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Top Feature
Beyond the Podium Science Conversation Series
December 7, 2015, 12:00 PM
Downtown Library, Hartford History Center, 3rd Floor
Join Hartford Public Library and the Connecticut Science Center for our next lunchtime conversation, “Pay Attention: Growing Up with a Diagnosis of ADHD and other Childhood Neuropsychiatric Disorders.”
Dr. Jessica Lennington, postdoctoral fellow at Yale School of Medicine will lead the discussion that begins at 12:00 noon.
Bring a lunch and join the conversation!
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 Discounts!
Bear's BBQ, 89 Arch Street, Hartford
Use your HPL card on Monday and enjoy a 10% discount off your order.
The Kitchen, HPL, Downtown Location Enjoy a 10% discount when you use your HPL library card anytime at The Kitchen!
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Programs
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Introducing Beanstack at Hartford Public Library
Make your child's early reading experience a success
Beanstack is a free service provided by your local library to help families discover books and apps based on your child's age and interests. Our goal is help prepare your child for school and ensure that he or she is reading at or above grade level by third grade. All books recommended are available for free at your library. Get Started for Free at: hplct.beanstack.org
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You can help make a difference in Hartford
Hartford Public Library provides free resources to inspire reading, guide learning and encourage individual exploration.
Hartford Public Library is a place for learning, a place for transforming communities, a place for the arts — a place like no other.
Your gift helps us develop and sustain a 21st century urban library, one of the most respected in the nation. We are proud to be a place for people and for what we've accomplished with your help. We hope you'll continue to show your confidence in and loyalty to the Library as we strive to expand opportunities for even more people across the city.
To make a gift by mail, send your check, made out to the Hartford Public Library, to the Development Office, Hartford Public Library, 500 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103-3075. To make a gift by phone, or for more information, please call Gilda Roncari at 1-860-695-6296 or email her at groncari@hplct.org.
You can make a gift online by clicking HERE.
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SCORE & Hartford Public Library host 5- Week Workshop Series
Hartford Public Library The American Place 500 Main St, Hartford, CT
How can I market my business? What does a lender look for when I apply for a business loan? I want to start a business, what do I need to do?
5 Week Workshop Series
December 2: How to do Business with the Federal Government and the State of CT
December 9: Marketing and Promoting your Business.
Wednesdays, beginning promptly at 6:00pm and ending at 7:30pm Workshops are FREE! Maximum seating capacity 30. Copies of workshop materials are provided to each attendee. To earn a certificate of completion you are encouraged to attend all the workshops. Registration required, contact: Hartford Public Library at 860.695.6337, or email: naficy@hplct.org.
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Sinatra and Me: The Very Good Years—Author Talk with Franz Douskey
December 10, 2015—6:00 PM
Downtown Library, Hartford History Center, 3rd Floor
In recognition of the 100th birthday of the 'Chairman of the Board', Connecticut writer Franz Douskey recounts the decades-long relationship of Tony Consiglio, founder of Sally’s Pizza in New Haven, and Frank Sinatra, one of the most iconic entertainers of the 20th century. Not many people were allowed inside Frank Sinatra’s inner circle, but Tony "The Clam" Consiglio was a boyhood pal of Sinatra’s who remained his friend and confidant for over sixty years. Writer Franz Douskey presents Consiglio's story….from the man who “knew Sinatra better than anyone.”
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The Author’s Table
Hartford Public Library is pleased to introduce The Author’s Table, an opportunity for local writers to showcase their latest publication and connect with downtown library visitors.
Hartford Public Library will publicize your scheduled appearance and will make available your book in the circulating collection, in a special section for local authors. Hartford authors will be given first consideration.
Please contact the Public Programming and Cultural Affairs Department at 860.695.6322 for more information.
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This Month at The Author’s Table
An opportunity to visit with local authors and discuss their published works. The Author’s Table is set monthly at the downtown library, 500 Main Street.
Books will be available for purchase.
Fay Taylor—Steel: A Memoir by Fay Taylor
Saturday, November 14, 2015, 1 2 p.m.
Downtown Library (500 Main Street)
Steel is a story of triumph over adversity. It is about a woman whose faith and courage help her remain steadfast like steel after a fall that results in a broken back and severe spinal cord injuries. Plus a series of tragedies for her and her family, which takes everything they have to combat each new challenge. It is an inspiration to all who have to live with or care for someone with severe spinal cord injuries, and is a testament to the power of family and unconditional love.
