John P. Webster Library

10/22/2026

Babies Love Books!

We are thrilled to partner with Babies Love Books, a literacy program from Golden Door: A Center for Immigrants. Golden Door Hartford offers the program throughout the greater Hartford area.

Over the past weeks, immigrant moms, dads, and grandparents, and their little ones, have enjoyed reading and crafting together in the church's Activity Room. The intergenerational program is for caregivers and their children ages birth through four, and encourages literacy for the young readers as well as those learning English as a second language.

Each class includes a theme-based story time and related craft activities. Caregivers also receive guidance for sharing books at home. Families can register for library cards, and all participants receive new books to take home to build their own home libraries. We are pleased to share that future proceeds from Lazarus Books, the JPWL's used book corner, will be donated to Babies Love Books. goldendoorhartford.org

10/19/2026

The JPWL Archive contains hundreds of documents, newsletters, and books, along with an eclectic collection of objects that help bring the history of First Church to life. Many are currently on view in the JPWL Ramp Gallery. These fascinating pieces add depth, color, and a tangible connection to the 300+ year story of our church. Visit display during business hours.

10/15/2026

Lunch & Learn Book Talk:
Quarter-Acre of Heartache of Heartache
Sunday, Nov. 15

11:30 am - 1:00 pm
50th Anniversary • Claude Clayton Smith •

We will be joined via Zoom by Clan Mother Shoran Waupatukuay. Quarter-Acre of Heartache recounts the Golden Hill Paugussetts' 1976 legal battle to preserve their reservation, led by Chief Big Eagle and supported by civil rights lawyer William Kunstler and leaders of the American Indian Movement.
Join the discussion! A light lunch will be served. Books may be ordered through West Hartford's River Bend Bookshop at:
https://bit.ly/riverbendLINK
The JPW Library also has a limited supply of copies to lend.

Please Register to attend: https://bit.ly/Quarter-Acre-Registration, or find link in bio on Instagram or under Library Programs on website.

10/14/2026

Book Group Gatherings
The JPW Library sponsors three book groups that meet September—June in the Library. Copies of the books are provided for participants. New members are always welcome! For more information, contact us at 860-232-3893 or [email protected] to sign up. Get your copies today!

P.S. Atten. Area Book Groups: We are your resource! We are happy to lend sets of multiple copies to any book group in the area.

10/12/2026

Exploring Scripture Bible Study
Join us every 1st and 3rd Sunday from 9 – 9:45 a.m.* in the JPW Library for coffee, when we will continue to explore interesting scripture: What is the message, and how can we relate its message to each of our lives? Please join us and bring a friend. There are never any right or wrong questions or answers.
Joe, Rev. Joseph Tobin

*Follow Sunday Notes for any changes in schedule.

10/08/2026

We have a lot going on... click link to read more

https://conta.cc/4dvCiHD

10/05/2026

09/30/2026

If you are seeing the signs of digital addiction – including anxiety and depression in your teen – this program is for you! Come on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 11:30. Lite lunch will be served. Please register at the link in the comments.

Designed for parents, educators, and mental health professionals, Personality Type expert Paul Tieger and Michael Shelby, LPC, have combined their extensive experience to create a tool “RECONNECT: A personalized plan to protect your child from anxiety and depression fueled by digital addiction.” The goal is to allow parents to better understand the harmful effects of their child’s digital addiction while providing individualized strategies to help protect their child’s mental health.

09/28/2026

JPWL Lunch & Learn: ReCONNECT; a program for anyone who has or works with kids.
Free event on Sunday, October 4, 11:30-1. Listen as authors Michael Shelby and Paul Tieger explain how to protect kids from anxiety and depression caused by digital addiction in this program designed for parents, educators, and mental health professionals. Childcare provided. A light lunch will be served. Please register so we have head count. https://bit.ly/JPWLReConnect

09/24/2026

View this weeks newsletter here:

https://conta.cc/4xJ76Mi