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Upcoming Highlights

Thursday, June 25

A welcoming Zumba class for adults. Move at your own pace. Register HERE.

Dwight Library | 7 New Park Avenue | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The last kickoff celebration for our Summer Reading Challenge will be held at Park Street Library @ the Lyric. Featuring live music from Mega Education, story time hosted by Little Miss Puerto Rico, refreshments, and a resource fair featuring local organizations.

Park Street Library @ the Lyric | 603 Park Street | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Monday, June 29

Learn DJ basics through hands-on mixing, beatmatching, transitions, and music selection with pro equipment, while building creativity, confidence, and performance skills.

Downtown Library, YOUmedia, Second Floor | 500 Main Street | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 30

Do you have the guts to learn about the human body? Join The Children’s Museum on a fun journey learning how our bodies work, and end the week with a trip to Roaring Brook Nature Center. Register HERE.

Camp Field Library | 30 Campfield Avenue | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

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

Tomorrow!

The Ancient Burying Ground Association presents a dynamic lecture on the roots of democracy in Hartford. Erin Monroe, the Krieble Curator of American Paintings and Sculpture, will explore The Wadsworth’s latest exhibition, Framing American Democracy: Radical Roots.

Through the stories of Hartford’s earliest leaders, such as Rev. Thomas Hooker, and influential figures like Col. Jeremiah Wadsworth, discover how bold ideas, civic leadership, and a commitment to self-governance helped shape the foundation of American democracy.

Their legacies live on in the monuments and markers of the Ancient Burying Ground.

Guests are invited to visit the Hartford History Center from 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. to enjoy the current exhibits prior to the lecture, followed by the Annual Meeting. Refreshments will be served.

Registration is encouraged.



Thursday, June 25 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

Travelers Center for Arts & Culture, Main Floor

500 Main Street

Book Recommendations

Profiles In Mental Health Courage

Patrick J. Kennedy & Stephen Fried

"The book is filled with personal stories from people of all backgrounds with various mental health struggles. From actors to healthcare aids, each chapter paints a unique portrait of an individual’s lived experience with mental illness."

—Forbes

Find it HERE in our catalog

What It Takes To Heal

Prentis Hemphill

National Bestseller

"In a time when so many of us are being trained in cynicism, this book stands in necessary defiance."

—Cole Arthur Riley, author of "Black Liturgies" and "This Here Flesh"

Find it HERE in our catalog

"I’m an attorney who has been practicing for fifteen years. And I’m a person that has struggled with mental illness-and I still struggle with mental illness. Or, while I don’t like that dichotomy, I do have mental differences."

—Patrick J. Kennedy, Profiles In Mental Health Courage

LGBTQ+ Author Talk

In partnership with the Hartford Pride Center, a celebration of LGBTQ+ voices, Ray DaRosa, author of The Fall of Paradise, will discuss his gripping fantasy adventure exploring courage and identity.

Registration is encouraged.



Friday, June 26 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

Garmany Hall, Main Floor

500 Main Street

Matriarchs of America

Join us for a powerful intergenerational panel conversation celebrating the legacy, labor, resistance, and joy of Black and Brown women throughout American history.

Registration is encouraged.

Saturday, June 27 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Downtown Library

Travelers Center for Arts & Culture, Main Floor

500 Main Street

Sundays at the Stadium

HPL is partnering with Hartford Athletic this summer to bring back Sundays at the Stadium. Enjoy a book on the turf and participate in activities. Pizza and giveaways are included. For ages 5-17.

Upcoming dates: July 19, August 2, and August 23.

Registration is encouraged for each.

Sunday, June 28 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Trinity Health Stadium

250 Huyshope Avenue

The Other Side Author Talk

Need to work on your anger? Join us for a presentation by Dave Wolffe as he discusses his book, Peace: The Other Side of Anger. This program is for teens and adults.

Registration is encouraged.



Monday, June 29 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

Classroom 139, Main Floor

500 Main Street

Lights, Camera... Filmmaking

A three-part filmmaking series hosted by Pedro Bermudez. In this series attendees can learn framing and editing techniques, the future of AI, and 3D animation. Teens and adults are welcome. Attendance to each session is encouraged.

Registration is encouraged.



Tuesday, June 30 | 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

Garmany Hall, Main Floor

500 Main Street

America 250

Music moves, voices rise, and history comes alive as HPL celebrates America’s 250th with song and dance.

Featured events include:

Indigenous Stomp

Wednesday, July 1 | Burr Mall | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Dance America - 250 Years of Rhythm

Starting Thursday, July 2 - Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at all locations.

Concert lineup

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

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.