I work from this library branch often, I'm happy to have it open again. I do wish they opened at 8am at least I'm typically an early morning work kinda gal. There's a healthy amount of noise for a library but I do appreciate that the staff doesn't have an issue telling people to quiet down. I also have attended for the yoga classes and loved every minute. The location is super accessible to the cafes and restaurants downtown. read more

It's a nice downtown library in the city which has improved compared to pre-pandemic times and before the pipe burst from the day before Christmas Eve 2022 destroyed it. It's a very cool place to explore, read, relax and And study. The children's room looks nice and the main floor looks cool which makes the library an inviting and welcome place to spend time at. They have some cool books and many other resources. There's also a lot of seating and they even have unique things such as Library of Things collection, a DVD checkout slot machine and many more. The staff are caring, courteous and helpful. The customer service is great and the people served are good people. It's a wonderful place to spend time when you're in Hartford and need some down time. This library serves patrons from any neighborhood in Hartford. read more

See all

This is a shitty library if you went to actually study. There's limited tables to do anything and the limited ones are usually taken by people who are sleeping. The library looks bigger on the outside but just like anything it's disappointing once you enter. read more

Beautiful, open and airy space. Feels more like a gallery than a library. Very user friendly, lots of computers a printing -copying area , very well staffed should need help or have a question. read more

This has to be the noisiest library i've been in. Plenty of loud talking, babies crying. but very little reading or studying. To make matters worse the open atrium style turns the place into an echo chamber where voices are magnified beyond belief. There are plenty of people using the library's computers and lots of people sitting around tables talking loudly. But there's no designated quiet study area. On the lower level there are would-be study desks but the tables set up for board games makes quiet study out of the question. Resuming my search for old fashioned quiet reading space. The building is clean and nicely renovated though. read more

Hartford Public Library - Connect four echoes so loudly throughout the building. - Libraries Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

See all

Great Local Services Under One Roof The Hartford Public Library is a gem. You can get online education and research; you can view programs and art exhibits; and you can check out more about Hartford's History, this place has it all. I would rank this equivalent to Seattle or New York City's libraries. Check out their website. One activity that should not be missed is HPL's Baby Grand Jazz Series at 3 pm. It is a series of 16 free jazz performances held on Sunday afternoons from January - April. Check it out. They are not having any activity Easter Weekend but do end up their series on April 30 with Alvin Carter " Alvin Carter Project - Confluence of Influence IV" . A true diversity of jazz culture awaits you. PS Get there early as parking spots in the adjacent garage fill up quickly as it is free on Sundays. You can park on the street free that are within walking distance of the library but keep that in mind when factoring in timing to arrive at the 3 pm performance. read more

See all

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! So many selections of books and they are all spaced out very well. I love the way this building is set up and all the different areas this library offers. This library is very clean, welcoming, and always putting on cool events open to the public. Only bad part about this specific location is that it is hard to focus sometimes. From my personal experiences being there, there are a number of people who are VERY loud and the library staff doesn't seem to do anything about it. read more

