Birding at HCPL
We’re gearing up for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count, so whether you're an amateur or an expert, we're inviting bird enthusiasts of all ages and levels of experience to join us at the library this February! Read on to learn more about upcoming…
Hitting the Trail
The sun is setting earlier, the air is getting cooler: time to go on a camping adventure. Camping is a great way to reconnect with nature, and there are several resources available at the library to help you plan your next camping endeavor. Read on…
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…
Eclipses & Community Science
April is Community Science Month, a celebration of the public’s power to gather information, collaborate with scientists, and contribute to new discoveries. You don’t have to be an expert to aid in the scientific process! This year, the Great Americ…
Explore the Great Outdoors!
Step away from the screen, go beyond your stairs, and explore the great outdoors! Studies show there are several benefits to being outside. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Proximity to greenspace has been associated with lower levels…
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…
Minecraft Club
Welcome to Minecraft Club Welcome to the Henrico County Public Library Minecraft Server! The server is not currently operating on an ongoing basis. Keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming Minecraft Club programs. Server Rules: No offensive language…
Spotlight on Staff: Lifelong Learning at the Library
Multilingual interpreter. Lionfish hunter. Master Naturalist. Believe it or not, these aren't the professions of characters from recent bestsellers - they're areas of expertise belonging to some of our incredible staff here at HCPL. In addition to l…
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…
Crafting your Story
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is an annual creative writing challenge that takes place in November where you have 30 days to write a 50,000 word novel. Writing a novel can be a daunting task, but with the right instruction, you’ll be cran…
Go Wild During National Wilderness Month!
September is National Wilderness Month, a celebration of the anniversary of the Wilderness Act. Passed on September 3, 1964, the Wilderness Act was created in order to “establish a National Wilderness Preservation System for the permanent good of th…
Back to Nature: Books for Kids
In stressful times, children as well as adults can benefit from interacting with nature. According to a study by the University of Exeter’s European Centre for Environment & Human Health, spending a minimum of 2 hours per week in nature reduces stre…
2025 Staff Picks for Adults
It’s finally here—and just in time to set your New Year’s goals and for our upcoming Cozy Reading Challenge (details coming soon!) We’re excited to announce our annual Staff Picks list full of our favorite things we’ve read this year. To say we enjo…
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…
Exploration and Literacy Kits page
Exploration and Literacy Kits We offer curated kits to promote learning experiences that help build reading skills. From Nature Kits and Birding Backpacks that encourage you to explore the outdoors, to 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Kits and Read to…
New Birding Stations at the Library
Birding, or birdwatching, is an activity the whole family can participate in to discover the abundance of wildlife diversity in our own backyards. We’ve found the best places for birdwatching in our libraries, and set up birdwatching stations with a…
International Police Procedurals
Armchair detective or armchair traveler? You can have it both ways. There is no need to choose between an engrossing criminal investigation and the adventure of foreign travel with a list of international mysteries in hand. The particulars of geogra…
Let’s Celebrate the Earth!
Earth Day, April 22, encourages us to appreciate the beauty of the environment and challenges us to take steps to protect it, and Arbor Day, April 25, reminds us of the importance of trees to the health of our planet. This April, head to the library…
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…
Milkweed for Monarchs
Monarch butterflies feed exclusively on milkweed, making the relationship between monarchs and these plants very special. As a host plant, milkweed is critical to the monarch’s survival. In the spring months, monarchs migrate from their Northern ove…
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…
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…
Celebrate Earth Day
Exactly 50 years ago, April 22, 1970, the very first Earth Day was celebrated. At that time, environmentalism was growing and concerned people were looking for a way to generate even more interest in protecting the natural world. Over the years, Ear…
Grow Your Garden
Gardening can take many forms. From pots on a windowsill to a backyard homestead, planting a garden can bring enjoyment and relaxation. It can also bring a wealth of benefits to our environment and the many inhabitants living there. Read on to disco…
Citizen Science: Birding
As part of the Citizen Science movement, we are hosting several Birding Workshops this month! Families are invited to learn the best ways to spot birds in the wild, do a fun bird craft, and practice your bird watching skills outside at the library…
Top Six Library Resources for Students
Backpack? Check. School supplies? Check. First day outfit? Narrowed down to two options. We know those back-to-school checklists can be daunting, but the library is here for you and your family as you kick off another academic year. A library card g…
Around the World Through Historical Fiction
Take a trip through time and space at Henrico County Public Library. Historical fiction is not confined to corsets and hoopskirts. Read on for windows into different places and eras throughout the world. A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon J…
Neighbors: A New Cultural Exchange Event Series at HCPL
We are excited to announce a new program series, Neighbors, that aims to build connections and facilitate cultural exchange in our growing and diverse community. Neighbors events are inter-generational programs created by library staff in cooperatio…
