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

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

The JPW Library and the Buildings & Grounds Team are exploring the possibility of restoring easy access to the church and JPWL by constructing a sidewalk from in front of the sanctuary to the church’s south entrance. Historically, church members used the south entrance for access to JPWL, the choir room, and the sanctuary. At the time, the Town of West Hartford provided a public sidewalk and stairs that made the entrance very accessible. Expansion and renovation of the Noah Webster Library next door during 2006 through 2008 resulted in the removal of the Town’s sidewalk and the construction of a fence blocking all access from Main St. Our hope is that by rebuilding the sidewalk on our property we can restore visibility and access to our church library and open First Church’s doors to a wider community! Feel free to contact Jennifer with any questions about the project.

CLICK image below for more details

“Paradise Lies at the Feet of the Mother: A Special Photo Exhibit Honoring Mothers”

May 1 – June 30 in the JPW Gallery and the Auditorium Hallway

A gorgeous photographic display of motherhood from the Muslim Coalition of Connecticut.
We thank Chaplain Aida Mansoor, Instructor and Director of Field Education at Hartford International, for arranging the loan of this lovely display.

Join us for a Gallery Talk Sunday, June 29, 11:30 a.m.

The Muslim Coalition of CT is a not-for-profit organization working to build bridges in communities by providing opportunities for the Connecticut Muslim community to integrate with the greater community, while maintaining core Islamic values.

Click image to enlarge

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.”