Hartford Public Library is A Place Like No Other. Another great library from Downtown Hartford. I have been there to Hartford Public Library since June 2011. I remember going there with my brothers and my dad to Downtown library. The Downtown Branch is Absolutely the Best because its an part of Downtown Hartford's community places. This is one of my favorite libraries ever right after Rockville, Manchester, and South Windsor as part of Top 5 Libraries. My father is an current Hartford resident and an library patron who have an library card from Hartford Public Library. My dad's library card says " Show me your card, I'll show you mine." At the Adult Department, We have an great selection of Brand New Books with Recent Bestsellers which is nearby The Kitchen at Hartford Public Library, straight down there as part of Hartford Public Library. We have an great selection of DVD's with Feature Films and Documentaries and Paperbacks there because which is straight upper. We have lots of computers there because we have free wi-fi for library patrons and the community but the people who don't use computers at home but especially you will needed is an Hartford library card which is nearby new books department, which is straight down there also as a part of newly renovated library right there. At the Children's Department, which is located Upstairs, We have lots of children's books there to check out especially for Hartford school children and other library patrons alike. We have an very good selection of DVD's there also but the DVD's have Feature Films, Educational, and other materials there. Don't Forget, We have free children's books to take home but it's an rack but where the books are withdrawn from this collection as part of circulation like no longer needed. Also, Playing Games and Toys there also at the Children's Room. At the Third Floor, the Hartford History Center is located Upstairs also. We have an very large selection of Hartford History and Hartford-related books there because of an community. This is an part of Local History stuff on The City of Hartford. Great Idea to research on Hartford History, Genalogies, and Other Materials. These books are all non circulated as part of Hartford History Center at Hartford Public Library. ArtWalk at Hartford Public Library offers one of the largest and most stunning exhibition spaces in greater Hartford and the opportunity for Hartford residents and others to view art in a magnificent setting in our city. It's located in 3rd Floor. We have lots of different displays there to enjoy and looking around things with art. Sometimes, came from school children who created this also. Great Library Ever with an Huge and Biggest Building right there in Hartford. Great Place to Read and Study in the Community. I will coming back to Hartford Public Library with my brothers very soon. read more

The design of the Hartford Library's main branch impresses even when driving beneath it on the Whitehead Highway. Sleek and modern, the stacks of books are visible from the parking garage behind it, clearly marking its role and purpose. And understating it. In addition to books and periodicals, this library offers a host of other services. I actually visited to apply for a passport, and the woman who helped me was witty, efficient, and delightful. At the very same time, she was offering school project help to some young people while conferring with a colleague setting up for an evening program. Not to mention the other passport applicants in line. I don't mind the paid parking - honestly, I was grateful there was parking at all, and it's far less expensive than the private lots! It's useful to know that the parking entrance is on Arch Street, which is one way, so approach from east of Main Street. read more

Okay, okay, I'm on the Board, but Brenda S. is right. This place is great. A new main building, right next to City Hall, and it's filled with great people, great programs and great collections. Beyond the books, check the videos and DVDs. Way better rentals than Blockbuster - they're free! Great CD collections too. When the building is complete and all the collections are back in place, the Hartford Collection will be available again. It's the closest thing we have to a local historical society collection and it's an amazing treasure trove of Hartford's past. It includes books by Hartford authors, books printed in Hartford, an incredible collection of Hartford photographs, and all kinds of unique items left to the Library over the centuries. Visit a neighborhood branch, too! Several have been renovated or expanded in recent years, and all offer special programs and are very closely tied to their neighborhoods. read more

I've been here a handful of times for various events. The most beautiful library I've ever been to (based on my experience). Plenty of places to charge your electronic peripherals or to do some work. If you (like myself) are not that familiar with the Hartford Public Library, you can always ask a librarian or another employee where to find specific books, media, or other general inquiries. Each person I ask questions to has always been very friendly and professional. On weekends it is sometimes hard to find a parking spot as parking is free during that time. But there are plenty of places to park that is within walking distance of the library. Definitely sucks that everyone needs to pay for parking during the weekdays just to go to the library. As noted in other reviews, there will be some patrons who causes minor nuisances and/or have annoying habits. But I guess that's how it is in almost any city library. As long as it's to the point that they are not bothering you, then live and let live. read more

I would hate to admit how long it's been since I've been inside a library, but this modern gem in downtown Hartford has reignited my love and awe of them. Libraries have always amazed me; endless shelves of books, CDs, and DVDs for you to just TAKE. For FREE. As long as you promise to bring them back in a reasonable time frame. But if you're not ready to return it yet? No problem, just call and let them know you are renewing. Yes, I'm sure we all know how libraries work. But I just need to acknowledge here that LIBRARIES ARE AWESOME. Getting a card was quick and easy, and then I was off to pick out some new music to listen to and DVDs of my new tv obsession; The Wire. Shame on me, I haven't even looked at the books yet, but the Cd and DVD collection are huge and diverse. During my most recent visit, I parked for free in the short term library lot on Arch St. The building is modern, clean and quiet; the kind of place you could really get lost in (literally and figuratively). I'm really looking forward to spending time there. read more

