Hartford Reads in Color

Hartford Reads in Color invites you to participate in two virtual discussions to explore stories and authors from the diaspora that can reflect our own experiences.

To join the discussion on Sunday, April 21 click HERE to register.

To join the discussion on Sunday, April 28 click HERE to register.

HPL Weekly Book Recommendations:

Check out what we're listening to

We're Celebrating National Poetry Month!

Time Is a Mother

Ocean Vuong

The collection of poems explores the search for meaning after a devastating loss, navigating the complex emotions of grief while striving to move forward.

“These poems glisten and rattle, and they deftly mine a host of diverse topics—sex, privilege, beauty, art, poverty, death—to offer us a fresh way of evaluating and understanding our world.” —Vulture, “49 Books We Can’t Wait to Read in 2022”

Find it HERE in our catalog

The Strength In Our Scars

Bianca Sparacino

The book explores relatable experiences of moving on, self-love, and healing. It offers peace, a rock, understanding and hope. 

"This is the book I didn’t know I needed. Reading it is like getting a hug from a friend. Have you ever felt like you didn’t deserve the good things in your life? This entire book will remind you that you’re worthy of all the love and care that you give to other people. We cannot love others if we don’t love ourselves first." —Goodreads

Find it HERE in our catalog

Baby Grand Jazz



Rachel Therrien & Albert Marquès Duo

April 21

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

Rachel Therrien, a trumpet player from Montreal and Albert Marquès, a pianist from Barcelona, are both Brooklyn-based artists who tour all over the world. With a decade of friendship and playing played together in various contexts, the two musicians are now collaborating on their first joint project. They will release an album in 2024 which is the fruit of a deep collaboration and friendship between two composers and band leaders who play Latin Jazz, Flamenco, Rock, Contemporary Jazz... and who love to improvise together.

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

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. 

Access, Access, Read All About It!

Pop-Up Library

We want to see you!

HPL and UConn Library Hartford will host a pop-up Library on April 18, 22 & 25 from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Hartford Times Building, Zachs Atrium. You can get a library card, learn how to access e-books and the opportunity to tell your HPL story.

Learn more HERE

Creating Well-Being. Together.

We are highlighting many of the health and wellness programs at our branches.

Mind Mastery: Empowering Healthy Habits

Wednesday, April 17

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Albany Branch - For Adults

Discover the world of hypnosis with William McEvoy in this educational program aimed at building self-confidence and implementing effective weight management techniques.

Zumba with Krissy: Zumba con Krissy

Wednesday, April 17

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Park Street Library @ The Lyric - For Adults

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.

Crochet Circle

Friday, April 19

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Albany Branch - For Adults

Experience the cozy and creative world of crochet in this session.

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.

Earth Day



Monday, April 22

Excited for Earth Day? Dive into inspiring films celebrating our planet’s beauty and advocating for its protection on Kanopy - for FREE! Simply access Kanopy for free through our library and start streaming documentaries, narratives, and more.

Access the collection HERE

UPCOMING HPL Earth Day Events

Let's Get Planty

Monday, April 22

3- 5 p.m.

Albany Branch

Earth Day Craft

Monday, April 22

4- 5 p.m.

Camp Field Branch

Poetry Month Events

Mark your calendars!

Poem in your Pocket Day

Thursday, April 18

All Day

Camp Field Branch 

Celebrate National Poetry Month

Tuesday, April 23

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Downtown Branch

Penning and Reading More 2024

Tuesday, April 30

1- 3 p.m.

Barbour Branch

On Thursday, April 18, all HPL locations will open to the public at 9:30 a.m. to allow Library employees to attend a quarterly all staff meeting. HPL’s Ropkins Library and its two Boundless libraries will open up at their regularly scheduled time. 

“You are allowed to take up space. Own who you are and what you want for yourself."

―Bianca Sparacino, The Strength In Our Scars