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Checking Out the Hartford Public Library

Laurie Perez

February 17, 2010

What a difference a year and a half makes. In the summer of 2008 we were covering heated protests to save two branches of the Hartford public library: the Mark Twain and Blue Hills locations. They were protests that worked and both branches stayed open. Today, Matt Polland, the CEO of the Hartford Public Library tells me they're thriving. He sent me this picture of him and Thea Montanez, vice-chair of the library board, Charles LeConche, from the Connecticut Laborers' District Council, and a bunch of cute kids from West Middle School. The Laborers' union recently donated and installed new carpet at the Mark Twain Branch. There will also be a brand new library at the corner of Albany and Blue Hills, set to open next summer. The panic and protests of the summer of '08 are but a distant memory for book-lovers...

Meanwhile at the main downtown branch, they're preparing for a much-anticipated exhibit in their ArtWalk space...a "living garden" by Hartford sculptor Dawn Holder. She makes homemade plants out of porcelin paper-clay. There's a free opening reception this Friday, February 19 from 6 to 8 pm. The show runs through April 16. Looks like spring-like inspiration to keep us warm until the seasons change...