Explore our Notable Henricoans Database
Henrico County has been home to many remarkable people. From artists to entrepreneurs to civic leaders, these noteworthy individuals shaped not only our region, but also our nation. Explore our new and improved Notable Henricoans Database to discove…
Summer Reading 2025
2025 Summer Reading June 1–August 1 read & review books, earn prizes Coming Soon Art has the power to transform, uplift, and connect us—just like reading does! This summer we invite you on a journey of reading, art, and creativity, celebrating the m…
Gardening for Well-Being
Spring is here, which for many people means gardening! Gardening offers benefits not only for people and communities but for the earth, animals, and insects, too. Gardening can mean much more than just reaping a harvest; it can provide health and we…
Make a Difference on the Teen Advisory Board
Our Teen Advisory Boards are an awesome way for teens to develop leadership skills and help the library at the same time. They promote library services, develop programs for families with librarians, give input on teen collection, run annual charity…
Women's History Month: Trailblazers in Virginia & Beyond
March is Women’s History Month! In addition to our All Henrico Reads title, The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford, to celebrate, we’re browsing hundreds of inspiring narratives about women, including Virginia’s own female trailblazers, in ou…
¡Mira nuestros libros en español!/Check Out Our Spanish Language Books!
Con cada año que pasa, el idioma español crece en importancia dentro de los Estados Unidos. Según un informe del censo de los Estados Unidos de 2015, unos 37 millones de hispanohablantes residen en el país y en Virginia, esos números son casi 600,00…
Notable Henricoans Database List
Notable Henricoans Database Explore brief biographies of individuals from Henrico’s past and discover the importance they played in the history of Henrico County, Virginia. Featured Biographies Use the arrows on either side to scroll. Click on a sli…
Plan the Perfect Garden
Hoping to grow your own food this summer? Or have perfect flower beds? Follow advice from experienced gardeners and start with a plan! It doesn’t matter if this is your first attempt, or if your garden is on its 40th growing season—before you start…
Homework Resources for Teens
The cool fall weather is finally here, but school is in session and your homework is piling up! Don’t worry, the library is here to help you out with resources that will help you get your homework and papers done, so that you can spend more time out…
Resilience Week Reads
In partnership with Greater Richmond SCAN, HCPL is observing Resilience Week by contributing to a virtual bookshelf highlighting titles that contain themes of resilience and growth. Young people can be inspired to nurture their own resilience by rea…
Healthy Cooking
Summer is coming and with it comes oodles of fresh produce--ripe tomatoes, purple-y eggplant, juicy peaches, and fresh plums. Light and healthy cooking is a great way to use all that produce and celebrate long days and warmer weather. Once upon a ti…
Business Resources at Henrico County Public Library
Henrico County Public Library provides many valuable resources for business owners, operators, and entrepreneurs. From market research databases and free WiFi, to meeting space and professional-grade technology, the library offers free tools to supp…
Look Around, Look Within - May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the library is offering programs for stress management, self-care, and mindfulness to help support your personal wellbeing. You can also access helpful information and resources on a variety of mental health…
2023 Staff Picks
It’s that time of year again! We’re reflecting on our favorite reads from 2023, and are eager to share our picks with you. We hope you’ll find new titles to add to your nightstand or to wrap up as a gift this holiday season. Be sure to also check ou…
Back-to-School Support
With the start of school just days away, don't forget your most important supply: a library card! The Library offers several resources to help support students and their families throughout the school year. Learn more about what’s available to you w…
Researching Family History has Never Been Simpler
The study of genealogy and family history is a great way to connect with the past, and the library offers a variety of high-quality genealogical resources online. There are many reasons to research family history, but most of all it is a fun puzzle…
Planning for the School Year & Beyond: Resources for Teens
School is back in session, and we just want to remind all the hard-working students out there that the library has your back! Between academic workloads, outside-of-school responsibilities, and planning for the future, we know you juggle a lot. We’r…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 as a way to advocate for the millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Every May and beyond, organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Substan…
New Year, New You!
