Featured On Air

HPL was recently featured on Metro Hartford Alliance’s Pulse of the Region podcast! Tune in to listen to HPL’s President and CEO Bridget E. Quinn and learn more about some of our resources, like the Hartford History Center, Digital Library Lab, and HPL Studios.

In the episode, we explore how HPL builds community connection and engagement through access, local history, creative expression, and opportunities to learn, make, and share stories.

Upcoming Highlights

Wednesday, September 2

Join us for a weekly men's group. Check in with each other, discuss important topics, and network with men in Hartford. Register HERE.

Downtown Library, Classroom 139, Main Floor | 500 Main Street | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 9

Learn the fundamentals of filmmaking, photography, editing, animation, and visual effects. Teens ages 13 - 19 will experiment with cameras and editing software to create short films.

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

An energetic expression of the African Diaspora, through the invigorating art of piragramic dance! This movement is offered to those ages 10 and above. Children under 10 are welcome to watch. No experience required. Bring a water bottle, small towel, and wear comfortable clothing. Register HERE.

Downtown Library, Atrium, Ground Floor | 500 Main Street | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

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

Library Card Sign-up Month

No matter what your tastes are, a library card hits all the right notes!

Check out a classic story or hit shuffle and try something new. Find harmony at a movie night, crafting class, or author talk. Find your focus in a study room or vibe out in a cozy nook.

This month only, we have something special for you! Visit any HPL location to sign up for a library card or renew your existing card to be entered in a raffle for a chance to win a FREE iPad.

The winner will be selected at the end of the month.

Book Recommendations

Library Lion

Michelle Knudsen

New York Times Bestseller

"Children will easily see themselves in the wild lion, which yearns to explore and enjoy the library but worries about the constraining rules."

—Booklist Online

Find it HERE in our catalog.

Also available in Spanish.

Library Girl

Polly Horvath



"While at times the four mothers’ concerns may interest adults more than children, this improbable romp is fast-paced, richly imaginative, and written with abundant humor. An engaging choice for reading aloud."

—Booklist Online

Find it HERE in our catalog.

"Algunas veces hay una muy buena razón para quebrantar las reglas. Incluso en una biblioteca."

—Michelle Knudsen, Library Lion

Business Advising

Every Tuesday, meet one-on-one with a business advisor from the Community Economic Development Fund, Connecticut's nonprofit small business lender, to help keep your business successful.

Registration is encouraged.

Tuesday, September 8 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Business Resource Center, Main Floor

500 Main Street

Book Festival

Join HPL and Hartford’s Literary Integrated Trailblazers for the 8th Annual Hartford Book Festival!

This year's theme, Keeping the Focus LIT, will celebrate literature, poetry, storytelling, and the arts, featuring live performances, open mics, author talks, workshops, panel discussions, family activities, and more!

Registration is encouraged.

Saturday, September 19 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

Travelers Center for Arts & Culture, Main Floor

500 Main Street

Next Chapter Success

The Seniors Job Bank of Greater Hartford is hosting Next Chapter Success, a free three-part workshop series designed to help adults age 50+ navigate career transitions and prepare for meaningful employment opportunities.

Participants will gain practical skills in resume development, interviewing, workplace readiness, and more.

Registration is encouraged.

Tuesday, September 22 | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Classroom 139, Main Floor

500 Main Street

Special Notice

All HPL locations will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.

This Saturday, September 5, the Downtown Library will be open; Albany Library and Park Street Library @ the Lyric will be closed.

Locations will reopen on Tuesday, September 8, with regular operating hours.

Click HERE for hours and locations.

Resources & Services

Voter Registration: 

Your vote matters — Register to vote at any HPL location. For more information, please visit the front desk or click HERE.

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.

Your support makes a difference.