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…
Off the Beaten Path
Whether it’s a destination at the top of your bucket list or a place you’re curious about but would never visit, discover a book about it in the library’s collection of unique travel titles. Who knows? Maybe a great book will open your eyes to a sur…
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…
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…
Do-It-Yourself Gift Giving
The gift-giving season is almost upon us! Here are some fun ideas for thrifty DIY gifts you can create with books from our collection. These crafts are great for beginners and use only a handful of materials. Mason Jars There are endless ways to cre…
2020 Staff Picks for Kids
It is December and that means it is time for us to share our favorite books from 2020. We are starting with our favorite books for kids (and those young at heart!). Be sure to keep an eye out for our favorites for teens and adults later this week. P…
Unicorns vs. Dragons!!!
Unicorns are legendary creatures, described since antiquity as beasts with a single, large, pointed, spiraling horn projecting from its forehead. They appear in fairy tales from around the world, but interestingly are not found in Greek mythology –…
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…
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…
2021 Staff Picks for Teens
Our staff read a wide range of Teen titles this year including bone-chilling thrillers, adventure-filled fantasies, inspiring and educational nonfiction, heartwarming romances, historical fiction, coming of age tales, and so much more. Checkout our…
Reducing Our Impact
In the spirit of this year's All Henrico Reads theme, “Conservation, Connection, and Compassion: Wellness and the Natural World,” we are considering our connection to the world and ways we can preserve its health for future generations. The Library…
Famous Foods and How to Cook Them
Ever wondered what a Krusty Burger tastes like? What about Buddy the Elf’s Breakfast Pasta? Luckily for our taste buds, creative chefs have compiled, created, and in some cases re-created, recipe collections of famous foods from cinema and televisio…
Richmond Environmental Film Festival 2022
The Richmond Environmental Film Festival showcases the latest local and national films that inspire understanding and stewardship of our environment. As proud community sponsors of the festival, Henrico County Public Library will be screening the do…
Chinese-American Stories
This year’s All Henrico Reads title, The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by award-winning author Jamie Ford, provides a powerful examination of Chinese-American history. Though fiction, the book ties in real-life events and figures as it details the liv…
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…
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…
Paws to R.E.A.D. at the Library
The Paws to R.E.A.D.® (Reading Education Assistance Dog) program brings young people and dogs together to practice reading! You can read to a certified therapy dog each month at Gayton and Varina libraries. The certified and insured therapy dogs are…
Glen Allen Time Capsule
The Glen Allen Branch Library Time Capsule is located in front of the library beneath the marker pictured here. Originally placed when the library opened in 1995, it was removed and then reinstalled following the renovation and expansion of the buil…
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…
Week of the Young Child
Happy Week of the Young Child! Founded by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), this annual event is a time to celebrate early learning, children, their teachers, and families. HCPL is a strong supporter of early lear…
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…
Fandom Read-Alikes for Teens
Our festival of fandoms — Fandomonium — is just days away! Not sure what a ‘fandom’ is? ‘Fandom’ is simply the term used to describe the community or subculture of fans around a particular interest. These interests can vary from sports teams, to mus…
Celebrate Pride!
Henrico County Public Library is proud to offer a wide range of titles with LGBTQIA+ authors, themes, and characters. Looking for a beach read starring a bi spy? We’ve got you covered. A pictorial history of protest movements? It’s here. Whether you…
Read Aloud Like a Librarian
Reading to young children as early as possible can help strengthen the bond between parent and child, increase vocabulary, and teach kids about the wider world. HCPL offers storytimes for all ages, from birth to preschool, and we wanted to share tip…
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…
New Teen & Adult LGBTQIA+ Reads
Happy Pride Month! Pride is an annual commemoration dedicated to recognizing the impact of the LGBTQIA+ community. In celebration, we’re reading across the rainbow and highlighting some of our collection’s newer LGBTQIA+ reads for teens and adults…
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…
Explore Electric Vehicles
The 9th Annual RVA Environmental Film Festival is this month and we are excited to participate! EVolveKY and Drive Electric RVA present Evolve: Driving a Clean Future in Coal Country at Varina Library on Saturday, February 16. There will be screenin…
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…
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…
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…
Picture Books for Spring
Warm weather is just around the corner - there are buds on the trees and daffodils blooming in the garden at Gayton Library. We are ready for spring! It is never too early to teach kids about the wonderful world of plants and growing things. Our chi…
Raising Weather Aware Kids
We are right in the middle of hurricane season and just one short year after a memorable tornado outbreak that moved through Central Virginia. Extreme weather can be fascinating for kids. It can also be a major source of anxiety. Being weather aware…
Embracing Differences in Yourself: Building Self-Esteem
Children notice everything. They meet and see new people every day, and notice all of the similarities and differences among themselves and others, which can contribute to a child’s self-image. Here are some ideas on how to build confidence in your…
DIY Kids Songs
Sharing music and singing together are great ways to connect, educate, and have fun with the children in your life. HCPL librarians have some tips for ways you and your little ones can get creative and learn together through music. Music and singing…
Explore April’s Virtual Programs!
