You're Invited!

Beyond Words is HPL's signature annual fundraising event, celebrating the transformative power of libraries.

This special evening highlights the Library’s commitment to literacy, community, and connection. Beyond Words showcases the power of impact—how your support helps us change lives, expand opportunities, and build a stronger Hartford.

Featuring: Norah O'Donnell, New York Times Best-Selling Author & Emmy Award-Winning Journalist.

Beyond Words is a ticketed event. Early bird discounts are available until Monday, August 31, 2026.

Thursday, November 5 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Hartford Marriott Downtown

200 Columbus Boulevard

Upcoming Highlights

Wednesday, August 19

H.L.I.T. will explore why literary art matters, why it deserves to be nurtured, celebrated, and preserved, and how storytelling creates pathways for literary legacy, truth-telling, creativity, connection, and community. Highlighting authors Terrance Mack and Alphonso McGriff III. Register HERE.

Downtown Library, Garmany Hall, Main Floor | 500 Main Street | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 26

Join us for a fun Afrobeats dance class with Masem! All skill levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothing and bring water. Register HERE.

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

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

Tech Certification

Jump-start your career in IT with a FREE CompTIA A+ training certificate. You must meet the following criteria to apply:

• Age 18-24 
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent GED, NEDP, or CDP.
• Not enrolled in college/university.
• Have a strong interest in IT. 

Testimonial: "The CompTIA A+ Program helped support my career development and gave me a solid foundation in IT through the variety of learning opportunities that they offered. As someone with an interest in technology, I found that the opportunities and the support provided by the program facilitators were really tailored to my needs and career goals."

Classes are held on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at West Middle School, 44 Niles Street.

Book Recommendations

Upward Bound

Woody Brown



"Funny and moving and ringing with life."

—The Guardian

Find it HERE in our catalog.

Merlin's Tour of the Universe

Neil deGrasse Tyson

"A delightful astronomical adventure, full of playful scientific tidbits on everything from galaxies to gravity."

—Library Journal

Find it HERE in our catalog.

"The only people who should have their head examined are those who never ask questions."

—Neil deGrasse Tyson, Merlin's Tour of the Universe

Afternoon Tunes

Meet us on the terrace for live music by People of Goodwill, refreshments, outdoor games, and good company.

About the band:

In homage to Afrika, the music of People of Goodwill is centered on the drum and reflects a deep respect for the power of rhythm.



Monday, August 17 | 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Rain date: Tuesday, August 18

Downtown Library

Terrace

500 Main Street

ArtWalk Artist Talk

Join us for an evening with current ArtWalk artist Traé Brooks before his show closes on Saturday, August 29.

Blending sculpture, painting, and found materials, including worn clothing and personal artifacts, Brooks’ multidisciplinary exhibition explores how individuals carry history through memory, ritual, and material.

In this space, remembering becomes a source of connection, and shared grief opens pathways for collective reflection and care.

Friday, August 21 | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

ArtWalk, Third Floor

500 Main Street

ServSafe

Step into food service with a ServSafe Certification!

Employers are actively seeking certified handlers, managers, and alcohol servers, and this credential puts you at the front of the line. Classes will run until Thursday, September 24.

Tuesdays and Thursdays | times will vary

Downtown Library

500 Main Street

Scriptwriter's Circle

HPL Studios presents a bi-weekly roundtable for writers to share ideas and material from their feature, short film, web series, sketch, or scripted audio project with peers.

Registration is encouraged.

Tuesday, August 25 | 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

Business Resource Center, Main Floor

500 Main Street

Back-to-School Donations

Our friends at The Mark Twain Hose are hosting a Back-to-School Bash, and we will be accepting donations at the Downtown Library, 500 Main Street, until Wednesday, August 19.

Supplies needed:

• Notebooks
• #2 Pencils and colored pencils (sharpeners)
• Erasers
• Scissors
• Glue/ glue sticks
• Crayons and markers
• Folders
• Water bottles
• Tissues and Ziplock bags
• Post-it notes
• Clorox wipes
• Headphones

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.