Sports Fiction for Tweens
HOME RUN! TOUCHDOWN! GOAL! For many tweens, sport is more than just a way to keep their bodies active or a hobby to have fun with; it’s a serious endeavor, an escape, or even a way of life. Your love for sport can reach beyond the game with fantasti…
Back-to-School Lunch Prep
Kids are back in school and getting into the swing of new routines. Along with academics, nutrition is an important piece of the school year puzzle, and what better way to find meal inspiration than by checking out some cookbooks from the library? P…
Conquer the New School Year
You’ve logged your last book in our summer reading program, packed a backpack full of pencils, and headed back to school. After all, it’s September, which means school is back in session! Just because summer has come to an end, it doesn’t mean that…
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…
Did You Know: One Button Recording Studio
The Fairfield Library has a recording studio. Yes, you read that right - a library with a recording studio! Referred to as the One Button Recording Studio, this space allows you to record podcasts, capture oral histories, conduct a virtual interview…
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…
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…
Women's History Month 2026
Celebrate HERstory at HCPL. This Women's History Month, visit the library to join a book discussion, learn about women both past and present, and put your women's history knowledge to the test. Read on for a list of upcoming programs as well as titl…
Fostering Learning and Literacy in Childhood and Beyond
November is Family Literacy Month. HCPL recognizes the power of learning together and offers resources that support literacy and learning for everyone in your family. Preparing your little ones for kindergarten is just the first important step in a…
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…
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…
Setting the Scene: A Gray Dawn Soundtrack
In this year’s All Henrico Reads title, Gray Dawn, author Walter Mosley transports readers back to 1970s Los Angeles. Historically, we enter a world on the heels of the Civil Rights movement, an era defined by newfound freedoms, cultural pride, and…
Great Mysteries for Kids
Missing dog treats, rhyming kid detectives, bowler-wearing spider sidekicks… these detective series are great for young sleuths or anyone interested in a delightful page-turner! May is mystery month and if you’re tracking down a good read, check out…
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…
Welcome to the new henricolibrary.org!
Our website has a brand-new look! The new site is bright and cheerful, and it was designed with accessibility and clear navigation in mind. We hope you can take a moment to look around and explore. To give us feedback on the new site, please take ou…
About Us - Library Administrative Offices
Library Administrative Offices Contact your Library Our Locations pages have the phone numbers, addresses, and manager contact information for all our libraries. Ask A Librarian Our Ask A Librarian information service allows you to ask brief, factua…
Spring is Here: Celebrating Community Science Month & Earth Day
Spring is here and we are embracing the season of growth and renewal by exploring the world around us. It is also when we celebrate Community Science Month and Earth Day (April 22), both of which remind us to reflect on the fun and creative ways we…
2020 Staff Picks for Adults
Last but not least, here are our favorite books for adults! There is something for everyone, from romance to high fantasy to history. What was your favorite book this year? This is a very diverse list and every title is very different from the other…
Love Against the Odds
Romeo and Juliet. Heloise and Abelard. Anna Karenina and Vronsky. Some of the most stirring romances in history and fiction walk the tightrope between tradition and modernity, duty and passion, family and society, self and other. These fantastic rom…
What to Read for Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, in which we celebrate the contributions of the disabled community to our workforce and the economy. As noted on the Department of Labor’s website, 2021’s theme is “America’s Recovery: Powere…
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…
Jazz Appreciation Month for Kids
From Bebop to Big Band, Dixieland to Ragtime, Swing to Latin, Afro-Cuban to Cool: April is Jazz Appreciation Month! Head to the library with your little ones to learn more about jazz’s history, legends, and influence on music today. Discover the spi…
Loans Fines Fees
Loans/Fines/Fees Loans of Library Materials | Due Dates | Reminders/Notices | Late Fines | Paying Fines/Fees | Lost/Damaged Items | Costs for Additional Services Loans of Library Materials Library patrons may have up to a total of fifty (50) physica…
The Rez Doctor by Gitz Crazyboy
21 December 2024 Teen Librarian The Rez Doctor by Gitz Crazyboy The Rez Doctor by Gitz Crazyboy is a compelling story about a young Indigenous man named Ryan Fox, who strives to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor despite numerous obstacles throu…
HCPL Tour Series #6: Varina
As Varina Area Library celebrates its eighth anniversary, we’d like to highlight the only HCPL library situated on the Capital Trail! Opened in June of 2016, Varina’s current LEED-certified location on New Market Road replaced the smaller Varina bra…
Read with Your Eyes Closed
Expand your imagination with an audiobook! Audiobooks allow us to enjoy fabulous narrators and concentrate on the spoken word alone. Best of all, they enable us to bond and listen to stories together! Listening encourages readers to dive into challe…
Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the Library
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month, and we are commemorating the occasion with a month full of programs and displays at the library. In our programs, you'll hear from Asian Americans in the Henrico community as they sha…
Two Weeks Left in Our Summer Reading Challenge!
