All HCPL locations are closed Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.
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…
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…
Tax Resources
Tax Resources Tax Preparation Assistance VITA Tax Assistance Program (formerly MetroCASH) Fairfield Area Library 1401 N. Laburnum Avenue Henrico, VA 23223 SATURDAYS: February 8, 15, 22, and March 1, 8, 2025 9 AM - 1 PM by appointments only. North Pa…
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…
Adventure Begins with a Set of Dice: Dungeons & Dragons at the Library
One of the many adventures you can enjoy this summer (and all year) is the game of Dungeons & Dragons. In this collaborative tabletop roleplaying game for all ages, players work together as different characters to defeat monsters, solve puzzles, and…
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…
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Read on for upcoming programs, book discussions, and recommendations – we hope to see you at the library to learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage with us! UPCOMING PR…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Disability in Children’s Literature
Books are powerful vessels for allowing children to see themselves reflected in stories. When they read about a character like them, they can be empowered and gain a sense of belonging and familiarity. Reading books that feature disabled characters…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Humorous Books for Shorter Days
Just this week I noticed that I was starting my days in the dark… which means it is time to lighten up my audiobook choices! Here are some of the funniest books I've listened to recently that can help get you through the dark mornings and early comm…
Find Your Next Memoir
The word memoir comes from the French word “memoire,” meaning memory. Unlike biographies, memoirs are not just facts about a person’s life; they are the author’s memories. Their feelings and emotions are integral to the story being told. Memoirs foc…
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…
Celebrate Pride Month!
June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month! What originally began as a day to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising (Gay Pride Day) has since evolved into an official month-long celebration that recognizes the impact lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (…
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…
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…
Spotlight on Staff
We’re back with another edition of Spotlight on Staff! This month we’re featuring individuals who, in addition to their wonderful library work, are also skilled in multimedia production, fiber arts, law research, records analysis, and career consult…
Sew Into Fashion
In this year’s All Henrico Reads title, The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl, the impulsive purchase of a vintage Dior dress sparks a journey of self-discovery and adventure in Paris. For practical and predictable main character Stella, the dress encourag…
Listening to #OwnVoices
Increased diversity in children’s literature has been a welcome and growing phenomenon over the past few years. Thanks to the work of organizations like We Need Diverse Books- a non-profit started in 2014 by a diverse group of children’s and YA auth…
DIY Holidays at the Library
While we love fall, it’s one season that always seems to pass us by. One minute we’re heading back to school, and the next we’re surrounded by holiday décor, music, and sales. It’s that time of year when we suddenly find ourselves asking, “How is it…
Science Fiction: Finding Comfort in Possibilities
Aliens, strange worlds, sentient robots, interstellar spaceships… science fiction focuses on worlds and realities that we can only imagine. It can be wonderfully fun and even comforting to escape to these unknowns. Here are some of our favorite titl…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month starts next week, and we look forward to commemorating the occasion with films, book discussions, and a variety of programs. Listen to the sitar, learn to play Mahjong, practice the art of su…
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…
World Folktales & Fables Week
March 17-23 is World Folktales and Fables Week, and we’re celebrating by exploring different folktales available in our children’s collection. For thousands of years, communities across the globe have passed down tales that reflect their unique hist…
Celebrate Poetry Month
April is National Poetry Month! And while young readers can still enjoy classic verses from authors like A.A. Milne, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and Shel Silverstein, there are many wonderful, new poets to explore. Whether you prefer poetry colle…
Hispanic Heritage Month at HCPL
In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Assistant Library Manager at Varina Library and chair of the HCPL IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism) committee Cristina Ramirez has penned a special guest contribution to our blog…
Great Graphic Novels for Teens
Graphic novels are more popular than ever before, and last year saw great additions to this exciting and multifaceted genre. Before we chronicle the interesting book releases of 2020, let's take a look back at some noteworthy graphic novel releases…
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…
Social Emotional Learning at the Library
Storytimes have always been vehicles for fostering early literacy skills, and they can help with your child(ren)’s social emotional development too. Many parents and caregivers seek to instill a love of reading to give their little ones a boost with…
Manage Your Time & Get Organized
This new year, go beyond a simple to-do list to organize your life. These books about time management and organization will help you tame unmanageable messes, tackle projects big and small, and cultivate strategies for productivity to help you meet…
Novels in Verse: Teen Reads
A novel in verse can be free-form, a specific style of poetry, or have poetic structures and devices embedded within. Because of the format, novels in verse can often feel more approachable than traditional prose, using emotion and form to further a…
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…
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…
Friday Night Films on Hoopla
Explore free streaming movies on Hoopla this Friday night and beyond with some recommendations from HCPL staff. It’s hard wading through the digital morass - why not make searching a little easier with a curated list from a librarian? Our selections…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Personal Finance
It is one of the best and most common New Year’s resolutions anyone can make: “This year I am going to get my financial life in order.” Whether you are a savvy saver or a beginning investor, we have recommendations for books that meet every level of…
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…
2022 Staff Picks for Teens
Our staff read across all genres and have a wide selection of teen titles to recommend this year. So whether you enjoy fantasy, romance, graphic novels, history, sci-fi, or realistic fiction, we hope there’s something for everyone in the titles list…
True Crime Reads
As August is flying by, the season of mysteries, thrillers, and horror novels is fast approaching, but it is still a bit too warm for the often cold, dark setting of haunted houses and who-done-its. True crime is a great genre to fill the need for a…
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…
Spooky Stories at HCPL
A chill is creeping into the air, leaves are skittering across the ground; it’s official: spooky season is here! Whether you’re a scaredy-cat or a thrill seeker, the library has something for everyone to get into the spooky spirit. However you choos…
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…
Improv at the Library!