January is often a time of reflection. Many of us will set new goals to strive toward in the year ahead. Whether you hope to learn a new skill, kick start your career, improve your mental and physical health, and/or take control of your finances, th…
Earn Volunteer Hours at the Library
Did you know that teens can volunteer at the Library? Whether you’re in need of hours for school, or just interested in getting more involved in your community, the Library offers three different ways for teens to earn hours. Read on to learn more a…
2023 Summer Reading Wrap Up
That’s a wrap on our Summer Reading Challenge! Thank you to everyone who participated and joined us as we celebrated kindness, friendship, and unity. It is incredible to see what we can achieve together. Read on to learn more about your collective a…
Inclusive Programs for Our Diverse Community
It is HCPL’s goal to create an environment where everyone feels welcome to connect, learn, and grow. We recognize that the needs of our community are diverse, and aim to provide opportunities for all library users to learn and socialize. Our staff w…
Legal Research Resources
Did you know that Henrico County’s public law library is housed at the Tuckahoe Area Library? In 2018, the law library moved from the Henrico County Courthouse and became the Joseph P. Rapisarda, Jr. Law Collection. This reference collection include…
Winter Break Wonders: Library Kits, Streaming Platforms, and More
Whether it's stargazing, bird watching, exploring the outdoors, connecting with loved ones, or discovering new books, the library has several curated kits to help kick start activities with friends and family. Read on to learn more about our kits as…
Databases Search Results
For a full list of databases, visit our Online Research page.
To find a database on the topic you are searching for, use general search teams, like "business," "genealogy," or "books."
Search for Databases
To find a database on the topic you are searching for, use general search teams, like "business," "genealogy," or "books."
Did You Know: Family Resources at the Library
In addition to books, programs, and Storytimes, the Library offers a variety of materials and resources for families. Whether you’re a new parent, in a household with teens, or the caregiver to an elder adult (or all of the above), the Library offer…
Back to School Support at the Library
This September, and throughout the school year, we’re happy to be able to support our students and learners of all ages with helpful, free resources at the library. All month long, library card replacements are free, and we encourage students to sig…
Juneteenth
Although many believe that the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, freed all enslaved people in the South, the dream of freedom did not become a reality for people enslaved in Texas until two years later. General…
Did You Know: Genealogy Resources at the Library
Have you been wanting to trace your family’s history? Getting started can be a daunting process, and with the recent release of 1950s census data, there is more information to uncover than ever! But did you know that your library card gives you free…
Starting Your Own Business
Starting a business is an exciting opportunity to share your passion and skills with the community. HCPL is here to connect you to resources as you research, plan, and set goals for your business. Read on to learn more about upcoming programs, libra…
2024 Staff Picks for Adults
We couldn’t let this year come to a close without sharing our 2024 Staff Picks. Find new reads for your TBR (to-be-read) pile or to gift to someone special this holiday season. From feel-good romances to out-of-this-world science fiction, staff read…
Mental Health Awareness Month
It is important to remember that mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so we are highlighting some of our best books and resources to help you find information on mental health issues. Our onl…
Handcrafted Holidays
It’s holiday time once again! Whether you celebrate Chanukah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa, consider making your celebration more special by making it a DIY holiday. In the Kwanzaa tradition, the exchange of gifts should be an experience without stress, cr…
Introducing the Historically Speaking Series
Established as a shire in 1634, Henrico was the second settlement in the colony of Virginia and is one of the oldest counties in the country (Henrico History). With a rich history that spans over 400 years, Henrico is home to numerous historic sites…
Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is a way for you to have a voice at the library, participate in programs with other teens, and help others in your community. TAB programs include promoting library services, helping librarians…
Older Americans Month
May is Older Americans Month. Since 1963, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) has led a national campaign to honor the contributions of older adults to their communities. To commemorate, we are highlighting some of the many HCPL programs a…
Happy Pride!
Pride month might be coming to an end, but we have a great selection of LGBTQIA+ books for you to read year round! There are so many great works of LGBTQIA+ literature out there. While we have tried to highlight a diverse range of experience, this l…
It’s Basic- Maximize Love, Manage Stress
Building a strong foundation for learning begins at birth. To help families maximize early learning during this critical phase of development, Henrico County Public Library has adopted The Basics. This is the first post of a blog series in which we…
Animal Crossing: Reading Recommendations
In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, players pack their bags and head to their very own deserted island. On your island, you’ll develop your town, fish, catch bugs, and meet new villagers. The island has everything you could want — except a librarian…
Having a Hard Time Reading?
