Hartford Public Library

08/28/2026

The Hartbeat Salsa Kids brought the moves!

During this fun, entry-level salsa class, students learned basic salsa steps, explored the rich culture and history behind the dance, and practiced coordination and teamwork. Most importantly, they had a blast learning new skills and celebrating Hispanic culture.

Now we're excited to do it all again as we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month!

In the next session, we're celebrating the diversity of Hispanic cultures from across the globe. We encourage attendees to bring a flag representing their heritage and showcase the many cultures that make our community so vibrant.

All skill levels are welcome for youth ages 8-15. Space is limited.

Register here: https://programs.hplct.org/event/17258573

Saturday, September 19 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Park Street Library @ the Lyric
603 Park Street

08/27/2026

It's kinda chic to have a Library card

08/26/2026

National Night Out brings neighbors, local organizations, and law enforcement together to strengthen community relationships and foster a true sense of community.

This year, Hartford families had the opportunity to celebrate at events in both the North and South Ends of the city. HPL’s Library on Wheels and staff were proud to participate in the South Hartford event at Goodwin Park, where we shared books, resources, and information with local families.

The evening featured free food, fun activities for all ages, and opportunities for residents to connect with community organizations and public safety officials. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello, explore our resources, and celebrate the power of community with us.

08/25/2026

Intro to Mixing!

This workshop is for participants who have completed the Intro to Studio Technology Workshop or have commensurate recording studio experience. EQ, Compression, Dynamics Processing, Reverb, Delays, Saturation, and more! Attendees must have experience with DAW's. The course will be conducted in Pro Tools.

Register here: https://programs.hplct.org/event/16943125

Wednesday, August 26 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Downtown Library
Garmany Hall, Main Floor
500 Main Street

08/24/2026

Sound on for a behind the scenes listen to preservation at work in our digitizing lab. Recorded earlier this year by our spring semester interns, this video offers a glimpse into a day in the Digital Library Lab and the careful, hands-on work that helps preserve and share history.

Do you have a digitization project we can help with? Visit our website to learn more about our services or to get in touch.

New video:

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

08/21/2026

HPL Studios presents a bi-weekly roundtable for writers to share ideas and material from their feature films, short films, web series, sketches, or scripted audio projects with peers.

Register here: https://programs.hplct.org/event/16904686

Tuesday, August 25 | 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Downtown Library
Business Resource Center, Main Floor
500 Main Street

08/20/2026

We miss you! Come back to the Library.

New video:

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

08/19/2026

The cat’s out of the bag! This adorable historic image from the Hartford History Center’s collections is just one of thousands available through our digital collections on the Connecticut Digital Archive (CTDA). Explore and discover photographs, documents, and other digitized material from our collections.

Want to explore our materials in person? Our research room is available by appointment. Call 860-695-6297 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Let us know what you’re interested in researching, and we’ll help you get started.

08/18/2026

Join us for an evening with current ArtWalk artist Traé Brooks before his show closes on Saturday, August 29.

Blending sculpture, painting, and found materials, including worn clothing and personal artifacts, Brooks’ multidisciplinary exhibition explores how individuals carry history through memory, ritual, and material.

In this space, remembering becomes a source of connection, and shared grief opens pathways for collective reflection and care.

Friday, August 21 | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Downtown Library
ArtWalk, Third Floor
500 Main Street

Learn more: https://programs.hplct.org/event/17131553

08/14/2026

New arrivals! Show your Library pride wherever you are. Visit the HPL Store to see our newest items: bumper stickers, car magnets, an embroidered HPL keychain, and embroidered dad hats. Whether you’re traveling, out and about, or visiting the Library, find a new way to celebrate your favorite Library.

Shop the collection and grab your HPL gear today at shop.hplct.org.