The public library might not be the first place people think of when they hear the words ‘improv comedy’. However, in Henrico County, that is exactly where folks can go to learn more about improv, and even give it a try! Improv programs have been ha…
All Henrico Reads
All Henrico Reads 2025 An evening with Ruth Reichl, author of The Paris Novel Thank You to All Who Attended! This FREE event is open to the public; no registration is required. Top 5 Tips to Know Before You Go About The Paris Novel Left with an unus…
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…
Rainbow Reads: Romance
Fall in love with LGBTQIA+ romance this Pride Month! Love takes many forms across multiple genres in our collection. So whether you prefer your romance in the real world, fantastical worlds, or worlds of the past, we have a wide range of titles to h…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Library Card Registration Info
Any resident of Henrico, Richmond or Chesterfield may register and borrow library materials. To register as a Henrico County Public Library user, you must show proof of meeting eligibility requirements. New residents who have Photo ID but do not yet…
2022 Staff Picks for Kids
Explore our staff's favorite Children's titles read this year for an array of books to share with your little one! The Kids page on our website is another great resource and includes reading lists by age and grade, a link to our My Next Read service…
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, and the Library has a full line-up of performances, speakers, film screenings, and book discussions about Indigenous history and culture. Read on to learn more about upcoming programs and recommended title…
2024 Staff Picks for Teens
Self-discovery, making friends, exploring new worlds, finding your passion: these are just a few of the themes you’ll find on this year’s Staff Picks list of teen titles. If you’re looking for more recommendations in 2025, subscribe to one of our ge…
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…
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…
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…
Books That Send a Chill Up Your Spine
It’s October and we are right in the midst of the spooky season. The days are shorter, Halloween decorations are going up, and there’s a chill in the air. For horror fans, it’s the perfect time of year to share some of our favorite titles. What are…
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…
HCPL Tour Series #3: Twin Hickory
Our next library profile highlights one of our biggest and busiest libraries —Twin Hickory. Twin Hickory was born in July 2007 when the old Innsbrook Library near Broad Street closed its doors for good. Read on to learn more about the current Twin H…
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…
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 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…
Fantasy Favorites
Ancient prophecies, brave heroes, otherworldly locales, and just a splash of magic! It is no doubt that fantasy is one of the most beloved literary genres of all time (it certainly holds a special place in my heart). So pick up one of these books an…
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…
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…
Teens Get Crafty (and Spooky) at the Library
The library is your neighborhood hub for hands-on teen creativity! From 3D printing services and technology available in our Digital Media Labs, to books detailing various DIY activities in our catalog, we have tons of tools to help teens tinker on…
Future Tense how we made artificial intelligence and how it will change everything by Martha Brockenbrough
4 November 2024 Teen Librarian Future Tense how we made artificial intelligence and how it will change everything by Martha Brockenbrough [Insert book cover image here] The book was all about AI. The book talks about how far AI has advanced and what…
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…
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…
Talking about Race with Children
A great deal of research has been done concerning how young children become aware of race. It all points to a very clear fact: kids pick up on racial differences during the very first years of life. Our librarians have pulled together a list of book…
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…
Get Inspired! Art Books at HCPL
Calling all artists – aspiring, beginner, or expert! HCPL’s collection is full of big, beautiful books of art prints, reproductions, how-to guides, and museum catalogs. These books contain inspiration and instruction for a wide variety of mediums an…
Digital Media Lab
Digital Media Lab Using a Digital Media Lab | Digital Media Lab Resources | 3D Printing | Open Lab Hours Calendar Try new tools, make great things! Digital Media Labs (DML) offer resources to help our community create and learn while experimenting w…
Youth Art Month
Tap into your creative side! March is Youth Art and National Craft Month. In addition to events this March, the library offers art-centered programs all year-round to help foster creativity and self-expression in children and young adults. Whether i…
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…
Celebrate Pride at HCPL
Happy Pride Month! June 1 marks the beginning of Pride, a month-long celebration of the history and impact of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (questioning), intersex, and asexual identifying community. HCPL offers a variety of program…
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…
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…
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…
Hispanic Heritage Month: Library Resources & Books From the Collection
We’re gearing up and getting excited for this weekend's Familia Fiesta celebration and other Hispanic Heritage Month events, but the celebration doesn’t end there. You can continue to explore Hispanic voices, history, and culture beyond this month t…
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