From Vogue magazine to The Chronicle of Higher Education, everyone agrees that reading is kind of hard right now. Here are some suggestions on how to get back in the habit. Neurologists, psychologists, and educators think they’ve pinpointed the culp…
Getting Cozy for Winter
As days get shorter and nights get longer, many of us will spend more time at home to escape the growing darkness and chill of autumn as it transitions into winter. How can we make our time at home more comfortable and relaxing? Make hygge like the…
International Cookbooks to Refresh Your Table
The arrival of spring brings a refreshing feeling of renewal, inspiring more than just a traditional spring cleaning. With new warmth and new life blooming outside, invite new and exciting dishes into your home during mealtimes with some of our favo…
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month!
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, so stop by a library near you to pick up your most essential school supply. You may be surprised to find that your card gives you access to much more than books (although we have thousands of those t…
April is Arab-American Heritage Month
In 2021, the U.S. State Department officially recognized and designated April as Arab-American Heritage Month. Browse our collection to learn more about the culture, history and contributions of the Arab world. We’ve included some kid, teen and adul…
Cozy Cooking at Home
Getting creative in the kitchen can be very soothing. We are here to help with a huge assortment of cookbooks available now in Overdrive and Hoopla. Following a recipe can help calm your mind with engaging and simple physical tasks, plus you get to…
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, which raises awareness about people living with a developmental disability such as Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and other developmental d…
YA Books and Music: What to Listen to While You Read
Movies and soundtracks are like two peas in a pod, but we’d argue that books and music make a great pair too! What better way to amplify the environment, characters and mood of a story than listening to music while reading? Below you’ll find our pic…
Did You Know: Computer & Digital Media Classes
Did you know that our Area Libraries offer a variety of computer and digital media classes that are completely free to library cardholders? Whether you need the basics or want to learn more advanced skills and software, we have resources to support…
Upcoming May Programs
Spring is here and we are so excited to see you at our upcoming May programs! Learn how to get snacks from your garden, join us for fun role-playing games and trivia, and relax with us in our ongoing meditation program. Plus, we are happy to announc…
Connecting Cultures & Building Community Through Food
Food is a common thread that unites humanity. Beyond sustenance, food teaches us about identity, history, community, and culture. When we share our food, we share our roots. In the words of renowned American chef James Beard, “Food is our common gro…
Celebrate Short Story Day
Short Story Day always takes place on the shortest day of the year (of course!). This year it falls on December 21st. Why celebrate short stories? According to Edgar Allen Poe, they leave the reader with “a sense of the fullest satisfaction.” Althou…
Connecting Communities with Quilts
Quilting bees, stitch-ins, and sewing circles have long been community gatherings. In the spirit of our “All Together Now” Summer Reading challenge, join us to explore quilting and other textile arts this summer. Events include collaborative art ins…
Libraries Were Made for “Inside Weather”
Whether in the sweltering heat of summer, or the blustery cold of winter, Libraries offer a comfortable indoor refuge from the elements, and supplies you can take home to enjoy the great indoors. Read on for some of our recommended winter offerings…
Start Smart: Free Resources for the School Year
If you’re a student or have students in your household, a library card can be a key to success—and savings. For families looking for ways to save, a free library card can unlock hundreds of dollars of programs and services to help students succeed…
Survive Exam Week!
