Your story matters
The Pandemic Journaling Project has been recording the everyday life experiences of people across the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be visiting HPL locations in August to hear what children think of the way the world has been upended by COVID-19.

Journal and listen to Amanda Gorman’s book Change Sings read out loud. We’ll discuss how our world has changed during the pandemic — and how we can change the world to make it a better place

Upcoming dates:

August 4th: Dwight Library
August 10th: Albany Library
August 11th: Camp Field Library
August 15th: Downtown Library
August 18th: Barbour Library

All sessions will be held at 2 p.m. Register HERE.

Work created will be part of a Pandemic Journaling Project exhibit at the Downtown Library paired with photos from the Hartford History Center's "Hartford 2020" collection.

Above: Andy Hart photo included in the "Hartford 2020" collection.
Books for our YA friends
Crystal Maldonado
POPSUGAR and Seventeen: Best Young Adult Books

Two lives. One in the world. The other online. Discover what happens when they collide in a spectacular fashion in the funny and insightful novel.

"An ultra-smart contemporary novel that fully understands what teens face in today's social media–obsessed landscape." — Publishers Weekly
Minda Harts

A book championing the beauty, vulnerability and resilience of Black and brown girls.

“This book is challenging, inspiring, beautiful and actionable. It is exactly what Black and brown girls need as they struggle to find their voice ... it creates a safe space between the pages to prepare them for the road ahead.” — Delores Druilhet Morton, CEO, Step Up
African dance and drumming workshops
Learn African drumming and enjoy the Soro Bindi dance program with West African dance teacher, dancer, drummer and choreographer Iddi Saaka. He believes in the power of dance to open doors and bring people together to celebrate diversity and is sharing his talents with all of us this week!

Soro Bindi: African Dance Workshops
Thursday, August 4th
1-2 p.m., Dwight Library, 7 New Park Ave.
3-4 p.m., Downtown Library, 500 Main St.
All ages welcome

African Drumming Workshop
Thursday, August 4th
4-5 p.m., Downtown Library, 500 Main St.
Ages 6-12. Register HERE.
Free carousel rides? You bet
Don't miss our last Bushnell Park storytime of the summer!

Bring a blanket and your favorite toy and meet us in front of the Bushnell Park Carousel at 11:25 a.m. for an afternoon full of music, dancing, stories, carousel rides, giveaways and outdoor fun!

Bushnell Park Storytime
Monday, August 8th
Meet at 11:25 a.m. at the Bushnell Park Carousel
Imagine and create
The Make Believe Band

Join us for a lively and fun musical performance from Will Parker & The Make-Believe Band!

Friday, August 5th
11-11:45 am
Downtown Library
500 Main St.

Preview Will's music HERE
Space gardening!

Make a 3D LEGO plant to bring home! You'll never have to worry about remembering to water it! 😉

Friday, August 5th
12-1 pm
Downtown Library
500 Main St.

More info HERE.
eAfrican American Literature Book Club
The AAL Book Club welcomes all interested in reading and discussing African American literature, fiction and nonfiction.

This month's discussion:

A Most Beautiful Thing
A compelling true story of a pioneering all-black rowing team from Chicago.

"Uplifting and always enlightening....a coming-of-age story told with the benefit of adult insights and mature hindsight.... This book is less about this specific sport than how that sport becomes transformative, empowering some kids, giving others a direction." — Chicago Tribune

Tuesday, August 23rd
7-8:30 p.m.
Via Zoom.

To register: email memwhite@gmail.com
We've got you covered
Get connected

Do you need:

•  A free laptop or tablet?
•  Free technology training?
•  Affordable (or free) home internet?

We can help! 

Call 860-695-6371 today to learn about our Digital Inclusion program!
Free eye exams!

Does your child squint or have a hard time seeing?

Vision to Learn is coming to six HPL locations to provide free eye exams and free eyeglasses (if needed) for children ages 5 to 18.

August 15th: Dwight Library
August 16th: Barbour Library
August 17th: Albany Library
August 22th: Camp Field Library
August 23th: Park Library
August 24th: Downtown Library

Appointments are required. Call 860-695-6300 to sign up today!
A big thank you to some little people!
We loved seeing so many happy faces join us for Ms. Maureen's readings of classic fairy tales in the Hartford History Center! Until next time — laugh and be merry!
“We will teach you, because every time you conquer a fear, life gets a lot less scary.” ― Arshay Cooper, A Most Beautiful Thing