Join Hartford Public Schools, the Hartford Public Library and our community partners for the Summer Learning Parade and Kickoff Celebration! The Hartford Public Library is celebrating 250 years of serving the community, and we want you to help us celebrate! Come dressed as your favorite literary character and enjoy family friendly activities, live music, performances, mascots, ice cream and more. Busing from Library branches is available (click here for bus schedule).
When: Saturday, June 1 from 12 pm - 3 pm
Where: Downtown Hartford Public Library Branch (500 Main Street, Hartford). See below for a map of the parade route!
What: A parade around the Downtown branch followed by family-friendly activities.
12:00-1:00 pm - Hartford Public Library 250th Parade--Dress up in your favorite book character!
1:00 pm - Welcome Address: HPL CEO Bridget Quinn; HPS Superintendent Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez (Patio)
1:00–3:00 pm - 250th Parade/Summer Kickoff Attractions (see below)
1:00-3:00 pm - Summer Learning Registration Table (Patio)
1:00-3:00 pm - Children’s Museum StarLab (CCC Room)
1:30-2:30 pm - Italian Ice Cream (Arch Street)
2:00-2:30 pm - A Special Bollywood Performance (Patio)
Attractions:
Hartford Proud Drill Drum & Dance
Anne Cubberly Mother Earth Giant Puppet
Hartford Yard Goats Mascot
Stilt Walker (Melissa Craig)
Kemet the Time Traveler
Face Painting (Arch St)
Balloon Twisting (Arch St)
Henna Tattoo (Patio)
Pride Café (Patio)
Hartford Fire Dept (Arch St)
Joe Young Entertainment (Patio)
Hartford Police Dept (Arch St)
Youmedia: VR/AI Experience (CCC Room)
Read to Grow Book Mobile (Arch St)
250th Photo Booth (CCC Room)
1865 Freedom Day/HPL 250th Anniversary Flag Design (Patio)
Library on Wheels (Main St)
Plus, don't forget to sign up now for our Summer Reading Challenge, which begins June 17. You can win fun prizes just for reading 20 minutes a day! Learn more here.