Exam week is coming up, but don’t panic! We can help. The library is the perfect place for studying, with spaces to read and revise, expert researchers, and fun events to help you de-stress. Sometimes there are too many distractions at home to have…
Did You Know: Language Learning Resources
The world is opening up again, and many of us are thinking about taking our next big trip. Where to? Spain? Korea? Vietnam? Wherever you go, studying a language can make your fabulous trip even more fabulous. No travel plans, you say? Language study…
Did You Know: Book Recommendation Resources
One question library staff frequently encounter is, "Can you recommend a book for me?" And the answer is, of course! Recommending titles is something we love to do! Read on to learn more about library resources that can help you find new titles and…
November is Family Stories Month
November is Family Stories Month, a time to gather with family and friends and connect through the power of storytelling. Whether they’re heartbreaking, hilarious, terrifying, or triumphant, stories can unite us and help us understand one another. T…
Reaching Your New Year's Goals
As you hit the reset button and start thinking about the year to come, remember the library is here to support you in reaching your 2025 goals. Whether your hopes are related to your career, academics, wellness, finances, personal hobbies, or readin…
Spotlight on Staff: Earth Scientists
Our staff are a talented bunch, and as we continue discovering their special skills to share on our blog, we noticed many folks at HCPL are passionate about science and the natural world. From birding to animal training and conservation, people who…
Equity and Inclusion Initiatives
Equity and Inclusion We are working on increasing equity in our library services, and we want to hear from you. We have solicited input from our staff, and formed an Equitability Task Force to take action to better serve our BIPOC community members…
October Online Programs
Our virtual event lineup for October is full of fun programs for everyone, perfect for the cozy afternoon or evening in. Take a break from raking leaves to discuss what you’re reading, sing and dance along to storytime, or learn something new with u…
March Virtual Events
Explore fun kitchen science, challenge yourself with LEGOs, and learn how to bullet journal this March! We have a full slate of events for everyone. Be sure to mark your calendar for our All Henrico Reads virtual event on April 1 at 7:00 pm. Author…
Library Card Sign-Up Month
Happy Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time to promote the perks of using the library. Stop by your nearest location to learn more about signing up and unlocking a world of resources. And if you already have a card, we’re offering replacements all mont…
Black History Month 2023
We're gearing up for a full month of Black History programs, displays, and reading in February. Explore contemporary local street art with Hamilton Glass, learn about Emancipation Towns in our region, research your family’s history with the African…
Online Resources for Teens
Our Teen Services Librarians put together a list of some of the library’s online resources that are particularly helpful for teens. You can get free online tutoring and help with assignments and test prep, learn about health and wellness, keep up wi…
Peterson’s Career Prep
Explore your options and get an edge in your job search using Peterson’s Career Prep! Our newest database helps you create a professional resume, figure out what career would be best for you, and offers guidance to help you achieve your goals. Peter…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
In 1949 the Mental Health America organization designated May as Mental Health Awareness Month to bring attention to mental health issues. Mental health is defined as “our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, fee…
Fun & Free Things to Do This Summer
Summer is right around the corner and we’re sharing some local and library resources to help you stay busy all summer long. Read on for our top ten list of fun and free things to do this summer! 10. Explore Henrico Parks Visit our friends at Recreat…
MedlinePlus
Searching for medical information on the internet can be a treacherous task. How do you know if the information you find can be trusted? One reliable resource is MedlinePlus, which has information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues in l…
November Online Programs
Learn something new this November. This month we are starting a Comics Makers Club for teens, Science Kids is tackling coding, and adults can compete to see who will win JeoPARODY! Find something fun for your family. These are a few of our upcoming…
Online Research
HCPL offers dozens of databases containing a wide range of subjects in many different formats. Explore All Databases Popular Resources Consumer Reports Legal Forms Reference Solutions ValueLine Richmond Times-Dispatch (NewsBank) Notable Henricoans D…
Library Resources for Veterans & Military Families
HCPL would like to thank and welcome veterans, service members, and their families to the library. HCPL provides access to several resources, including VetNow, JobNow, and Tutor.com, for those seeking help with veteran benefits, career support, acad…
What to Read if You Love Dungeons and Dragons
If you’re missing D&D or your gaming group, Henrico Library’s collection has you covered. Between books, audiobooks, and graphic novels, there are plenty of fantastic stories featuring swords and sorcery to choose from. If you want to lose yourself…
September is National Library Card Sign-up Month!
Your Henrico County Public Library card is the most important school supply. With it you can do so much more than take home books. You can check out movies, magazines, and audiobooks. We have Birding and Nature Exploration kits, Caregiver kits, and…
Unleash Your Inner Gourmand: Ratatouille, Baguettes, Apéritifs, Oh My!
We are feeling inspired by this year’s delicious All Henrico Reads title, The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl, and are eager to explore new cuisines, try fresh recipes, and embrace our inner gourmands. While the early definition of gourmand was synonymou…
Celebrate Women's History Month!
