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.

It's Officially Banned Books Week

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

Great stories belong to everyone. Use your HPL card to check out some of history’s most challenged books and experience the stories that continue to inspire discussion today. Remember, your library card works at all HPL locations and online, giving you access to a world of stories wherever you visit.

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

Banned Book Recommendations

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Sarah J. Maas

"A weak fantasy with strong romance elements. Good for fans of Maas's previous books looking for a more mature read."

—School Library Journal

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

A Clockwork Orange

Anthony Burgess

"Burgess opens the debate of freedom versus enforced obedience and 'goodness' as being the best for society. While A Clockwork Orange is extremely engaging in its description of Alex's journey towards adulthood, it also leaves the reader thinking of a number of important questions."

—The Guardian

Find it HERE in our catalog.

"Don't feel bad for one moment about doing what brings you joy."

—Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Thorns and Roses

Upcoming Highlights

Monday, October 12

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.

Camp Field Library | 30 Campfield Avenue | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 17

Choose from a variety of charms, beads, and accessories to create a fun personalized decoration for your bag. Supplies will be provided. Register HERE.

Albany Library | 1250 Albany Avenue | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 20

Turn an ordinary potholder into a stylish eyeglass case. Embellish using basic sewing techniques. Register HERE.

Camp Field Library | 30 Campfield Avenue | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 21

Come learn the latest line dances to the hottest new music. Register HERE.

Downtown Library, Atrium, Ground Floor | 500 Main Street | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

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

FAMILY

YOUTH

ADULT

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.

Registration is encouraged.

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

Downtown Library

Garmany Hall, First Floor

500 Main Street

Learn More Here

Register to Vote at HPL

We partnered with Jordan from A Design Services to not only showcase the importance of voting, but also to take the first step and register to vote. Remember, your vote matters! Register to vote at any HPL location.

For more information, please visit the front desk or click HERE.

Check out our new video HERE.

Hispanic Genealogy: Getting Started

Learn the foundations of researching

Hispanic ancestry, including how naming conventions, geography, and historical context impact family history research. The session will be hosted by Irisneri Alicea Flores, who is a Latina genealogist specializing in Hispanic, Caribbean and Latin American ancestry.

Tuesday, October 20 | 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Park Street Library @ the Lyric

603 Park Street

Sharpen Your Writing

Looking to boost your writing skills? Join us to “Level Up” your writing. Whether you’re writing a college essay, tackling a research paper, or polishing a resume, strong writing skills can open doors.

Registration is encouraged.

Tuesday, October 27 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Downtown Library

UConn Classroom 025

500 Main Street