There are less than two weeks left for our Summer Reading program, the One Henrico Reading Challenge. If you haven’t already signed up, it isn’t too late! Simply visit henricolibrary.org/summerreading and get started on a bunch of reading fun. If yo…
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…
Internet Basics Class
Internet Basics: Getting Started on the Web NOTE: All screenshots featured in this class are from the Google Chrome internet browser. I. About the Internet A. What is the Internet or Web? Definitions Internet—a network made up of computers all over…
Resources for a Healthy New Year
With the start of another New Year comes the tradition of making a New Year’s resolution. This practice has existed in various forms and cultures throughout time, and it even has origins that can be traced back to the Ancient Babylonians. Most resol…
Listen, Learn, and Limber Up
Picture books are more than colorful images paired with words. Great picture books insist that the reader and the listener actively play and talk. Learning is made dynamic when you add dancing, imagination, and verbal responses. Movement makes liter…
New Resources for Jobseekers and Veterans
JobNow and VetNow are two great new resources you can access with your library card! JobNow features information and services for job seekers that can help you reach your career goals. VetNow provides support to veterans and their families with a wi…
1930s Open House at Varina Area Library
The Great Depression was a tumultuous, decade-long crisis that brought challenging times to thousands of families across the country. It was also a period marked by resourcefulness and perseverance. Explore the history and pastimes of the Depression…
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…
Announcing All Henrico Reads: Gray Dawn with Walter Mosley
With over 60 books to his credit and nearly every mystery writing award on his resume, we are excited to announce that this year’s signature community reading program, All Henrico Reads, will feature bestselling author Walter Mosley and his latest r…
Summer Reading 2021: Tails and Tales
Starting June 15, the more books you read and the more activities you take part in this summer, the more prizes you will be eligible to win! Log reading, writing, and other literacy activities online to earn badges and prizes. Summer Reading is spon…
Celebrating Picture Books at the Library
November is Picture Book Month. We are celebrating these powerful stories, when an engaging text is paired with art that both enhances and elucidates the story line. Keep reading for some expert tips on getting started with reading picture books tog…
Black Authors Showcase
This Valentine’s Day, we’re highlighting Black authors we love! Explore a few of our favorite contemporary and classic Black authors for adults, teens, and children. ADULT: I Almost Forgot About You by Terry McMillan Dr. Georgia Young, an optometris…
Banned Books Week 2022
It's Banned Books Week (9/18-9/24)! Typically held during the last week in September, this annual event, now in its 40th year, celebrates the freedom to read. Each year the American Library Association tracks which titles have been most targeted for…
Spotlight on Staff: Lights, Camera... Library Staff?
As we continue to highlight our staff as living resources, we thought we’d shine the spotlight on the performers in our midst. While librarians are stereotyped as being quiet and introverted, it turns out that many of us are far from shy! Read on to…
Comic Books for Teens and Tweens
It is time to delve into summer reading with our “A Universe of Stories” theme. Consider adding more graphic novels to your to-be-read pile! What is a graphic novel? It’s a book filled with visuals. They encompass all genres, so while superheroes ar…
2024 Staff Picks for Kids
Picture and chapter book readers alike are sure to find reads on this year’s Staff Picks list of children’s titles. Dive into beautiful artwork, magical worlds, adventure, and more! Be sure to also check out our Staff Picks lists for Teens and Adult…
Our Henrico Christmas Mother Book Drive Starts Today!
It is once again time for our Henrico Christmas Mother Book Drive. Henrico Christmas Mother assists families in economic need and of all religious backgrounds at the holiday time. Our Teen Advisory Boards have set up boxes at all Henrico libraries f…
Henrico Christmas Mother Book Drive
Our Teen Advisory Boards are once again collecting books as part of the Henrico Christmas Mother Campaign! We are accepting donations of new children’s books at all library locations. Henrico Christmas Mother assists families in economic need and of…
Create Your Own Costumes!
