Our Mobile App is Back!

YAY!

Easy and convenient access to Hartford Public Library's App from your Android or Apple devices. All you need is your cell phone to connect and enjoy library services in the palm of your hand – all day, every day!

Manage your account, search the catalog, renew checkouts, place holds and so much more. Learn more HERE

A mobile place like no other!

HPL Weekly Book Recommendations:

Check out what we're reading

Celebrating women writers all month long.

Twice as Hard

 Jasmine Brown

Beginning in 1860, this is a fascinating account of the long-erased stories of nine pioneering black women physicians.

"This immersive tribute to a group of pioneering women will inspire readers of all backgrounds.” —Publishers Weekly



"Well-researched reclamation of neglected yet invaluable history...”

—Booklist, Starred Review

The Many Lives of Mama Love

Jessica George

New York Times Best Seller

Oprah Book Club Pick

Lara Love Hardin tells her gripping (and funny) life story of how she overcame addiction, a criminal record, and social ostracism to lovingly embrace her “beautiful mess of a life.”

"A courageous and inspiring memoir."

—Kirkus Reviews

“Grips you as suddenly as any psychological thriller...” —BookPage

Baby Grand Jazz

The Matt DeChamplain Quartet this Sunday!

March 24

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

Matt DeChamplain grew up in Wethersfield and attended the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts studying under Jimmy Greene and Dave Santoro. He has his bachelo'rs degree from the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School and his master's from the University of Toledo. Matt has performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, the Berklee Jazz Festival, the Kennedy Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center and more. In 2008, Matt was part of a group led by bassist Nat Reeves that toured New Ross, Ireland. In 2010, Matt participated as a semifinalist in the Martial Solal Jazz Piano Competition in Paris, France.

Get a preview of his sound (and Matt Dwonszyk too!) HERE

Matt DeChamplain, piano

Kris Allen, saxophone

Matt Dwonszyk, bass

Jonathan Barber, drums

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

Blue Hills Branch Library, March 25, 1971; Hartford Times Photo by Wayne Carter

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 Lydia Huntley Sigourney. Lydia (September 1, 1791 – June 10, 1865) was an American poet, author, and publisher during the early and mid-19th century. She was commonly known as the "Sweet Singer of Hartford". Her poetry book Pocahontas and Other Poems is featured in our list.

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

Want to Get Away?

Passport Services at HPL is back!

We're here to help guide you through the process of applying for a passport.

Have questions or want to make an appointment at our passport office?

You can email us HERE or call us at: (860) 695-1494

Movie Night?

Yes Please!

"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

Please join us to watch two great films on libraries and literacy.

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

We Are Here for You.

Creative Bug

Check it out. For Free.

Find inspiration and instruction with Creativebug video classes!

Creativebug has more than 1,000 award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists, and is a top resource for DIY, crafters and makers. And it's available to HPL cardholders 24/7 for free.

Try it HERE

Creating Well-Being. Together.

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

Teen Time with Hot Cocoa Jars

Thursday, March 21

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Barbour Branch - For Teens

Spend time with your loved ones or friends while savoring a warm cup of hot chocolate.

Art Therapy Series: Unwind with Puzzling!

Monday, March 25

11 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Ropkins Branch - For Adults

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

Zumba with Krissy: Zumba con Krissy

Wednesday, March 27

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Park Street Library @ The Lyric- For Adults, Teens and Families

Join Krissy in a fun dance exercise to the rhythm of Latin music and more.

Unase a Krissy en ejercicio divertido al son de ritmos de musica Latina y mas.

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.

“Real power is about using your power to shine a light on other people so they can find their own power.”

―Lara Love Hardin, The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing