John P. Webster Library

John P. Webster Library The John P.

Webster Library provides a diverse collection and services to engage religious and spiritual growth, inspiration, learning and fellowship for all ages. Webster Library at First Church, West Hartford welcomes the public, and offers a variety of services and programs to the greater community:

• Guest Speakers
• Author Forums
• Workshops
• Living in Spirit annual lecture on topics of faith and commu

nity.
• Senior Lecture Series that explores topics of interest to elderly citizens
• Awakening the Spirit book discussion group (each Monday)
• Parents/Care-givers book discussion group
• Food for Thought book discussion group (first Thursday of the month)
• First Church of Christ Archives
• Gallery for historic, photographic, and art exhibitions

SISTERS IN SPIRIT, Gather • Connect • Imagine🤩What if we created a space where women could explore, question, connect, a...
09/06/2026

SISTERS IN SPIRIT, Gather • Connect • Imagine
🤩What if we created a space where women could explore, question, connect, and grow together?
😇Join us Sunday, November 1, 11:30–1:30 in the JPWL for the first gathering of Sisters in Spirit—a circle for spiritual exploration.
🥰Come meet other women, share ideas, and help imagine what this new community could become—from conversations and speakers to spiritual practices and retreats. Free • Friends welcome • Light bites provided • Childcare available.

Come curious. Come connected. Come imagine with us.

Register here, or at our website, Sprit Team page: https://whfirstchurch.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/394/responses/new

Guided Walking Tour: “The Odyssey of the Amistad: A Trail to Freedom”A Living Spirit, Living Justice eventSaturday Octob...
09/03/2026

Guided Walking Tour: “The Odyssey of the Amistad: A Trail to Freedom”
A Living Spirit, Living Justice event
Saturday October 3, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
First Church of Christ, Farmington (75 Main St.)
Cost: $20 per person

In 1841, Farmington residents sheltered 38 people from the Mende tribe in Sierra Leone who had rebelled against enslavers and seized the slave ship Amistad. The town’s Congregational church and other abolitionists in the community welcomed the newly freed Africans and rallied behind the legal case that ultimately secured their freedom.

Join us as we explore the lives of the Mende people and the abolitionist-era people of Farmington. After a presentation at the church, guides will lead a 1.5-mile walking tour to key sites throughout the village. The tour will last 1.5 to 2 hours. The event runs rain or shine. Please see Jennifer with questions or concerns.

Register here: https://bit.ly/atrailtofreedom

The work of social and environmental justice is vital— but it can also be exhausting. Restoring the Spirit is a small-gr...
08/31/2026

The work of social and environmental justice is vital— but it can also be exhausting. Restoring the Spirit is a small-group gathering for activists and advocates to pause, connect, reflect, and renew. Share. Listen. Restore. Reconnect with your calling, build resilience, and support one another. Facilitated by spiritual directors and those engaged in social justice.

Takes place at First Church, West Hartford
Afternoon: 1:00–3:00 PM OR Evening: 6:30–8:30 PM
Come as you are. Leave renewed. Join us for this six-week journey. Please register, space is limited: https://bit.ly/RestoreSpirit

Reach out to learn more; Oscar Brockmeyer; [email protected]
Sponsored in partnership by: Spiritual Life Center, John P. Webster Library, and Inter-Religious Eco-Justice Initiative

Believe in YourSHELF: Third Sunday of each Month at 10:15amStarts on October 18th Book: The Other Side of Tomorrow (copi...
08/27/2026

Believe in YourSHELF: Third Sunday of each Month at 10:15am
Starts on October 18th
Book: The Other Side of Tomorrow (copies in library)
"From never knowing where they’ll find their next meal to avoiding soldiers lurking at every corner, many North Koreans have learned that sticking around can be just as deadly as attempting to flee . . . Almost. Both shy, resourceful Yunho and fierce, vibrant Myunghee know this. So when they each resolve to run away from the bleak futures they face, it’s with the knowledge that they could be facing a fate worse than death. But with every step toward freedom, there is also hope. Will it be enough for both of them to make it to safety without losing each other along the way?" (Harper Collins)

Book Group Gatherings Starting Soon!The JPW Library sponsors three book groups that meet September thru June in the Libr...
08/24/2026

Book Group Gatherings Starting Soon!
The JPW Library sponsors three book groups that meet September thru 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!

Awakening the Spirit: Mondays from 12-1:30 pm in the JPWL
Next Meeting: September 14. Rev. Dr. David Grafton, Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations at Hartford International University, will lead the group September 14 - October 26 (NO class Oct. 12). Book: How the Qur'an Interprets the Bible by John Kaltner and Christopher Frechette. Explore how the Qur’an retells and interprets stories and figures shared with the Bible. Comparing Islamic, Jewish, and Christian scriptures, the book offers an accessible introduction to the connections and differences among these traditions.

Food for Thought: First Tuesdays of each month, 5-6:30
Next meeting: October 6. Book: Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray. She challenged powerful men, fought for working people, and helped reshape America. Discover the remarkable story of Frances Perkins, the trailblazing woman whose partnership with FDR helped change the nation.

Believe in YourSHELF (Middle Schoolers, In-Person): Third Sundays, 10:15 a.m.
Next Meeting: October 18 in the Community Room, led by Molly
Book: The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho; illustrated by Deb JJ Lee
Two young North Koreans risk everything to escape lives ruled by fear and oppression. When fate brings them together, they find courage, hope, and an unexpected bond as they journey toward freedom — facing danger at every turn. Sometimes, survival depends on having someone beside you. This book is the recipient of several awards, including ALA Best Graphic Novels for Children and Booklist Editor’s Choice of 2024: Books for Youth.

Located beneath the First Church Meeting House, the JPW Library is the go-to place for books and media related to sermon...
08/17/2026

Located beneath the First Church Meeting House, the JPW Library is the go-to place for books and media related to sermons, Sunday School, social justice issues, and so much more!
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–12 noon (watch Worship Service from here)
Closed Friday and Saturday

860-232-3893 • [email protected] • whfirstchurch.org>Library

LUNCH & LEARN: ReConnect, Sunday, Oct. 4 • 11:30-1 • JPW LibraryListen as authors Michael Shelby and Paul Tieger explain...
08/13/2026

LUNCH & LEARN: ReConnect, Sunday, Oct. 4 • 11:30-1 • JPW Library

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.

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” that allows 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.

Childcare provided. A light lunch will be served. Please Register for this Free program with link: https://bit.ly/LandL_ReConnect or find on whfirstchurch.org>Library>Programs

Guided Walking Tour in OctoberThe Odyssey of the Amistad: A Trail to FreedomSaturday, October 3, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.First...
08/10/2026

Guided Walking Tour in October
The Odyssey of the Amistad: A Trail to Freedom

Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
First Church of Christ, Farmington (75 Main St.)
Cost: $20 per person
Space is limited! Total length of tour is 1-1/2 hours to 2 hours
The tour is ADA compliant
Accommodations for the hearing impaired can be made

In 1841, Farmington residents sheltered 38 individuals from the Mende tribe in Sierra Leone who had rebelled and seized control of the slave ship Amistad. The newly freed Africans were welcomed by the congregation of First Church of Christ in Farmington, and the town's strongly abolitionist residents supported the legal case that eventually won the Africans' freedom.

Join us for an insightful morning into the lives of the Mende people and the residents of abolitionist-era Farmington. Following a presentation at the church, guides will lead a walking tour (1.5 miles) to sites throughout the village which were part of the Mendes’ stay.

The presentation will take place rain or shine. If the walking portion of the tour is not possible due to heavy rain, we will continue in the church with a special presentation. Go to our web page to register: https://whfirstchurch.org/jpw-library/programs

Address

12 S Main Street
West Hartford, CT
06107

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

(860) 232-3893

Website

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