

See you soon!

Wednesday, May 20 | 11:00 a.m.

The future home of the Barbour Library

234 Barbour Street (Lot)

The Barbour Library will open at 12:00 p.m. today to allow staff to attend the celebration.

Learn More Here

Book Recommendations

John of John

Douglas Stuart

Named most anticipated book of 2026 by the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and more!

"Douglas Stuart brilliantly weaved a layered, compelling and yet so intimate a story of identity, what it means to belong, and the courage to claim your own truth."

—Oprah Winfrey

Find it HERE in our catalog

Also available as an eBook

The Calamity Club

Kathryn Stockett

"Stockett holds the reader’s attention with her colorful characters. By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, this offers a memorable view into the impossible choices faced by women in the Great Depression."

—Publishers Weekly

Find it HERE in our catalog

"If you give a girl a taste of fresh air and then take it away, she will grow fierce and wild to get that fresh air back again."

—Kathryn Stocket, The Calamity Club

Sneak Peak

The excitement is brewing! Check out the behind-the-scenes tour of HPL's Downtown Library.

Fully restored. Fully reimagined. Fully yours.

We hope to see you on Monday, June 1, at 11:00 a.m. as we cut the ribbon and open all our new spaces!

Learn More Here

Books & Brews

Books & Brews is back!

The third annual Books & Brews will be held on Thursday, June 4, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at HPL's Downtown Library.

Experience the Library in a vibrant new way with tasty eats, interactive experiences, a signature mocktail & spirits by The Wini Bar, live music by Matt Parker, and a FREE beer tasting by Urban Lodge Brewing Co.

Books & Brews is a ticketed event. Tickets are $30 at the door and online.

Thursday, June 4 | 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Terrace & Café

500 Main Street

Learn More Here

Presenting and Community Sponsorships are available. For information, contact Jessica Dolan, Assistant Director of Development at jdolan@hplct.org.

Downtown Library Opening Week Events

We have so much in store for you and we can't wait to show you our new spaces. Join us as we celebrate the Downtown Library all week long with events and programming. We hope to see you there!

Monday, June 1

11:00 a.m.

Ribbon Cutting

11:45 a.m.

Hartford Symphony Orchestra - HPL Hall, First Floor

Face Painting - Children's Department, Third Floor

12:00 p.m.

Introduction to Local Small Business Network Partners - Business Resource Center, First Floor

Weaving Demonstration with the Hartford Artisans Weaving Center - Hartford History Center, Third Floor

Digital Library Lab Open House - Digital Library Lab, Ground Floor

3D Modeling and Crafts for Adults - YOUmedia, Second Floor

2:15 p.m.

Music by: Ru Love Williams - HPL Hall, First Floor

3:00 p.m.

Stream Labs and Crafts for Teens - YOUmedia, Second Floor

5:30 p.m.

Film Screening: The Librarians - HPL Hall, First Floor

Tuesday, June 2

9:30 a.m.

Community Closet - Atrium, Ground Floor

12:00 p.m.

Reimagining Your Living Room with 3D/AI Tools for Adults- YOUmedia, Second Floor

12:30 p.m.

Salsa Dancing - Terrace

3:00 p.m.

Comics, Zines and Crafts for Teens - YOUmedia, Second Floor

4:00 p.m.

Summer Garden Party - Children's Department, Third Floor

Justice Dance Performance Project - Atrium, First Floor

6:30 p.m.

Crash Course to Podcasting with HPL Studios - Classroom 139, First Floor

For more information and a full lineup of events please click the button below!

Learn More Here

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.

DONATE TODAY!