We have a bunch of fun programs coming up this April! Test your knowledge at one of our trivia nights, learn about the weather with hands-on experiments, or learn to create audio recordings for music, podcasts, and more. Here are just some of the aw…
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…
Botanical Musings
Many of us are familiar with Robert Frost as a poet who uses nature as the setting and focus of much of his writing. His poem “A Late Walk” is rich with images of autumn. Frost describes the seasonal transformation of the landscape in the mown field…
Native American Heritage Month
In commemoration of Native American Heritage Month, the library is hosting a series of programs in November. Learn about the practices of regional tribal communities, sample a staple from Native American cuisine, and discuss stories written by indig…
The Fairfield Library is Moving!
With work nearly finished at the new building site, Fairfield Library will be moving at the end of this month. The last day open at its current location will be Saturday, September 21, with the new building opening on Sunday, October 6. Fairfield Li…
You’re Invited to the New Fairfield Area Library!
The wait is nearly over! We hope you will join us at the Grand Opening of the new Fairfield Area Library on Sunday, October 6. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be at 2 pm, followed by the opening of the building at 1401 North Laburnum Avenue. Come e…
Fairfield Library through the Years
As we prepare for the new Fairfield Library to open, we thought we would take a look back at some of our favorite moments from the old Fairfield Library. Since it opened in 1976, the Fairfield Library has been a vibrant and busy place to be! Here ar…
Sandston Branch Library is Getting a Fresh Look!
UPDATE: We are pleased to announce the Sandston Branch Library will reopen on Wednesday, November 30. We hope you will join us for an Open House to celebrate the updated facility, which will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., followed…
Novels in Translation
Escape the late summer doldrums by reading some great books in translation. Reading books originally written in other languages can provide insight to experiences that were previously unavailable to English speaking readers. Explore the wide world o…
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…
2018 Staff Picks for Kids
So many amazing books came out this year, and we wanted to share our favorites with you! Library staff are excited to share their #1 reads for children, teens, and adults this week. Whether you are young or old, children’s books are always a delight…
Unique, Unusual, and Unexpected Finds – Teen Books to read this January!
This post was written by Drew at Twin Hickory Library. When you are browsing through our teen collection, you never know what you might find! For our January post, I decided to take a look at our teen shelves at Twin Hickory and highlight any unusua…
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…
Some of Our Favorite Thrillers
Whether you want a tale with a villain who plays mind games, an atmospheric spy novel, or an obsession-fraught love story, we have recommendations for books that will keep you turning the pages. Stop by your local library to check out the thriller y…
Nurture Your Garden
Springtime is here! Warm sunlight and gentle breezes are calling us to spend some time outside. Whether you have a huge back yard, a tiny patch of earth, or a porch with a few pots, gardening is a great way to do just that. Henrico County Public Lib…
Introducing Storyline!
We are debuting a new, on-demand storytime service called Storyline this month. Storyline offers recorded stories over the phone, and is geared toward preschool and early elementary children and their families. For people looking for an opportunity…
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…
Explore Haunted Places and Ghost Stories
We are drawn to stories about ghosts, hauntings, and the paranormal for many reasons. For some it is thrill-seeking, curiosity, or a need to be scared. Others are drawn to the stories because of the very human history they highlight. Whatever draws…
Books Can Take You All Over
Real places have inspired some really good fiction. Often times, the setting can make or break a story, especially when it is somewhere you have been before. Here are some of our favorite novels for adults, teens, and kids that capture the spirit of…
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…
Women's History Month 2024
Celebrate Women’s History Month with HCPL! What better way to kick off Women’s History Month than with a quote from this year’s All Henrico Reads title, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by author Cheryl Strayed: “I knew that if I…
Do-Re-Mi and ABC: Use Singing to Help Prepare Children for Reading
Our public libraries are strong supporters of the importance of early learning. There are several tools and resources you can use to strengthen your child’s literacy, including singing. Read on for more about simple practices you can start today. Th…
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…
Money Talks, Kids Listen
Children begin to understand the concept of money early in age. They are showered with clothes, toys, and money from birth. How did all this stuff even get here? A trip to the store is the perfect time to introduce the idea of money, that things cos…
Celebrate A Month Full of Holidays in February with Great Teen Books!
