Cultural Corridor

HPL’s Hartford History Center (HHC) is on the third floor of the Downtown Library and holds special collections that share the rich history of Hartford. Come check out our current exhibitions on display during regular operating hours and our HHC Research Room, which is by appointment only. Please contact the HHC for Hartford-specific research assistance at 860-695-6297 or hhc@hplct.org.

The ArtWalk gallery space is located just next to the HHC. Come check out the current exhibit … And My Heart Beats For You by Traé Brooks on view now through the end of August.

Learn more about the Hartford History Center HERE.

Learn more about The ArtWalk HERE.

Upcoming Highlights

Thursday, July 23

Visit HPL's Park Street Library @ the Lyric for a nostalgic movie night with a throwback you won’t want to miss! This program is for teens ages 13 - 19.

Park Street Library @ the Lyric | 603 Park Street | 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Friday, July 24

Join Carnival Trio for a musical journey to Trinidad & Tobago, with steel drum music!

Camp Field Library | 30 Campfield Avenue | 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Join us for an illuminating musical adventure with two amazing young violinists! This sister duo workshop is a fun, hands-on introduction to classical music.

Barbour Library | 261 Barbour Street | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

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

Outdoor Concerts

Dance America - 250 Years of Rhythm, a concert series, continues through Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

The lineup:

Tuesday, September 15 | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Park Street Library @ the Lyric | 603 Park Street

Friday, September 18 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Albany Library | 1250 Albany Avenue

Tuesday, September 22 | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Ropkins Library | 1750 Main Street

The summer concert series is presented with support from the Evelyn A. Preston Memorial Fund, administered by Bank of America Philanthropic Solutions.

Book Recommendations

America's First Daughter

Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie



"A thorough and well-researched if sometimes flowery saga of the Jefferson family."

—Kirkus Reviews

Find it HERE in our catalog.

The Rock and The River

Kekla Magoon

"Compelling characters aptly convey the frustrations and uncertainties dividing the civil rights movement at the time of Dr. King's death."

—The Horn Book Inc.

Find it HERE in our catalog

"I’ll tell you a secret about being happy, Tom. Sometimes you just have to pretend at it until it becomes real."

—Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, America's First Daughter

Did somebody say free tickets?!

With your Library card, you can reserve two free tickets to the performance of The Cannibals of McGower County at TheaterWorks!

About the show:

This world premiere play kicks off Drew’s Southern matriarch trilogy. McGower County is where we meet Lindalyn and Viola – two old friends and veteran salvagers – ransacking an abandoned barbecue restaurant in the heart of West Texas. Their routine is quickly interrupted by a fatal

encounter when an estranged family member appears, and working-class rage, deeply held secrets, and a deep reckoning of the past collide.

The show runs July 30 - August 20

Tuesdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.

Satursday and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Happening Tonight

An author talk with Big Steve focusing on his book, From Orphan to Millionaire, hosted by HPL Studios and HPATV. Big Steve had to overcome gun violence, racial adversity, language barriers, and the challenge of adjusting to an entirely new environment. Through it all, he stayed determined, worked relentlessly, and planned strategically for a better future. A Q&A session will follow immediately after the talk.

Registration is encouraged.

Wednesday, July 22 | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Garmany Hall, Main Floor

500 Main Street

Hartford Black Pride

Join us as we celebrate those making a lasting impact on the LGBTQ community.

Registration is encouraged.

Wednesday, July 24 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

Travelers Center for Arts & Culture, Main Floor

500 Main Street

Starting a Business

Looking to start a business but don’t know where to start? Make your way to HPL’s Downtown Library for a practical guide in entrepreneurship hosted by Connecticut's Small Business Development Center. This session will only be provided in Spanish. 

Registration is encouraged.

Wednesday, July 29 | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Classroom 139, Main Floor

500 Main Street

One Week Left

We are accepting submissions from musicians interested in performing in our highly popular Baby Grand Jazz Series. 

Musicians of all Jazz genres are encouraged to apply, but the ensembles must include a pianist who will play the Library’s baby grand piano.

Submissions are open until Saturday, August 1, 2026.

Photo courtesy of Maurice Robertson

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.

Your support makes a difference.