Welcome to the new Boundless Library

at West Middle School!

"I don't think there's anywhere else in the country that the partnership between the public library and the public schools is so robust and so collaborative, the way that we share resources, the way that we share ideas, the way that we support each other," Bridget Quinn, President and CEO of Hartford Public Library.


A generous grant from The Hartford allowed Hartford Public Library to transform the former media center into a welcoming space where students can develop a love for reading and learning. The funding also allowed HPL to hire a full-time Youth Services Librarian to provide services including story times, technology access, research assistance and book checkouts to West Middle students and staff.


Learn more about the partnership between Hartford Public Schools and the Hartford Public Library HERE

HPL Weekly Book Recommendations:

Check out what we're reading


We're celebrating Black History Month.

In Every Mirror She's Black

 Lolá Ákínmádé Åkerström

 A Good Morning America Buzz Pick

 

A compelling and rich story told through the perspective of three women whose lives intersect in an interesting way.


"A striking debut...As entertaining as it is revealing" —Booklist


"An engaging novel that presents the nuanced experiences of Black women from all walks of life." —Essence

Deacon King Kong

James McBride

Oprah's Book Club Pick


A mystery, a love story, and an urban farce all wrapped up into one incredible novel. A must read for all.


"An exuberant comic opera set to the music of life."—Kirkus Reviews


"Shouldn’t we just get it over with and declare McBride this decade’s Great American Novelist?" —Los Angeles Times

Baby Grand Jazz

 We've got a double header this Sunday!

Y3W +1 and Nat Reeves and Friends

February 11

Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC) at the Downtown Library

1 p.m., Doors Open to the Public

2 p.m., Nat Reeves and Friends

3 p.m., Y3W + 1



Nat Reeves and Friends:

Nat Reeves, bass

Rick Germanson, piano

Sarah Hanahan, saxophone

Hank Allen-Barfield, drums


Y3W + 1

Jordan Young, saxophone,

Jeremiah Edwards, bass 

Ele Howell, drums

Michael Carabello, piano



Learn more about both concerts HERE


We're celebrating the 20th season of Baby Grand Jazz with the support of a generous three-year sponsorship from The Kaman Foundation. Our free series features accomplished jazz musicians and bands from around the region. 

Develop the basic knowledge necessary to produce, record, and share a podcast episode. Use headphones, microphones, podcast production equipment, a Digital-Audio-Workstation (DAWS), and more to produce podcast concepts and episodes. 


Monday, February 26

Downtown Library, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.


Additional dates and registration HERE

Coming up this week!

Sharing a month of programing that honors and celebrates the rich cultural heritage and triumphs of Black people and communities.


Black History Bingo

Wednesday, February 7, 5 - 6 p.m.

Downtown Library - Ages 6-12

Learn Black history while having fun.


Black History Month: Family Storytime

Thursday, February 8, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

South Church - For families

Stories, activities, and music movement.


Learn more about all the programming we have planned for the month HERE


The 2024 theme is "African Americans and the Arts," spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more.

We're Having a Party!

Let's Make History Together!


Celebrating 250 incredible years of knowledge, community, and fun at Hartford Public Library! Join us as we take our birthday bash to all our neighborhood branches. Expect cake, engaging activities, captivating storytelling, face painting, and more!


Upcoming Branch Celebrations:


HPL 250 Branch Birthday Parties - Park Street Library @ The Lyric

Wednesday February 7, 1:30 p.m.


HPL 250 Birthday Party - Ropkins Branch

Monday February 12, 4 p.m.

Save the Date!

250th Anniversary Celebration

February 22, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Downtown Library

Center for Contemporary Culture


Join us for light refreshments, live entertainment, a celebratory toast and more!


RSVP HERE

A Place Like No Other

HPL offers engaging, educational, and fun programming for all ages.

Check out our calendar of programming HERE and head to your favorite branch!

Check out some of our upcoming programming:


Mindful Moments: Simple Steps to Everyday Calm

Wednesday, February 7, 2 - 3 p.m.

Barbour Branch

Brian Thompson of Copper Beech Institute will explore with you the practical and enjoyable aspects of mindfulness, adding a touch of tranquility to your daily life.


Family Robotics Club: 3D Printing

Thursday, February, 3 - 5 p.m.

Dwight Branch - Ages 6 -12

Explore the exciting world of 3-D printing with The Children’s Museum. Learn the basics of 3-D modeling and design while working with your family to create a file to print.


Adobe Illustrator

Friday, February 9, 2 - 4 p.m.

Albany Branch - For Teens

Discover the essentials of graphic design and digital art with Adobe Illustrator. Master the tools to bring your artistic visions to life in this immersive learning experience.


“To anyone who has ever felt unappreciated, uninvited, or invisible...Your voice is more powerful than you think. You are allowed to exist without explanation. Never let the world convince you that your struggles are invalid.”

― Lolá Ákínmádé Åkerström, In Every Mirror She's Black

Will you join Hartford Public Library's 250X250 Challenge? We're seeking 250 contributors to celebrate our 250th anniversary
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