Visit Us

The JPWL is open to the public!

Come in, check out and/or return books, browse the stacks, read the newspaper, and get on our free wi-fi! Jennifer and Molly will be glad to help you. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful library!

We are located beneath the Meeting House of First Church, West Hartford. For security reasons doors into building are locked, but if you ring the door bell at the Rotunda Entrance, which is behind the building, where the parking lot is located, someone will buzz you into building! Walk down the hall to the left, to the elevator or stairs. Go to the 2nd floor. Follow signs to the JPW Library!

Library Hours:Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–12 noon (watch livestream Worship Service here)
Closed Friday and Saturday

860-232-3893

Join us on Wednesdays for drop-in game and puzzle time 2:30-4 p.m.

New in the JPWL Gallery!
Surrealist Art Prints Available

February 22 – April 12

ÁDÁM WüRTZ (1927-1994): Hungarian Painter, Illustrator, and Printmaker

     Ádám Würtz drew his inspiration from the rural Hungarian region where his family had lived for centuries. Little villages nestled within gentle hills, and steeped in wild and fantastic legends, became the foundation for his amusing, sometimes grotesque, drawings.

    JPWL staff discovered this collection of Würtz prints in the Archives during a routine inventory several years ago. After thoughtful review and consideration, we determined that they should be removed from the collection. The staff spent months searching for places to donate or sell the prints, and the remaining ones are now on display.

     The JPWL is offering the remaining prints to First Church members and friends in exchange for a suggested donation of $50-$100. All donations will directly support the continued care and preservation of the Archives. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in this work. Please see Jennifer with questions.

Watch Live-Streamed Worship in the Church Library!

First Church’s worship services are live streamed every Sunday in our bright, comfortable John P. Webster Library. Come watch while your toddler plays in our children’s area or if you need a separate place to worship for any other reason. The JPW Library is also open Monday-Thursday 9-5. Everyone is welcome — church membership is not required! Come in and find your next read!

Contact the John P. Webster Library

For questions and assistance, please email us at jpwebster@whfirstchurch.org. You can reach the John P. Webster Library via phone at: (860) 232-3893

Mailing Address: John P. Webster Library at First Church, West Hartford, 12 S. Main St., West Hartford, CT 06107 View on Map

JPWL’s Lazarus Books – Where Used Books Find New Life

Come and browse the JPW Library’s used-book corner. Library discards, donated books, leftover book group books, and more – all for a freewill donation! AND we send all donations to Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford, dedicated to “transforming lives through literacy by empowering adults to read, learn, work and grow.”

A Stylish “Green” Gift Idea – Upcycled First Church Totes

Here’s your opportunity for local, “green” gift buying! The JPWL is offering bags created from used vinyl church banners. These upcycled, one-of-a-kind First Church-branded totes and clutches can be used as gift bags, make-up pouches, lunch bags, or kid-sized beach bags! They’ll be for sale during Hospitality Hour in the Auditorium. Cost: Freewill donation. Proceeds will be shared with KNOX of Hartford, “committed to connecting and empowering communities to grow a greener, healthier Hartford.”