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 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.–12 noon (watch livestream Worship Service here)
Closed Friday and Saturday

860-232-3893

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!

Celebration of the Life of

Rev. Lee Kenyon Ellenwood

(March 27, 1948 – February 15, 2026)

Exhibit Celebrates the Ministry of Lee Ellenwood

The ministry and legacy of Rev. Lee Ellenwood is the focus of a special exhibit on the history of the JPW Library currently on display in the Gallery. Lee served as Associate Pastor at First Church for 25 years, helping establish the JPWL while faithfully serving the congregation.

The exhibit includes photographs, newspaper clippings, letters, and other memorabilia, including a copy of his “Reformation Blues” (“I’m going down to Wittenburg, nail my theses on the door / When I get through nailing my thesis / Church be like it’s never been before…”) and his famous “Book of Revelation Salsa” recipe (“6 swell tomatoes / 6 very pretty jalapeño peppers / and 6 fat cloves of garlic / 666—get it???”).

The display can be viewed through August 30. Read Lee’s full obituary here. Video of his July 18 memorial service below.

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

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.”