HPL Reopens! : Downtown

Available On-site Services

One visit per day. 90 minutes per visit, maximum. 
Visits inside the library can only be made for the following services:

• Computer Use - 1 person per computer
  • The computer will automatically log off after 90 minutes
  • Return visits are not permitted
  • Staff assistance is not available at this time

• Printing from a Library Computer
  • Black and White or Color Prints
  • 5 free B&W Prints per day
  • Additional pages - 15 cents/page
  • Color Prints - 25 cents/page
  • Machine accepts coins, $1 and $5 bills only. 
• Copy/Fax/Scan
  • Copies - 15 cents/page
  • Fax - $1.50/1st page; $1.00/each additional page
  • Machine accepts coins, $1 and $5 bills only
• Municipal ID
  • By appointment only - call 860-695-6300 
  • Phone consultation is required
  • English- and Spanish-speaking Agents available
  • Fee: $15.00 (Adult), $10.00 (Youth or Senior) - Exact cash only
• Passport Services
  • By appointment only - call 860-695-6300 
  • Phone consultation is required
  • English- and Spanish-speaking Agents available
  • Click here for fee and payment information
• Hartford History Center
  • By appointment only - call 860-695-6297 or email hhc@hplct.org
• The American Place (TAP)
  • By appointment only - call 860-695-6337 or email tap@hplct.org
• Foundation Center Grants Research Computer
  • Available on first-come, first served basis
  • Access from home: Foundation Directory Online database

Notary Public Services are not available at the library at this time. 
Other local options for Notary Services:

• Many UPS Store locations offer Notary Services. Location and contact information can be found here or by calling (800) 789-4623. 
• Check your local bank; many banks offer Notary Services as well. 
• The Simsbury Public Library offers Remote Notary Service. Use of Google Meet (video conferencing) is required.
• Other Notary Public service providers in the Hartford area (these are private services and not verified by HPL):
  • Connecticut Mobile 24hr Notary
  • 24hr Mobile Connecticut Notary Public and Apostille Service

HPL Central Branch

500 Main Street

Hartford, CT 06103

Phone: 860-695-6300 

Email: contactus@hplct.org
 

Reference/Information and Lending Services

Phone: 860-695-6295

Email: reference@hplct.org
 

For Branch locations and hours, click here. 

Borrowing Library Materials

Yes!
You can borrow library books, DVDs, audiobooks, and music CDs by using our new Contact-free Pick up Service. 
Place holds on the items you want, then schedule an appointment to pick them up. 

At this time, browsing the library collection is not permitted. We hope to reopen the stacks to the public soon. 

Returning Library Materials

You can return library materials to the outdoor book return bins at the following branches: Albany, Park, Dwight, Camp Field, and Downtown. Please do not bring any books into the library. Returned books are quarantined for 4 days before they are re-shelved. Please note that recently returned books will not be taken off your record for 4 days, but they will be back-dated when checked in, so no fines will accrue for books returned on time.

To place holds on items at the library:

1. Search the library catalog to find the items you want or use our request form and let us pick for you.

2. Place a hold on the item(s)

3. After you are notified that your items are ready to be picked up, you must schedule a pick up time. Instructions on how to do this will be included in the notification you receive. 

Questions? Please call 860-695-6300 or email reference@hplct.org.

If you are a Hartford resident and need a library card, please fill out the online application found here: Get a Library Card.

You will be able to use our online resources right away. Once your card is processed, we will send it to you in the mail. The physical card will allow you to place holds and borrow library materials.