The Hartford Public Library has gotten a bad rap recently in the press, but the library has many valuable programs and a real commitment to community engagement and development. They have solid education and literacy programs and have made real efforts to connect with other non- profits throughout the city. They completed a beautiful physical renovation last year and the reality is that there are very few spaces in the greater Hartford area that are really open to all citizens, the indigent and wealthy alike. read more

Perhaps I'm spoiled by the fact that I grew up with Minnesota's Hennepin Public Library -- a well-respected library system -- and thus expect the same from every library I visit. Or perhaps it's because I'm still getting used to how urban public libraries function. Either way, there's something a bit unsettling about Hartford Public Library. All the library officials -- from the security guards to the full-time staff to the volunteers -- always seem to be guarding something, which keeps them from warming up to library patrons. I always have the sense that the library could go into lockdown mode at any second. Never more was this apparent than when I tried to take a quick nap in the library, only to be woken up by a security guard who warned me that sleeping is not allowed (or else...). Or maybe it was when I was forced to have a picture taken of me to even open up a library card, lest anyone steal or use my card without my permission... The pros? Beautiful building (seriously). Free (and easily accessible) WiFi. Ease of finding available items. Eh, give and take. read more

Went for storytime in the children's area. It was canceled because everyone was out sick so the one doing storytime had to man the desk. Was disappointed about that. The children's play space is a good size though. My kids enjoyed playing with the toys and borrowing some books. Parking was a pain. There's only one meter so there was a line up in the cold. Helpful fact to know: As long as you have a library card from your town in CT, you can borrow books from any CT public library and can return them at any library. read more

Downtown is obviously not as quiet or even classey as some of the smaller branches. The noise level is WAY to loud inside! Also, alot of homeless people gather there during the day which should not really come as to much of a surprise, given the brutal ly frigid temperature outside. I do feel sorry for them but some really do make it an uncomfortable experience at times. Just the other day, a guy who was obviously drunk fell down in the middle of the lobby and made a big scene!!!! Everybody crowded around to see if he was okay and at one point I was not sure if he would even be able to get back up!He was eventually able to , but it is stuff like that which just make this not a very classy library at all. I also think the security guards there could do a better job of controlling the noise level and also some of the rowdy activity that seems to happen there. Some days are better then others and it really just depends which guards are on shift. Some are very strict with the noise level and maintaining order while others are to lenient I think. Sometimes it does not even seem like there are enough guards on duty. The library itself is not half-bad though. There is a good selection of movies there, which is mostly why I go in the first place. (Why pay when you can borrow for free, right? ) They also have a wide selection of music there, and I have found a lot of artists, especially jazz and blues here which other locations don't have. As for book selections, obviously they have the biggest around being the main branch. In summary, the atmosphere is not really all that good but the wider selections of most everything does make it worth going.. sometimes, when I can tolerate it, lol! I do like the atmosphere of the smaller branches, particularly Blue Hills though If there was better control over the noise level and some of the disruptive activity there by some who just appear idel all day long, this would probably be my favorite branch. Sorry, but 3 stars is all I could really give... even with the Sunday hours which are convenient. But still, that does not 'wash' out some of the other things whicj need to improve read more