Life is a party – or at least, it can be if you know what to celebrate! Make this February a little more festive and fun by learning about the special holidays and observances occurring this month. Once you have your calendar marked, finish off your…
It’s Basic- Read and Discuss Stories
Reading is the one activity that can increase the bonds between parent and child, teach your little one about the world around them, and open their eyes to concepts they might not encounter every day. Read and Discuss Stories is the last pillar of t…
Starting a Meditation & Yoga Practice
Meditation and yoga are good for your body and mind! According to the Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health, the benefits of meditation can include reduced stress, anxiety, depression, and blood pressure. It can also improve your self-aware…
2018 Staff Picks for Teens
There were so many great teen books released this year… it was hard to choose which ones to talk about! There are graphic novels, fantasy, fiction and even poetry on the list, so no matter what you like to read there is something for you. Here are o…
June is Audiobook Month
Do you feel that listening to books instead of reading them is somehow cheating? Put that fear to rest. While no in-depth, far-reaching studies exist comparing reading books for pleasure to listening to them, the evidence thus far indicates that the…
Escape into a Fantasy Realm
Need to escape for a little bit? Dive into a fantasy world and be whisked away by conjured beasts, join in a timeless battle between good and evil, or get lost in fairy adventures. Explore the unknown and meet mystical creatures who may be more rela…
Magical Worlds
As a genre, fantasy has a little something for everyone… urban fantasy for a grittier experience, high fantasy for purists, portal fantasy for the adventurous, and more. In times of stress, fantasy can capture your attention, allowing you to escape…
Book Discussions
Book discussions are a great way to connect with old friends, or to make new ones! Join one of our discussions virtually from the comfort of your home, or pick up a Book Club in a Bag to read with friends! We read and discuss a wide variety of title…
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month! We’ve compiled a selection of books by Indigenous authors and illustrators to help you learn and celebrate. For Kids The People Shall Continue by Simon Ortiz, with illustrations by Sharol Graves This pictu…
March Madness: Teen Dystopian Characters
We're putting a literary spin on March Madness! In this competition, characters will go head-to-head in a teen dystopian bracket. Read on to learn more about the “players” and follow us on social media to cast your vote every Friday (starting today…
2022 Staff Picks
Our Staff Picks lists are here! Whether you’re looking for new books to add to your TBR list or great titles to gift this holiday season, below you’ll find our favorite books we've read this year. Be sure to also check out our favorite Teen and Chil…
Family Matters
As we gear up for All Henrico Reads, we’re reflecting on some of the themes in this year’s title The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford. Family, undoubtedly, plays a central role in the story as protagonist Dorothy Moy seeks to connect with g…
Black History Month 2024
The library will host a full line-up of programs for Black History Month. Whether you watch a performance, attend a lecture, view a film, or participate in a book discussion, we hope you will visit the library over the coming weeks to learn with us…
Bring History Alive with Historical Fiction!
With historical fiction, you can be anywhere at any time in history, guided by talented writers who can combine a good story with extensive research. You see historical events through the eyes of people who were there. It’s a great way to learn hist…
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…
National Library Week
This week, April 19-25, is National Library Week! We have had a great year, and we hope you can join us in celebrating all the ways the library transforms lives and benefits our community. Your support, whether you are connecting with us on social m…
Where are the Books for Us? Just Starting to Read
One of the questions we get regularly in the children’s area is “My child is starting to read, where are the books for us?” We wanted to share a few suggestions, tips, and books to help you and your beginning reader get started. When your child star…
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…
HCPL Tour Series # 4: Gayton
The Gayton Branch Library became Henrico’s westernmost location when it opened its doors on November 30, 1988. In 2005, Henrico voters approved a bond referendum which included a comprehensive interior renovation of the library. In June of 2012, a n…
HCPL Tour Series #5: Libbie Mill
This month, Libbie Mill Library will celebrate its 8th year! Funded by a bond referendum approved by Henrico voters, Libbie Mill opened its doors in October of 2015 as a replacement for Dumbarton Library, which now houses Henrico’s Department of Rec…
Basil and Oregano by Melissa Capriglione
3 November 2024 Teen Librarian Basil and Oregano by Melissa Capriglione [Insert book cover image here] When Basil finally gets to the magi-culinary school of her dreams, she also meets her crush, Arabella (Oregano). When they meet, they start to for…
Exciting Virtual Programs Coming Up in December!
Brush up on your improv skills and move and groove with us! Our online programs this month include music, games, crafts, book discussions, and even investment tips! Join us from the comfort of your home. These are a few of our upcoming programs. Vis…
2019 Sensory Storytime Awarded by National Association of Counties (NACo)
Sensory Storytime Awarded by the National Association of Counties Sensory Storytime is an early literacy program designed to be adaptive and inclusive to children of all abilities, with particular emphasis on serving children on the Autism spectrum…
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…
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…
Celebrate Black History Month
We are offering a wide range of programs in February to celebrate Black history and culture. Join us for a month full of speakers, film screenings, book discussions and more. Read on for upcoming programs and descriptions – we hope to see you at the…
Such Charming Liars by Karen M. McManus
28 December 2024 Dee D. Such Charming Liars by Karen M. McManus The novel follows a 16 year old Kat as she starts getting more involved with the criminal organization her mom works for that specializes in jewelry theft. While Kat currently has just…
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…
Brooms , By: Jasmine Walls and Teo DuVal
17 December 2024 Teen Librarian Brooms , By: Jasmine Walls and Teo DuVal [Insert book cover image here] This book follows around a group of young witches. The characters in this book faces several challenges. Throughout this story they learn the imp…
Translate