Weekly Updates

from HPL

Hartford Public Library (HPL) brings you something new every week! From author talks and concerts to cooking demos and music production, stay tuned for fun and educational programs for all.

Upcoming Highlights


Thursday, March 26:

Come design and personalize your own reusable canvas tote. Register HERE.

Park Street Library @ the Lyric | 603 Park Street | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.


Join us for some preschool, problem-solving fun, an event inspired by PBS KIDS' Work It Out Wombats! Introducing computational thinking through stories, videos and hands-on activities.

Barbour Library | 261 Barbour Street | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.


Saturday, March 28:

Make a commonplace book, used to record and organize your quotes, stories, and ideas, helping you recall and be inspired in the future. Register HERE.

Downtown Library, Classroom 140 | 500 Main Street | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.


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

Baby Grand Jazz



Drummer Ben Bilello earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies from the Hartt School of Music, where he studied under Ben Toth, Glen Velez, Michael Carvin, and Tony Leone. 


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


Sunday, March 29 | 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

The Evolving Truth of Ever-Stronger Will

Maya MacGregor


2025 ALA Rainbow Book List Selection


"The story also highlights how youths who have been through traumatic experiences can ultimately thrive. Agender Will doesn’t know who their father is and is implied biracial; the supporting cast is diverse in race and sexual orientation and identity."

Kirkus Reviews

 

Find it HERE in our catalog

All The Little Houses

May Cobb


"Cobb offers a salacious peek into the lives of trad wives and materialistic upper-class families, in which Charleigh and Nellie's toxic relationship is the driving force of the story. Readers will be glued to the page, gawking at the messes Cobb's characters make."

—Library Journal


Find it HERE in our catalog

"An outcast, humiliated and shunned by the in-crowd, whose approval she'd so desperately thirsted for."


May Cobb, All The Little Houses

Take Time To Unwind


This dynamic yoga program combines flowing sequences, strength-building poses, and intentional stretching to enhance overall fitness in partnership with Yoga In Our City.


Saturday, March 28 | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Park Street Library @ the Lyric

603 Park Street

Celebrate Women's History Month


Hartford Symphony Orchestra presents an elegant string quartet performance in celebration of Women’s History Month, featuring hits from Whitney Houston, Billie Eilish, Rihanna, and more.


Registration is required.


Tuesday, March 31 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

500 Main Street

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.