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 Worship Service from here)
Closed Friday and Saturday

860-232-3893

Back by Popular Demand – The JPW Library Summer Faith in Film Series!

2 pm Wednesdays July 16, 23, 30

In the JPW Library

July 16: Tracks “Accompanied only by her faithful dog and four camels, an Australian (Mia Wasikowska) satisfies her craving for solitude by embarking on a 1700-mile solo trip across the desert from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean” (Rotten Tomatoes). Rated PG-13, running time 1h 52m.

July 23: The Motorcycle Diaries “An inspiring and thrilling adventure that traces the youthful origins of a revolutionary spirit. The film follows two daring friends, Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara and Alberto Granado, who hop on the back of a beat-up motorcycle for an eye-opening, life-changing road trip across Latin America” (Rolling Stone). Rated R, running time 2h 7m.

July 30: The Way Martin Sheen is Tom, who “arrives in St. Jean Pied de Port, France to collect the body of his adult son (Emilio Estavez), who was killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking the Camino de Santiago. Rather than return home, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage to honor his son’s desire to finish the journey” (Amazon). Rated PG-13, running time 2h 3m.

JPW Library South Sidewalk Initiative  was Approved at the Congregational Meeting June 8, 2025

CLICK image below for more details

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.”