Heat Advisory: Hartford Public Library (HPL) will act as a cooling center in response to the dangerous heat and humidity expected Tuesday through Friday.


HPL provides a safe space for community members to escape the heat and stay cool.


Please visit Albany, Barbour, Camp Field, Dwight, Ropkins, and Park Street libraries during regular operating hours to beat the heat.

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth Party

Celebrate with Ms. Erin at Dwight. Come make your own flag and decorate cookies.

Wednesday, June 19 | 1:15 - 2:15 p.m.

Dwight Library, 7 New Park Avenue


Barbour Celebrates Juneteenth

Join Ms. Fe to celebrate Juneteenth with snacks, sweet treats, and more!

Wednesday, June 19 | 2 - 4 p.m.

Barbour Library, 261 Barbour Street


Juneteenth Teen Celebration

Don't miss out on all the fun with a Juneteenth themed program.

Friday, June 21 | 1 - 2 p.m.

Albany Library, 1250 Albany Avenue

HPL Book Recommendations:


Honoring Juneteenth

Barracoon The Story of the Last "Black Cargo

Zora Neale Hurston


"Short enough to be read in a single sitting, this book is one of those gorgeous, much too fleeting things...Brimming with observational detail from a man whose life spanned continents and eras, the story is at times devastating, but Hurston’s success in bringing it to light is a marvel."

—The Publisher


“Zora Neale Hurston has left an indelible legacy on the literary community and commanded an influential place in Black history.”

Essence

Find it HERE in our catalog

Kindred

Octavia E. Bulter


"One of the most original, thought-provoking works examining race and identity."

—Los Angeles Times


"Butler takes one of speculative fiction’s oldest tropes and infuses it with lasting depth and power..."

New York Times






Find it HERE in our catalog

Let's Dance


Summer Concert Series Celebrating 250 Years

HPL's Summer Concert Series, Let’s Dance—Celebrating 250 Years of Hartford Public Library, will feature Latin, West African, Funk, Afro-Cuban, Jazz, and fusions of these genres that will inspire Hartford dwellers of all ages to join the fun and dance. 


The 2024 Summer Concert Series aims to unite residents of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy free, high-quality musical performances in accessible, family-friendly settings.

Downtown Library

Haneef Nelson Duet

500 Main Street

Tuesday, June 18 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.


Barbour Library

The Lost Tribe

261 Barbour Street

Thursday, June 27 | 3 - 4 p.m.

 

Camp Field Library

Ed Fast and the Congo Bop Quintet

30 Campfield Avenue

Tuesday, July 9 | 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Dwight Library

Goza Latin Band

7 New Park Ave

Wednesday, July 17 | 1 - 2 p.m.


Albany Library

Haneef Nelson Duet

1250 Albany Avenue

Monday, August 19 | 1 - 2 p.m.


Ropkins Library

The Lost Tribe

1750 Main Street

Tuesday, August 27 | 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.

"Let's Dance" is funded by the Evelyn Preston Memorial Fund, a private foundation in Connecticut administered through Bank of America Connecticut Private Bank.

Vision To Learn


With clear vision comes a brighter future

Vision To Learn returns this summer to HPL


Unlock the power of clear vision for your child for FREE!

  • Children ages 5-18 are eligible / No insurance needed!
  • Vision To Lean can give each child one eye exam yearly (must be 365 days from their last eye exam).
  • Please arrive 5 minutes early to your appointment to complete the paperwork.
  • Your appointment may have a possible wait time. Your patience is appreciated.
  • If prescribed, your child’s glasses will be available to be picked up at the Library 3-4 weeks after the exam.

Albany Library

1250 Albany Avenue

860-695-7380

Thursday, July 25 

Friday, July 26


Barbour Library

261 Barbour Street

860-695-7400

Friday, August 16


Camp Field Library

30 Campfield Avenue

860-695-7440

Monday, June 24 

Monday July 29

Dwight Library

7 New Park Avenue

860-695-7460

Monday, August 5

Monday, August 12


Park Street Library @ the Lyric

603 Park Street

860-695-7500

Wednesday, August 14

Thursday, August 15


Ropkins Library

1750 Main Street

860-695-7520

Monday, August 26

Downtown Library

500 Main Street 

860-695-6300

Tuesday, August 13

Monday, August 19

Contact your Library to book an appointment!

Learn More Here

Kanopy Celebrates Freedom in Film for Juneteenth!

Celebrate Juneteenth with Kanopy! This Juneteenth, honor the resilience and triumph of the

Black community with powerful films that highlight the journey to freedom and equality. From documentaries chronicling the history of Juneteenth to inspiring dramas and thought-provoking narratives, Kanopy offers a diverse selection of films that amplify Black voices and stories.


Start watching NOW

Jump On In!

Join Hartford Double Dutch Champion Lady Carrie for jump roping fun in the sun! She will be at your favorite Library this summer. Mark your calendar!

Barbour Library

261 Barbour Street

Tuesday, June 18 | 2 - 3 p.m.


Downtown Library

500 Main Street

Thursday, June 20 | 2 - 3 p.m.


Albany Library

1250 Albany Avenue

Monday, June 24 | 2 - 3 p.m.


Dwight Library

7 New Park Avenue

Tuesday, June 25 |2 - 3 p.m.


Ropkins Library

1750 Main Street

Wednesday, June 26 | 2 - 3 p.m.

A Place Like No Other


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

Check out our programming calendar HERE

Refugee Stories: An Exhibit of Peace and Transformation

A display featuring stories of immigrant women and refugees in Connecticut (CT). This event is A Poetry on the Streets Project in collaboration with IRIS-Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services CT.

Thursday, June 20 | 3:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Park Street Library @ the Lyric, 603 Park Street


Summer Learn Kickoff Party

Celebrate Summer Learning! Join the Barbour Library for crafts, games, and food to celebrate summer learning. Please call Irene to register at 860-695-7401.

Thursday, June 20 | 3 - 5 p.m.

Barbour Library, 261 Barbour Street


Summer Momento

Join Ms. Erin to make a summer momento with air dry clay and jewels.

Friday, June 21 | 1:15 - 2:15 p.m.

Dwight Library, 7 New Park Avenue


“Sometimes I wrote things because I couldn't say them, couldn't sort out my feelings about them, couldn't keep them bottled inside me”


―Octavia E. Butler, Kindred


Will you join Hartford Public Library's 250x250 Challenge? 


We're seeking 250 contributors to celebrate our 250th anniversary

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