David Drury—Hartford in World War I
November 21
1:00pm – 4:00pm
A chronological narrative that looks at Hartford and Hartford County during the period of the Great War. It begins with chapters that examine the war’s impact on the area from its outbreak, in August 1914 until the U.S. entry into the great conflict in April 1917. Lengthy chapters follow on home front developments during the war and the experiences of local men and women who served, or volunteered. The final two chapters detail the return to peacetime and various memorials left by the generation who fought the war. Manuscript includes notes, bibliography and index and approximately 70 photographs drawn from Connecticut State Library and area collections.
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Salsa Socials
Every Third Tuesday, 6:00 p.m.
Downtown Library Atrium
Salsa socials are back at HPL! Join us for an open session welcoming dancers of all levels, free of charge! No partner or experience needed. Dancing and teaching for over twenty years, Rey Bermudez will share his passion for salsa at these open dance sessions.
December 15.
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Poets on Poetry: Selected Poems of Richard Wilbur
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Downtown Library, Hartford History Center, 10:15 AM—12:15 PM
November’s program, “Selected Poems of Richard Wilbur” will be moderated by Maria Sassi, prize winning poet, playwright and author of Rooted in Stars. Monthly gatherings of the Connecticut Poetry Society are free and open to the public. Discussion will include “Love Calls Me to the Things of this World.”
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Exhibits
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“Hartford on My Mind: Words and Images from 550 Main Street” Exhibit
September 19 — November 30
Downtown Library, 3rd floor
The City of Hartford’s iconic Municipal Building turns 100 years old on November 4, and serves as the inspiration for a special exhibit from participants of Hartford Public Library’s Arts & Archives spring workshop, geared toward adults who wish to explore and develop their creative abilities.
Guided by master artists, poet Kate Rushin and photographer Karen O’Maxfield, participants in the “Hartford on My Mind: Words and Images from 550 Main Street” classes were challenged to create original compositions using poetry and photography as their tools.
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The Road Not Taken Exhibit
October 12—November 30
Downtown Library, 1st Floor
A photo essay of incarcerated men from the Cheshire Correctional Institution will be on display in conjunction with the Library’s One Book One Hartford programming on James Baldwin’s novel If Beale Street Could Talk (1974).
The Road Not Taken gives voice to those behind prison walls and the opportunity to share their stories. Special thanks to Thea Montanez for creating this exhibit
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Voodoo Marasa (Roots and Spirits)
Pierre Sylvain
October 30 — December 18, 2015
ArtWalk, Downtown Library
Voodoo Marasa (Roots and Spirits) by Haitian artist Pierre Sylvain celebrates the joy of voodoo, including Creole words, color combinations and international symbols infused throughout most major world religions. In this series, each painting depicts a different "Loa", or "little god" of the Haitian people and their voodoo culture. Each Loa is omnipotent and functions differently to support its believers.
As an artist, Pierre Sylvain is inspired to enlighten others about voodoo culture beyond the general association to voodoo dolls and zombies. Voodoo is more than a religious practice, it is about creating community, unity, healing, and finding peace and belonging. Voodoo is among the world's most misunderstood religions, due in part to popular portrayal by Hollywood. Voodoo practitioners have deeply committed beliefs that higher powers enhance their lives, offer protection, show love to the earth and enrich the history of the Haitian people.
Each piece in Voodoo Marasa (Roots and Spirits) includes texture, found objects, and mixed media combinations
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“Famous Hispanics on United States Postage Stamps” Exhibit
October 2 — November 30, 2015
Downtown Library, 2nd floor
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, this colorful exhibit features over 30 illustrated United States Postage Stamps that honor Roberto Clemente, Desi Arnaz, Julia De Burgos, Richie Valens, Cesar Chavez and milestones in Hispanic culture and history. Special thanks to the Connecticut General Assembly’s Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission.