“How important it is to recognize and celebrate our heroes and sheroes!”—Maya Angelou Women’s History Month is here! This March, let’s take a cue from the great Maya Angelou and learn about our sheroes, past and present. Explore the library’s collec…
National Photography Month
Nearly two hundred years ago, the first permanent photograph was taken by Frenchman Joseph Niépce of the view outside his window. Today, during National Photography Month, we celebrate the advancement of the medium. Once an expensive and cumbersome…
Women’s History Month 2025
March 1 marks the beginning of Women’s History Month, and the library is offering several programs to commemorate the occasion. Attend a book discussion or film, explore the work of female musicians, artists, and writers, and discover history makers…
October is National Cookbook Month
Happy National Cookbook Month! As the weather begins to cool off, we look forward to cozying up indoors and cooking with family and friends. And while many of us now turn to our phones and social media for recipes, why not skip the ads and flip thro…
Stories to Celebrate Older Adults
If you’re looking for a mature protagonist in your next read – someone in their golden years who may (or may not!) be ready to retire – then you may want to check out the following books. Romance, friendship, murder, mayhem, and creativity are on of…
Get Lost in an Audiobook
We really love audiobooks here at HCPL, and have shared in the past some of our favorite narrators and audiobooks to make you laugh. When listening, it is easy to be carried away… swept up in the tale and transported by the storyteller. This time we…
Getting Started with eBooks
The library offers eBooks and audiobooks that you can access online and enjoy on all kinds of devices. Read on to learn more about how to get started, and how to find eBooks, audiobooks, e-magazines, and children’s books that fit your interests - fr…
Computer & Internet Policy
Computer & Internet Policy Policy for Henrico County Public Library Computer Use Please scroll to review the entire computer use policy. Of key note: Systems are filtered based on CIPA requirements. Be sure to save your work before you step away fro…
The Stories Behind the Music: Biographies and Memoirs
We are halfway through the summer and our Summer Reading Club. Hopefully you have enjoyed some excellent books so far! One way to explore music is to read about the people creating it. Here are some of our favorite biographies that show just how fas…
Juneteenth
Celebrate Juneteenth with the library and this list of titles available at HCPL. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Based on the words “June” and “Nineteenth,” the celebration started to commemorate an order issued by a…
Read Together, Watch Together
Many books have been made into fabulous film adaptations. So what is the best option… read it and then watch it? Watch it and then read it? The choice is for you and your family to make. You could even listen to the audiobook first. Here are some of…
Try Hoopla!
The snow might be melting but winter is just beginning! If you can’t make it out to the library, try Hoopla. Our Hoopla Digital collection has a wonderful selection of music, movies, ebooks, audiobooks, and comics to keep the whole family entertaine…
Fantastic Mysteries for Fall
Cooler weather and shorter days make the fall a great time to settle in with a new mystery series. From delightfully gossipy restaurant owners moonlighting as amateur sleuths, to hardened investigators facing the end of the world, or even a crime-so…
LGBTQIA+ Memoirs
June is Pride Month, and in celebration, we wanted to share some of our favorite memoirs and autobiographies from the LGBTQIA+ community. Reading about other people’s experiences can help us make connections and build empathy. The authors featured h…
March Movies!
With the weather in March so unpredictable, it is nice to have a few indoor activities ready to go for unexpectedly cold or windy days. While we always love to suggest a good book to read, sometimes it is more fun to watch a movie. Henrico County Pu…
Ready, Set, Hike! Hiking Resources for All Ages
Research shows that spending time outdoors has many benefits for people of all ages, including better overall health, and lower stress levels. One good way to realize those benefits and connect with nature is to go on a hike. Whether it’s planning a…
Jump Start Your New Year
Another year is upon us and with each new year is a new beginning. It’s a time to hit the reset button on our lives, be it for personal improvement, fitness, or professional development. As you make your New Year’s resolutions, you can utilize our c…
All Henrico Reads 2025: Know Before You Go
We are just a few days away from hosting our sixteenth All Henrico Reads event! This year we are thrilled to host bestselling author Ruth Reichl and hear about her life, work, and recent release, The Paris Novel. We hope you will join us on Thursday…
2024 Summer Reading Wrap-Up
That’s a wrap on our 2024 Summer Reading Challenge! Thank you to everyone who read and learned with us. Whether it was diving into books, trying new things, or exploring new places, we think it’s safe to say that this summer was quite an adventure…
2020 LGBTQIA+ Book Discussion Awarded By National Association of Counties (NACo)
LGBTQIA+ Book Discussion Awarded by the National Association of Counties Henrico County Public Library created the LGBTQIA+ Book Discussion Group to improve service to the LGBTQIA community. Through a combination of outreach, thoughtful planning, in…
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