Special Notice

All HPL locations will be closed on Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents' Day. Locations will reopen on Tuesday, February 17, with regular hours. Click HERE for hours & locations.

Upcoming Highlights

Friday, February 13:

A 90-minute creative workshop exploring the life and legacy of Alma Thomas, African American artist and teacher, featuring a hands-on painting session recreating her masterpiece, The Eclipse.  Register HERE.

Dwight Library | 7 New Park Avenue | 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Decorate chocolate-covered strawberries in the spirit of Valentine's Day.

Park Street Library @ the Lyric | 603 Park Street | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 14:

A Saturday film series running through the end of February, presented by the Greater Hartford ABSW and The Black Social Work Film Festival. This week's featured film is Knock Around Kids. For more information and the lineup, click HERE.

Downtown Library, Center for Contemporary Culture | 500 Main Street | 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 18:

Explore herbs and a signature tea blend, and sample other creations with your signature touch. Register HERE.

Dwight Library | 7 New Park Avenue | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

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

Baby Grand Jazz



Pianist, composer, author, and educator Jen Allen captivates audiences worldwide with her expressive artistry. She has performed extensively across New York, the Northeast, and internationally, appearing at the Litchfield Jazz Festival, the Winnipeg Jazz Festival, the Greater Hartford Monday Night Jazz Series, and the Wexford Performing Arts Centre in Ireland.

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

Sunday, February 15 | 3:00 p.m.

Doors open at 2:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC)

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

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Maya Angelou

#1 New York Times Bestseller

"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings liberates the reader into life simply because Maya Angelou confronts her own life with such a moving wonder, such a luminous dignity."

—James Baldwin, American writer and civil rights activist

Find it HERE in our catalog

Between the World and Me

Ta-Nehisi Coates

 #1 New York Times Bestseller

"This stunning, National Book Award-winning memoir should be required reading for high school students and adults alike."

—School Library Journal

Also available in Spanish.

Find it HERE in our catalog

"Anything that works against you can also work for you once you understand the Principle of Reverse."



—Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Next Week!

There's no better place to celebrate Black History Month besides HPL. HPL's 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. 

Registration is required.

Thursday, February 19 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC)

500 Main Street

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 today.

Thursday, February 19 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC)

500 Main Street

Get Creative!

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.

The Mic Is Yours!

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 (CCC)

500 Main Street

Hartford Black Heroes Trail

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

Patio

500 Main Street

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.

Your support makes a difference.