Time to Celebrate


We're having a parade!

Celebrate with us!

250th Summer Learning Parade & Kickoff


We're having a parade! Get your thinking caps on and get those costumes ready, it's time to dress as your favorite literary characters and march to celebrate HPL's 250th anniversary.


After the parade, enjoy family friendly activities, live music, performances, special surprises and more!


Parade participants must arrive at 11:30 a.m., and busing from Library branches is available. Visit HERE for the bus schedule.


Saturday, June 1 | 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Downtown Library, 500 Main Street

Learn More Here

HPL Weekly Book Recommendations:

Check out what we're reading


Honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Miracle Creek

Angie Kim

Edgar Award for Best First Novel

A Time Best Mystery and Thriller Book of All Time


"A stunning debut about parents, children and the unwavering hope of a better life, even when all hope seems lost." —Washington Post


"A quick-paced murder mystery that plumps the power and perils of community." —O Magazine


Find it HERE in our catalog

We Are Not Free

Traci Chee

National Book Award Finalist

Printz Honor Book


"Written from 14 young people’s intertwining points of view, each character fills in a segment of time between 1942 and 1945. Each voice is powerful, evoking raw emotions of fear, anger, resentment, uncertainty, grief, pride, and love."

—Kirkus Reviews



Find it HERE in our catalog

Stay Mindful Everywhere You Go


Headspace now at the tip of your fingers

*Deep Breath*


Meditation and mindfulness have been shown to help people stress less, focus more, and sleep soundly, and Headspace is your personal guide. With hundreds of guided exercises for meditation, sleep, focus, and movement, Headspace will help you start and end your days feeling like your best self.


Headspace has partnered with the City of Hartford, Copper Beech Institute and Greater Hartford Arts Council to bring mindfulness to our community. Through this multi-year partnership, every City of Hartford resident, student, and city employee will be given free access to mindfulness and personalized meditation resources available through the Headspace app.


It's easy! Download the app and sign up with your name, email, and zip code to start your free annual membership.

Learn More Here

The Must-Have Bag of the Summer


Get yours now!

The "It" Bag


Show your love for your favorite Library with the incredibly roomy HPL tote bag!


From Library hauls to Farmers' Market hauls, this bag can fit it all.


It can be yours for $15 at any HPL location.


Don't miss out, get yours today!


(Only available to purchase in person)

Lets Get Crafty


Arte Popular is back by popular demand

Keep Calm & Craft On!



Thinking of creating a costume for our 250th Parade on June 1st? Here's a chance to learn a new skill or brush up on some old ones!


Arte Popular is a local collective of female artisans from Latin America. They provide resources and networking opportunities to showcase their artistic talent and culture.


Knitting:

Wednesday, May 22|10:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

Click HERE to register


Embroidery:

Saturday, May 25|10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

Click HERE to register


Both workshops are being held at Park Street Library @ the Lyric, 603 Park Street. Registration is required.

A Place Like No Other


HPL offers engaging, educational, and fun programming for all ages. Check out our programming calendar HERE

Healthy Eating / Summer Recipes

Warmer weather is near! Join Lindsey, Registered Dietitian of ShopRite, for a healthy summer cooking demonstration. Registration is required.

Wednesday, May 22 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Dwight Library, 7 New Park Avenue


Play-Doh Sensory Storytime

Join Ms. Fe for all the fun of play-doh and a storytime.

Friday, May 24 | 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Barbour Library, 261 Barbour Street


Health and Wellness for All: A Holistic Approach to Addiction Recovery

A free workshop series for those struggling with addiction, as well as their loved ones.

Saturday, May 25 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Albany Library, 1250 Albany Avenue


Special Notice:


HPL locations will be closed on Monday, May 27,

in honor Memorial Day.

“Life's not fair, but she doesn't need to be fair, because she can take anything life throws at her, and she won't break”


―Traci Chee, We Are Not Free


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