Vision To Learn

There's one more session left for Vision To Learn on Wednesday, July 29, at Dwight Library, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Vision To Learn will offer FREE eye exams and glasses for children.

Eligibility:

• Children ages 5-18 
• No insurance needed!
• Vision To Learn can give each child one eye exam every 10 months.
• Please arrive 5 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to complete the necessary paperwork.
• Your appointment may have a possible wait time. Your patience is appreciated.
• If your child is prescribed glasses, they will be available for pickup at the Library 3-4 weeks after the exam.

Appointment MUST be booked.

Upcoming Highlights

Thursday, July 9

Bring the whole family to meet the experts from the CT Audubon Society for an engaging look at our local birds. We’ll explore the colorful species that call Connecticut home during the summer and learn how to welcome them into our own backyards. Register here.

Downtown Library, Youth Program Room, Third Floor | 500 Main Street | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Friday, July 10

Enjoy an illuminating afternoon as Country Quilt Farm brings a llama to the library! This program blends literacy with countryside charm for a unique "patchwork" of family fun. Register here.

Park Street Library @ the Lyric, Courtyard | 603 Park Street | 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Build strength, flexibility, and confidence through calisthenics, fitness, and wellness training while learning healthy movement and self-care in a supportive space.

Downtown Library, YOUmedia, Second Floor | 500 Main Street | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 14

Learn how to upcycle a t-shirt into a shopping bag. Materials will be provided. Register here.

Dwight Library | 7 New Park Avenue | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

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

America's Birthday

The celebration of our nation continues!

Dance America - 250 Years of Rhythm, a concert series, continues through Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at all HPL locations.

Concert lineup

The summer concert series is presented with support from the Evelyn A. Preston Memorial Fund, administered by Bank of America Philanthropic Solutions.

Book Recommendations

There's Only One Sin in Hollywood

Rasheed Newson



Named Most Anticipated Book of 2026 by Electric Literature, CrimeReads, and more!

"Newson's impressive gifts for story, for writing the erotic and the noir, and for rooting himself in his adopted city are on magnificent display here."

—L.A. Times

Find it HERE in our catalog

From Here

Luma Mufleh

"A poignant glimpse into human imperfections and the struggle to find one’s place in the world."

—Kirkus Reviews

Find it HERE in our catalog

"At some point you will experience heartache and heartbreak, and it will be the people at your dinner table who will get you through it."

—Luma Mufleh, From Here

Lunch's On Us

A nutritious summer lunch will be served FREE of charge to children and teens ages 18 and younger, Monday through Friday, until Friday, August 7, 2026, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (hours may vary by location).

Lunch will be served at HPL's Downtown, Albany, Barbour, Camp Field, Dwight, and Park Street Library @ the Lyric.

Hot meals will only be served at HPL's Downtown Library.

Spark & Thrive

Lightbulb go off? Join us for our annual Summer Spark, an adult summer reading challenge, happening now through August 15, 2026.

Pick up a card from any HPL location, complete nine activities, collect your stamps, and be entered to win one of four grand prizes below

1ST PLACE: $250 Visa gift card

2ND PLACE: $100 Visa gift card

3RD PLACE: $50 Visa gift card

4TH PLACE: HPL signature tote bag

Your Skin & What's Within

Join The Children’s Museum on fun journey learning how our bodies work and end the week with a trip to Roaring Brook Nature Center. This program is for children ages 6 -12.

Lunch will be provided.

Sessions will be held at multiple HPL locations. For the full schedule click here.

Registration is encouraged for some sessions.

Thursday, July 9 | 12:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Barbour Library

261 Barbour Street

National Sobriety Tour

An inspirational discussion and author talk with Matt Grace inspired by his book God Doesn’t Relapse. Now more than two decades sober, Matt speaks on the discipline, humility, and community support required to sustain change. Matt has devoted himself to one mission: proving that recovery is possible, and that no one has to find it alone. 

Registration is encouraged.



Tuesday, July 14 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Garmany Hall, Main Floor

500 Main Street

Jazz Musicians Wanted

We are accepting submissions from musicians interested in performing in its highly popular Baby Grand Jazz Series. 

The free concerts are held on Sundays from January through April and have been an HPL staple for the past 20-plus years.

Musicians of all Jazz genres are encouraged to apply, but the ensembles must include a pianist who will play the Library’s baby grand piano.

Submissions are open until Saturday, August 1, 2026.

Filmmaking Finale

The last session of the three-part filmmaking series hosted by Pedro Bermudez will take place on Tuesday, July 14. In this series attendees can learn framing and editing techniques, the future of AI, and 3D animation. Teens and adults are welcome.

Registration is encouraged.

Tuesday, July 14 | 2:30 - 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.