Like much of Hartford, my love for the HPL is conflicted. With some tremendous history dating back to 1774, the HPL officially opened in 1892. Fast forward to 2007 and HPL finally finished its renovations and expanding into new space. I love the Kitchen, everything about it is great: the food, the coffee, the indoor/outdoor seating. The library itself looks better nowadays; it's well-lit, and there are plenty of computer stations for anyone (literally) to use. I really appreciate the free music shows that are offered on the weekends too as well as the art openings throughout the year too. The jazz especially is always nice, relaxing and a great way to wind down the weekend. The conference rooms are particularly helpful and great for conferences and meetings, just know they are first come first serve. However, HPL could certainly improve on a number of issues. Parking is particularly annoying because there is no way around having to pay. Enforcing a quiet space or area would be ideal because ALL of Hartford seems to take advantage of the library, outside of its intended purpose. Were it not for the sanctuary I find in the private room upstairs, I have often times seen screaming battles, physical altercations, and verbal arguments in all parts of the library. Oh, Hartford. FYI Mon - Thurs: 10am - 8pm Fri & Sat: 10am - 5pm Sun (Nov - Apr) 1 - 5pm read more

Love this library! Fabulous design, selection, and staff; multiple private meeting or study rooms, and a great downtown location near the Wadsworth. Free wifi and a nearby dunkin donuts? Yup, I practically lived here during grad school. I've gotta dock a star due to the paid parking lot and garage. Come on Hartford, it's a public library! read more

This is the oldest public library in the United States. The Hartford Public Library is amazing and undergoing a transformation making it larger and more beautiful. More than just a library, this institution is truly a community partner. I have had the pleasure of doing consulting work with and for the library and can attest to their commitment to the City of Hartford. They offer an amazing array of classes to the public, most of which are free --- all one need do is sign up. Hartford is very lucky. read more

I hate to be a downer but the working environment at the HPL can get pretty bad. I was there once in the wintertime and 60% of the seats were filled by people just looking for a warm indoor space. It made it difficult to do research and have quiet. Also, they have a lot of public programs in the library which are very LOUD and disrupt the whole place. The collections are good, though, but if you're just looking for a particular book you can request it through interlibrary loan to be delivered to another branch. Hopefully once the fantastic renovations are done things will improve. read more

Welcoming. Diversified. Free. HPL is truly one of Hartford's community gems. One of the cleanest, most modern libraries you will find in the entire state. Free wifi, comfy chairs, reservable meeting rooms, and a mind-numbing number of free community programs/classes. Home to an amazing Artwalk and little-known Hartford History Center up on the 3rd floor. Much of the city's public forums happen here and the library has a strong presence toward urban literacy and continued education programs. Bring your laptop and snag one of the super-comfy chairs on the 2nd floor (never filled). Or stop by Sunday afternoons in the summer for the baby grand jazz series. Even if seating is tight, there is nothing more relaxing than hearing the sounds of the piano resonating throughout the walls and different floors of the library. If you like books, learning, or just a quiet space to work and think, HPL is the best space Connecticut has to offer. read more

Gorgeous library, beautiful building. We came here for an event and this is one of the only public places that allow you to drink. (According to some guy at the event). It is clean, new and while I can't speak for the book selection per se, just by my observations it appears that they have the latest books. They offer lots of programs, seminars, and you can even get your passport forms done here. It's a great place! read more

This library is great. It is big, and modern looking. Top floor for children so that they could play, read kids books and play games on the internet. The other floors vary and I like how they keep it nice and spicy. Kudos! read more

Here in Hartford we are lucky to have such a valuable resource at our fingertips. My most recent visit had me finding new books of interest among a treasure chest of good options, and mingling with a knowledgeable, helpful staff who had me looking forward to my next visit. This library also features many art and music events; it's a gem in the capitol city of CT. read more

Literally I have nothing but amazing things to say about this place. I went there from everything to citizenship help to citizenship classes. To use the computer when I didn't have internet at my house and to borrow books and to just do research and apply for jobs. The people in there are very kind and patient and also very willing to help. I went in to get and they have renovated the place. It's more improved. It keeps better and better every time I go in there. If you need ESL classes, help applying to jobs, information on jobs and even how to get health insurance etc, this is the place. Being new to the state, I was able to ask the questions I needed here and actually receive valuable help. Love this place. !! read more