It's Almost Banned Books Week!

Banned Books Week is October 4–10, 2026. This year's theme is “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read.”

Check out some of our book recommendations featuring some of the most challenged books in history below.

Banned Book Recommendations

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Stephen Chbosky



"Once in a while, a novel comes along that becomes a generational touchstone. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is one of those books."

—R.J. Palacio, #1 New York Times bestselling author of "Wonder"

 

Find it HERE in our catalog.

Empire of Storms

Sarah J. Maas



"Fans devoted to the series (and there are many) will be eager for this installment's cinematic action, twisty schemes, and intense revelations of secrets and legacies."

—Booklist Online



Find it HERE in our catalog. Also available as an eBook.

"Because it’s okay to feel things. And be who you are about them."

—Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Upcoming Highlights

Thursday, October 1

Hispanic Heritage Month meet-and-greet presented by Latinos en Connecticut. Enjoy the music, check out the vendors, and enjoy refreshments. Register HERE.

Downtown Library, Travelers Center for Arts & Culture, First Floor | 500 Main Street | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 3

The Northeast Book Discussion Group is a long-standing, community-centered book club that meets on the first Saturday of each month and will feature Razorblade Tears by SA Cosby. Register HERE.

Albany Library | 1250 Albany Avenue | 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 7

A monthly men's group. Check in with each other, discuss important topics, and network with men in Hartford. Register HERE.

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

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

The Librarians Film Screening and Discussion

We are excited to bring The Librarians, Oscar-nominated and Emmy Award-winning producer Janique Robillard, to Hartford for a special screening at the Downtown Library! 

Winner of a 2026 Emmy, the documentary follows school and public librarians on the front lines of the national fight against book bans and censorship in the U.S.

After the screening, we'll host a discussion with Janique Robillard and Samantha Lee, Co-chair of the Connecticut Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee. They'll discuss the film and the audience will hear updates after Connecticut policymakers signed a Freedom To Read law in 2025. The law requires public and school libraries to adopt clear, written policies outlining how materials are selected and how challenges to those materials are handled.

This free event coincides with the American Library Association's Banned Books Week, which celebrates the freedom to read while raising awareness about censorship.

Registration is encouraged.

Thursday, October 8 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Garmany Hall, First Floor

500 Main Street

Pictures one the left: Janique Robillard, Emmy-award winning producer. Photo by Tommaso Boddi / Stringer

Pictured on the right: Samantha Lee, Co-chair of the Connecticut Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee

Business Advising

Meet one-on-one with Women's Business Development Council Business Advisor Krista Rizzo for personalized guidance on business planning, marketing, financing, operations, and more. 

Registration is encouraged. This event is free and open to all entrepreneurs.

Thursday, October 1 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Business Resource Center, Main Floor

500 Main Street

Author Talk

Meet author Albert Cavanna as he shares the story of his Italian roots, his parents' struggle, childhood memories, and the life lessons shaped by hard work, discipline, and change from his book Not Ready Yet.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Monday, October 12 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Camp Field Library

30 Campfield Avenue

Volume Up

Bridget E. Quinn, HPL's President and CEO, joins Bobby Sherwood, host of 169 Podcast, to discuss the incredible variety of programs and services available and why libraries remain such an important part of the community.

About the podcast:

Connecticut: the land of high rankings and low vibes? Not on our watch. Despite being a top-tier place to live, work, and play, only 21% of Nutmeggers would recommend us to a friend. The 169 Podcast is here to fix that math. From the heart of Hartford to every corner of the state, we’re moving past the "drive-through state" reputation to highlight the people, places, and culture that make Connecticut incredible.

ServSafe

The ServSafe Food Handler certification is one of the most widely recognized credentials in the food service industry. This free 4-session course prepares Hartford residents for the national ServSafe exam and covers everything you need to work safely and confidently in a professional kitchen or food service setting.

Registration is encouraged. Attendees must complete all four sessions.

Monday, October 12 | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Albany Library

1250 Albany Avenue

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.