Presenting two great films on libraries and literacy

"Ensuring that literacy, which is a basic human right, is something that everybody in our community can attain." —Bridget E. Quinn, HPL President and CEO

Floyd W. Green III, HPL Board member and Ambassador Liaison, on behalf of the HPL Board of Directors and Bridget E. Quinn, President and CEO, invite you to a screening of two thought-provoking films about childhood literacy challenges, and how libraries can change the narrative.

Wednesday, March 27

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Downtown Library, Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC)

Please use HPL's entrance on Arch Street.

Learn more HERE

HPL Weekly Book Recommendations:

Check out what we're reading

Celebrating women writers all month long.

On Thriving

 Brandi Sellerz-Jackson

With insightful and vulnerable storytelling, this book invites a deep, soul-stirring investigation of our past and present to gather all that we need to thrive right where we are, right now.

". . .a conversational, direct tone and tremendous empathy to guide all readers to live as the best versions of themselves.” —BookPage

“This book is a beacon of resilience. . . A must-read for anyone committed to growth.” —Erica Chidi Cohen, author of Nurture

Up to Speed

Christine Yu

Whether you are an elite athlete or someone who exercises for fun you will benefit from this book. It uses the latest research to propose better solutions to improve the active and athletic lives of women and girls, helping them achieve their athletic potential.

"Illuminating. . . a valuable contribution to the growing science on women in sports." —Publishers Weekly

"A brisk, well-researched study of athletic performance.” —Kirkus

Baby Grand Jazz

Nino Ciampa & The Hartt Salsa All Stars

Reminder - There is no Baby Grand Jazz Concert this Sunday, March 31

April 7

Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC) at the Downtown Library

2 p.m., Doors open to the public (Please come through the Arch Street entrance)

3 p.m., Concert

The Hartt Salsa All-Stars are the first ensemble from the University of Hartford to be devoted exclusively to New York-style salsa music. Nino Ciampa, 19-year-old Boston native of Italian and Cuban descent, serves as the group's bandleader and arranger who also sings and plays percussion for the group. They have performed various times on campus as well as in Willimantic and Coventry. They have played gigs as a salsa septet, a full 20+ piece big band, and everything in between.

We love their sound and their energy! Get a preview HERE

Vocals: Nino Ciampa, Miguel Cardona Jr., Christian Collazo-Román, Jason Cain, Haylee Caserta, & Nick Gastello

Flute: Jillian Powles

Saxes: James Lewis, Dakota Jones, & Michael Dubler

Trumpets: Dylan Ludoviconi, Jonah Bailis, & Jason Cain

Trombones: Tyler Wolfe, Ethan Abrams, & Luke Actie

Piano: Makenna Fowler

Bass: Sam Jacobs

Percussion: Michael Spanedda, Honoka Masuyama, Nate Butler, & Nino Ciampa

Learn more our about entire line up of 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. 

HPL's 250^th Books Through Time 

Celebrating Generations of Women Writers

A young girl reads while laying on HPL bench, 1967

Women writers have been shaping our world for centuries. We are pleased to highlight a few this month who are part of our 250 Books Through Time. This week we are highlighting Nancy Churin's picture book Beautiful Shades of Brown.

Beautiful Shades of Brown is a picture book biography of Laura Wheeler Waring (1887-1948), a female African American artist who skillfully painted portraits of important African Americans of her day. Many of her portraits became part of the collections of major museums.

You can check out our full list of HPL’s Books Through Time HERE

Solar Eclipse Viewing

We are about to experience our second total solar eclipse in seven years.

The path of the eclipse in Hartford will result in approximately 90% of the Sun blocked by the Moon at the high point of the event (around 3:25 p.m.). The Moon will begin to pass in front of the Sun around 2:15 p.m. Monday.

Watch the eclipse while playing and learning outside at the Library.

Receive one pair of eclipse glasses while supplies last.

Monday, April 8 - Multiple Locations

Camp Field Branch

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Learn More HERE

Ropkins Branch

2:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Learn More HERE

Albany Branch

3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Learn More HERE

Barbour Branch

3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Learn More HERE

Downtown Library

4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Learn More HERE

Early voting for the Presidential Preference Primary begins Tuesday, March 26 at 10 a.m. at your early voting location.

Find your early voting location and learn more about the process HERE

Creating Well-Being. Together.

This month we are highlighting many of the health and wellness programs at our branches.

Lo-Fi Days with a Librarian

Tuesday, March 26

4 - 5 p.m.

Albany Branch - For Youth and Teens

A calming hour of lo-fi music, dim lighting, quiet activities, snacks, and a space to study or unwind.

Creating Well-Being Together

Wednesday, March 27

2 - 3:30 p.m.

Barbour Branch - For Adults

Indulge in creative activities like painting, flower arranging, or writing to learn and practice science-based retirement exercises that promote well-being.

Art Therapy Series @ Ropkins: Unwind with Puzzling!

Wednesday, March 27

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Ropkins Branch - For Adults

A piece of a puzzle that can help you achieve peace of mind.

For more information and resources on Health and Wellness, click HERE

This project is funded by the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Cooperative Agreement Number U24LM014070 with the University of Iowa, Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, and the University of Pittsburgh, Health Sciences Library System.

Have a great Good Friday!

Just a friendly reminder the library will be closed for the holiday.

“One of the many things that I love about plants is their will and determination to live by any means necessary. What if we all dared not only to reach for the sun but to take up space while doing so?” —Brandi Sellerz-Jackson, On Thriving