Bridgerton made quite a splash this winter with its colorful interpretations of Regency dress! Costuming and cosplay, inspired by books, television shows, movies, or even a fantastic podcast, are fun ways to enjoy your favorite media, interact with…
Discovering Poetry
In this year’s All Henrico Reads title, The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford, main character Dorothy Moy is a poet laureate who channels her pain and trauma into her art. Poetry remains a running theme throughout the novel, as Dorothy pays…
Classic Reads for the End of Summer
What makes a book a “classic?” Does it have to be published before, say, 1900? Or maybe it has to be recognized as a “classic,” part of the canon of great literature? Perhaps some feel “classics” must be at least 500 pages, hard to summarize, and bo…
¡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…
One for You, and One for Me: Reading Side by Side - Twentieth-century Visual Arts Edition
There are many wonderful books produced for children and young adults featuring well-known artists. We’ve paired them here with adult titles so that you and your child can all look, learn, and read together. Our list highlights titles at multiple re…
K-Pop Reads
Are you a member of the BTS Army? Do you belong to BLINK? As interest in K-Pop only continues to grow, more and more books are featuring characters chasing their dreams of K-Pop fame. Aspirational young stars have to learn complicated choreography w…
Audiobooks for Tweens
One of our favorite ways to experience books is to listen to them. Audiobooks allow a full, immersive experience with different voices for characters, multiple narrators, sound effects, the works! You can customize listening speed, listen on the go…
DIY in the Digital Media Lab
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) gifting is a creative alternative for those wishing to avoid the hassle of crowds and online shopping this holiday season. Should you opt for a more hand-made holiday, be sure to check out our Digital Media Lab resources for pro…
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…
Introducing Adaptive Storytime
Storytimes are a wonderful way to introduce books and the joy of reading to your little ones. They help build early literacy skills and acquaint young readers with their library and community. At HCPL, we recognize that young readers have different…
Mission & Values
Mission & Values Our Mission Mission Statement We promote reading and lifelong learning, connect people with the information they need, and enrich community life. Vision We believe public libraries are vital to the community. We strive to deliver ex…
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! To celebrate, we’ve pulled together some of our favorite books from Asian American and Pacific Islander authors for kids, teens, and adults, showcasing a wealth of stories and experiences. R…
James River Week
September 9-16 is James River Week, and the library is marking the occasion with programs to educate and celebrate one of our greatest community resources, the James River! Whether you enjoy hiking and biking its trails, spotting dozens of its nativ…
LibraryCon will be virtual this year!
Join us on Saturday, June 20 for our virtual LibraryCon. We are hosting online D&D workshops for gamers at any level, and you can enter to win our cosplay contest! Workshops: Character Creation Workshop at 1:00 pm – Your next adventure is only a cha…
Science Fiction Day
January 2 is National Science Fiction Day, which honors the significant contributions to the genre by prolific author and editor Isaac Asimov born on January 2, 1920. Asimov is also credited with coining the term “robotics” in a 1941 short story he…
Oceans of Possibilities: Exploring the Eastern Shore
Discover the Eastern Shore! In the spirit of Summer Reading, we’re exploring all things ocean. What better place to start than Virginia’s coast? Read on to learn more about upcoming programs and titles that explore the region’s unique landscape and…
Local Adventures
This year’s Summer Reading theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” and we couldn’t agree more! HCPL is the perfect place to plan your next adventure. There are plenty of fun places to explore in Richmond, throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia…
New Year, New Worlds
Turn the chapter on last year’s literary scenes, and jump into new worlds of adventure with fantasy and science fiction books for teens. Known for crafting incredible worlds of detailed magic or advanced technology, fantasy and science fiction autho…
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…
Some of Our Favorite Science Fiction
At first glance, many science fiction novels seem strange, or even too familiar: just another road trip in space, or alien invasion story. But the great thing about all science fiction stories, and their weird and delightful views of the world, is t…
Celebrate Read Across America Day!
March 2nd is Read Across America Day and there are so many ways you can celebrate! You can choose to read a book, watch a movie based on a book, or take part in wacky Dr. Seuss activities. But wait, what is Read Across America Day? It is an annual r…
Thank You for Attending All Henrico Reads with Cheryl Strayed!
We’d like to thank Cheryl Strayed and the community for joining us for an evening of conversation about connection, compassion, conservation, and the natural world. Read on for more about this year’s wonderful All Henrico Reads event! In her discuss…
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…
Get in the Spirit of All Henrico Reads with One of These Teen Thrillers
Calling all super sleuths! Can you spot a plot twist coming from a mile away? Can you identify the murderer by the fifth… no, third chapter? Then look no further. Whether you’re in the mood for murder, keen on kidnapping, or thirsting for thievery…
Reassuring Reads
Even though we can’t be together in the physical library temporarily, our children’s librarians want you and your family to know that we are doing everything we can to help you weather this moment. One of the biggest things on our minds is the safet…
Travel Through Time with Some Historical Fiction
Historical fiction immerses you in a different time and place. You can travel back to 16th Century England, 19th century Liberia, 1920s Mexico, -- the possibilities are endless. Historical fiction can also give us insight to the lives of historicall…
Taking Care of Yourself
It’s hard to maintain balance in your life when you are experiencing stress and anxiety, but that is often when it is most important to take the time to care for yourself. Whether you are looking for a little inspiration, some sage advice on achievi…
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