A New Vision

The Vision Committee, a group formed in 2025, includes HPL’s President and CEO Bridget E. Quinn, the CEOs of The Hartford and the Hartford HealthCare system, as well as the Mayor of Hartford, and others. The Committee’s goals are to outline ways to revitalize the City of Hartford, and boost the downtown. 

“Public libraries serve a critical role in a community and a society, providing opportunities for learning, exploring, and engaging. For free. For all,” said Bridget E. Quinn, HPL’s President and CEO at a press event held Thursday.

The Vision Committee plans to release a comprehensive report in early June outlining recommended projects for Hartford.

Upcoming Highlights

Thursday, March 19:

Join The Children’s Museum for creative play using STEM tools inlcuding 3D printing, Chomp Saw, and Cricut. Register HERE.

Downtown Library, Children's Department | 500 Main Street | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 21:

We're excited to support high school students as they prepare for one of the most memorable nights of the year, prom. We are collecting donations and providing you with a space to shop for prom. Register HERE.

Downtown Library, Center for Contemporary Culture | 500 Main Street | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 24:

Learn how to recognize, understand and create AI images and videos through an interactive and engaging discussion. Register HERE.

Albany Library | 1250 Albany Avenue | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

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

Baby Grand Jazz



A 2024 Guggenheim Fellow for Jazz Composition. Rodney Jones is a pioneering jazz guitarist whose fearless innovation redefines tradition. Born in New Haven and influenced by Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane, and McCoy Tyner, he rose through New York City’s jazz scene. 

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

Sunday, March 22 | 3:00 p.m.

Doors open at 2:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture

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

Loud: Accept Nothing Less Than The Life You Deserve

Drew Afualo

2025 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature

"The message will undoubtedly resonate with her fans and anyone sick of rampant misogyny. An unapologetically energizing reading experience."

—Kirkus Reviews

Find it HERE in our catalog

Heated Rivalry

Rachel Reid

New York Times Bestseller | #1 Streaming Show

"The book that got me into hockey romance"

—NPR's Weekend Edition

Find it HERE in our catalog

"I love hockey, and I deserve to have the career I want for as long as I want it. I’ve earned that. But if I had to choose...I’d choose him."

—Rachel Reid, Heated Rivalry

TONIGHT: Author Talk

An evening author talk with Laura Tillman, the author of the James Beard award-winning biography, The Migrant Chef: The Life and Times of Lalo García, which follows the journey of an acclaimed Mexico City chef from his origins in rural poverty to his migration and deportation from the U.S. The book was selected for best-of-the-year lists by The New Yorker and NPR, and was recently published in Spanish by Penguin Random House. Light refreshments will be served.

Registration is required.

Wednesday, March 18 | 6:00 - 7:15 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture

500 Main Street

Seed Starting Workshop

A hands-on workshop led by local farmers from KNOX. Learn the basics of starting seeds at home, including how to care for them while we wait for planting season. This program is beginner-friendly and for all ages.

 Registration is required.

Saturday, March 21 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Albany Library

1250 Albany Avenue

Free English Classes

Announcing FREE English classes starting this spring. 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.

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.

Your support makes a difference.