BIG News

Fully Restored. Fully Reimagined. Fully Yours. 

Join us on Monday, June 1, at 11:00 a.m. for a ribbon cutting of the FULLY reopened Downtown Library. The week will be filled with events and celebrations. We look forward to seeing you there!

Check out our announcement video HERE.

Upcoming Highlights

Thursday, April 2:

The Easter Bunny has been busy hiding eggs all around the Library! Join us at the Barbour Library for an indoor Easter egg hunt.

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

Saturday, April 4:

Celebrate the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr. Enjoy traditional crafts, refreshments, and more. All ages are welcome to join. Register HERE.

Downtown Library, Children's Programming Room | 500 Main Street | 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 7:

Recently featured on NBC30, it's Bingo, Books & Brews! This unique series combines the excitement of bingo with the sophistication of a curated tea tasting, offering a perfect blend of fun and relaxation. Register HERE. Check out the NBC30 video HERE.

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

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

One Book, One Community



HPL’s Big Read will center around Bite by Bite by acclaimed author Aimee Nezhukumatathil, a vibrant and thoughtful exploration of food, nature, and cultural identity. To engage readers of all ages, the Library will also feature the companion children’s book Anni Dreams of Biryani by Namita Moolani Mehra and Chaaya Prabhat.

The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read is a dynamic, citywide reading initiative that promotes community connection through literature, starting Monday, April 6 - Wednesday, May 20.

For more information and to view the full program list, please click HERE.

Book Recommendations

The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir

Roy Wood Jr.

National Bestseller from a comedian, Emmy-nominated writer and producer, and former Daily Show correspondent

"Honest, raw, and an absolute treat to read."

—Trevor Noah, South African comedian and writer

Find it HERE in our catalog

Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind

Nate Bargateze

Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller

"Bargatze never takes himself too seriously, but there’s plenty of grown-up self-awareness here."

—Kirkus Reviews



Find it HERE in our catalog

"Don’t you ever worry about what another man is doing. Worry about you can do and do that."

—Roy Wood Jr., The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir

Draft to Dream

An author incubator series. Whether you’re writing your first line or polishing your final draft, we’ll provide the tools and community you need. Featuring expert panels and hands-on tools to help you bring your story to life.

Registration required.

Thursday, April 2 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Classroom 139

500 Main Street

Creative Disruption & The Power or Art

A live conversation on art, social innovation, and leadership with Rev. Dr. Shelley Best, moderated by John Henry Smith.

Registration is required.

Tuesday, April 7 | 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture

500 Main Street

Special Notice

All HPL locations will be closed on Friday, April 3, and Sunday, April 5, in observance of Good Friday and Easter. For hours and locations, click HERE.

There will be no Baby Grand Jazz concert on Sunday, April 5. The series will continue on Sunday, April 12.

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.

Free English Classes: 

Participants must be 18+ and not enrolled in high school. Classes will be held at the Downtown Library, 500 Main Street, on weekday mornings and evenings. To pre-register, please contact HPL's The American Place (TAP) via text at (860) 916-7417, call (860) 695-6337, or email esl@hplct.org.

Are you a parent with a busy schedule?

Enhance your English skills while your child participates in fun, educational activities. We will provide free childcare, bus passes, snacks, prizes, and a safe space. Children must be at least 2.5 years old and no older than 5 years old.

Classes will be held:

Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Downtown Library | 500 Main Street

OR

Park Street Library @ the Lyric | 603 Park Street

Contact HPL's TAP via text at (860) 916-7417 or call (860) 916-7417 for more information.

Apply for English classes HERE.

Your support makes a difference.