Patio Season is Upon Us

Stop by and say hi this week!

Visit the Downtown Patio for books, library cards, events and more. 

Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., now through October

On the Patio

Downtown Library, 500 Main Street

(Weather Permitting!)

HPL Weekly Book Recommendations:

Check out what we're listening to



Spring into these great books!

Fourth Wing

Rebecca Yarros

A #1 New York Times Bestseller

"Romance author Yarros blends the epic tale of a reluctant dragon rider’s coming-of-age with a sexy dark academia aesthetic in her astounding debut fantasy..."

—Publishers Weekly

"Fourth Wing will have your heart pounding from beginning to end... A fantasy you've never read before."

—Jennifer L. Armentrout, A #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Find it HERE in our catalog

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

James McBride

The Runaway New York Times Bestseller

"A murder myster locked inside a Great American Novel... Charming, smart, heart-blistering, an heart-healing."

—Danez Smith, The New Your Times Book Review

"We all need — we all deserve — this vibrant, love-affirming novel that bounds over any differnce that claims to separate us." —Ron Charles, The Washington Post

Find it HERE in our catalog

Philanthropy Spotlight

A special thank you to Verizon for their partnership in the Boundless Enrichment Program!

The Boundless Enrichment Program held at Hartford Public High School is powered by the amazing collaboration with Verizon!

Thanks to Verizon's generous support, the program is filled with cutting-edge equipment, including driving rigs, Esports setups, arts and crafts and more!

The Esports crew dreams big, aiming to create a recreational travel team that'll take on schools and Libraries in thrilling competitions! Stay tuned!

The BeyHive is Buzzing on Freegal

Make sure your tuned in too!

Did you know that with your HPL card, you have access to an incredible music library right at your fingertips? Yes, even Queen Bey herself.

Enjoy the freedom to download three songs per week and stream music 24 hours a day. Totally FREE!

Empanadas & Mindfulness



Join us as we kickoff Haitian Heritage Month!

Learn mindfulness through baking empanadas. Discover how cooking can reduce stress and form connections with others.

Presented by Guetty Antiste also known as the "Empanada Assassin" who has over 30 years of expertise.

She stems from a Haitian and Martiniquan background and aims to bring unique fusions from across the diaspora. 

Registration Required

Tuesday, May 14

2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Albany Library, 1250 Albany Ave

Free Movies? Yes Please!

Celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Dive into the rich tapestry of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage with free access to a curated collection of AAPI films on the Kanopy app.

From compelling narratives to thought-provoking documentaries, embark on a cinematic journey that celebrates the unique cultures within the AAPI

community.

Our pick this week?

Everything Everywhere All at Once, check it out HERE

This film clocked in 684 award nominations and 343 wins!

A Place Like No Other

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

Check out our programming calendar HERE

Terrarium Wellness Workshop

Chill but a really big deal as you learn how to build your own terrarium! Registration is required. Space is limited.

Wednesday, May 8 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Dwight Library, 7 New Park Avenue

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Join our partners UCONN and Leadership of Greater Hartford for a fun learning session including games, crafts, educational kits, snacks and prizes.

Friday, May 10 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Albany Branch, 1250 Albany Avenue

"Harriet's Dinner Party" with Author Yvette Cole

Join Author Yvette Cole for storytime and dinner!

Saturday, May 11 | 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Park Street Library @ The Lyric, 603 Park Street

See Us Bloom

Craft a personalized affirmation bookmark and immerse yourself with a narrative.

Monday, May 13 | 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.

Ropkins Library, 1750 Main Street

“I am the sky and the power of every storm that has ever been. I am infinite.”

―Rebecca Yarros, Fourth Wing