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Making Freedom–The Life of Venture Smith: In His Own Voice
October 24, 2015 — February 29, 2016
Hartford History Center, Downtown Library, 3rd floor, 500 Main Street
Hartford History Center, in partnership with the Documenting Venture Smith Project, is proud to present Making Freedom—The Life of Venture Smith: In His Own Voice, an exhibit that tells the story of a unique American, originally an African prince who was enslaved in the 18th century by New England traders, labored in bondage for 25 years, purchased his own freedom, wrote a narrative of his life and became a respected businessman in Connecticut.
Chandler Saint, co-director of the Documenting Venture Smith Project and co-author of Venture Smith—Making Freedom will deliver remarks, as well as Dr. Robert P. Forbes of Yale University, author of The Missouri Compromise and Its Aftermath: Slavery and the Meaning of America.
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Classes
 Access More Than 500 Online Classes – Free!
Your HPL library card can unlock a world of learning, wherever you are, for free! Universal Class offers more than 500 online classes in a variety of subjects, from accounting to photography, financial management to psychology, algebra to computer programming, and more. Learn at your own pace, on your schedule. Click here and enter your library card barcode to begin!
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 The Board’s Role in Organizational Development
Presenter: Janna Pedersen, Ampersand Consulting
Thursday, December 3, 10:00 am to noon
An essential part of good governance is establishing and evaluating organizational outcomes. From assessing the executive director’s performance, and its own, to monitoring the strategic plan, there are many ways the board can add value.
To register please email your name and email address to dalexandre@hplct.org
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 ESL Classes
Downtown Library: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Dwight Branch: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Park Branch: Mondays, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Free English language classes for speakers of other languages are offered twice a year for beginning levels only. Open to students ages 17 and older. Click here for more information.
Presented in partnership with the Hartford Adult Education Center.
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Teens
 Music Production
Tuesdays through Thursdays, 4-6 PM;
Saturdays,12-3 PM PM
YOUmedia, Downtown Library, 2nd Floor
Use YOUmedia’s music studio to produce your own songs.
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 The Hour of Code
December 8 through 11, 4-6 PM
YOUmedia, Downtown Library, 2nd Floor
Stop by and geek out on one-hour coding tutorials. From basic HTML to advanced Javascript—there’s something for everyone. All experience levels welcome!
"The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics." For more information, visit: https://hourofcode.com/us
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 Arts & Crafts Maker Mayhem!
Tuesdays, 3-5 PM
YOUmedia, Downtown Library, 2nd Floor
Crafters, makers, creators, tinkerers! Explore YOUmedia’s fully stocked makerspace to craft projects of your own!
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 3D Sculpting
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3-6 PM
YOUmedia, Downtown Library, 2nd Floor
Gamers and illustrators: Create your own 3D characters that can be used in video games and more.
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 Let's Draw a Manga
Tuesdays, 3-6 PM
YOUmedia, Downtown Library, 2nd Floor
Otaku of Hartford: Use the computer to create your own manga during our weekly workshop.
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 Talent Showcase
Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 PM
YOUmedia, Downtown Library, 2nd Floor
Show off your talent to your peers and friends!
For a complete schedule of our weekly classes, workshops and open labs, visit www.youmedia.hplct.org!
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 Wake Up Yoga
November 21
11:30-12:30 PM
YOUmedia, Downtown Library 2nd Floor
Join us on the third Saturday of every month for a quick and refreshing yoga flow to get your weekend started right. Come ready to breathe and open up. Flexibility NOT required!
Bring your own mat or borrow one of ours (supplies limited).
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Community
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 Apply for your Passport at HPL!
Monday – Thursday, 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
American Place, Downtown Library, 1st Floor
Did you know? You can apply for your passport right here at the Library! A staff member is available to assist with the application, requirements, photo, and submission.
Click here for more information.
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Our Blogs
(Author: Stephen King)
Each week, Hartford Courant columnist Carole Goldberg reviews books in our collection. Here are 20 stories and poems, about half of which are new or never before published. His themes are familiar: mortality, morality, life after death, guilt after bad acts, scary supernatural abilities that foretell future sorrows or perhaps actually cause them. In “Obits,” the very act of preparing a death notice for a celebrity for a gossipy website before he or she dies opens the door to the Grim Reaper, as do names written in the sand in “The Dune.” “Afterlife” is a “Groundhog Day” kind of tale, about a guy who keeps getting do-overs but can’t do them right. These stories may make readers uneasy, but they also will make them think. Read More!
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