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…
Introducing Just for Kids Access Video!
We are excited to share our newest educational platform for kids, Just for Kids Access Video. Just for Kids offers a kid-safe and advertisement-free streaming platform where young patrons can learn, explore, and enjoy. This free streaming service ha…
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…
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…
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…
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…
2023 Staff Picks for Kids
Whether they’re just learning to read or diving into to chapter books and novels, this year’s Staff Picks list includes titles for all of your little ones, from infants to tweens! Be sure to also check out our Staff Picks lists for Adults and Teens…
March is National Craft Month
March is National Craft Month! Tap into your creative side by exploring craft programs, recommended titles from our collection, and online course opportunities available through Universal Class, one of our Research and Learning databases. Additional…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Spooky Reads for the Whole Family
Fall is officially here, and with darker nights and brisker air upon us, it’s no wonder that many of us seek something equally chilling to read or watch. This season, look no further than the library for all of your spooky needs. From slightly spook…
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…
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…
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…
Cooking with Kids
One of our most basic human activities is eating, and children are just as interested in food as adults are. During the winter months when families are stuck inside, our interests frequently turn to food and the joys of sitting around a table togeth…
Story Writing for Kids
One of the very best things about books is that they can take us to amazing places without having to ever leave home. What’s even better is that we can use our own imaginations to create those places and take other people there with our own writing…
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…
Laughing Together: Funny Titles for Kids
Laughter is a wonderful way to bring people together, and scientific studies have shown that it can even help improve your overall health by improving circulation and reducing stress. Reading funny books is a great way to connect with your little on…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Explore STEM Concepts at the Library
Explore STEM concepts at the library! STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, is a multidisciplinary and inquiry-based teaching approach that encourages hands-on learning to help students build critical thinking, pr…
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…
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…
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…
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…
It's Astronomical: The Perseid Meteor Shower
Did you know that the Perseid meteor shower will be at its peak from August 11-13? Enhance your viewing experience by learning a bit more about the science behind this beautiful phenomenon. Browse titles and resources from the Library’s collection t…
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…
2019 Staff Picks for Kids
It is once again time for us to share our favorite books of the year. 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. There were so many…
Explore the Past: Historical Fiction for Kids
Ever wonder what it was like to live in a part of history? Historical fiction gives you a glimpse into the past. Well-written plots and richly drawn characters allow you to experience the trials and triumphs of great historical figures. These storie…
2021 Staff Picks for Kids
It's the end of the year, which means it's time to share our staff's favorite recently published titles. We're kicking this week off with our favorite Children's books, but stayed tuned as we share our Teen and Adult lists over the next few days! Wh…
Congratulations to our Summer Reading Club Winners!
This year over 9,000 people participated and nearly half met their reading goal! That is a lot of reading. We hope you read lots of great books and had fun visiting the library over the past few months. The Winners Grand Prize: Justin T. won the $50…
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…
Spring Break Events at the Library
Next week is spring break and there is so much going on at the library! Here are just a few of the awesome events for kids and teens taking place next week. For kids: Spring Break Fun Fairfield Library Monday, April 1, 3:00 pm: Game Day Tuesday, Apr…
Unwind Before You Unravel
The most wonderful time of the year is now upon us – the holidays! There is more to do and seemingly less time to do it: dashing and decorating and dining, and days and days of doing. PAUSE. Let’s take care of ourselves, and help teach our children…
2019 Staff Picks for Adults
This year was a great year at HCPL! We had a great time with Lisa Scottoline at All Henrico Reads, had a blast with Summer Reading, and opened the new Fairfield Library. We also read a lot of great books that we would love to share with you. Here ar…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 (…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of the Native American community. The library is marking the occasion with a series of programs and book discussions and hope you'll join us. We…
Children's Chess Time
Start the New Year with a new skill! This year, children seeking to challenge themselves and learn something new can check out Chess Time, a chess group for kids at the library. Among its many benefits, playing chess can help build confidence, stren…
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…
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…
Spooky Season Programs
October is quickly approaching, and as the cooler weather sets in, we find ourselves getting in the spooky spirit. We’ve planned a month full of crafts, movies, history programs, and more. So whether you enjoy a good scare, or a just a small chill…
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…
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…
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…
Summer Reading Finales
Summer is almost over but there is still time to finish a book or two before school starts. Celebrate the end of summer at one of our finale events and be sure to browse the shelves for some last minute vacation reads while you are here. Have you ea…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Get help with holiday shopping from Consumer Reports
It's the time of year when many of us get together with our loved ones, cook and enjoy a big feast, and afterward, do a little shopping. One great resource for the informed buyer is Consumer Reports, the entirety of which you can access for free wit…
Get Organized in 2019
The year is coming to a close and January means a fresh start! Let us help you meet your goals for 2019. This month, we have some great programs to help you plan and achieve your New Year's resolutions. New Year Vision Boards North Park Library Janu…
Join a Book Discussion
Every library has a monthly book discussion group, and some locations have several! It doesn’t matter what you enjoy reading, there is a group for you. Because we have so many groups, there is a page on our website devoted to showing what we are rea…
Celebrate Black History Month at the Library
To celebrate Black History Month, we have a great schedule of lectures and workshops! Learn about local history-makers like Susie King Taylor, how black music has evolved over the years from classical to Hip Hop, and how to get started with African…
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…
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…
A Poetic Life: Memoirs Written by American Poets
Few writers are better positioned than poets to capture and illuminate the fleeting moments, memories, and emotions that make up a life. This April in honor of National Poetry Month, immerse yourself in one of the following memoirs. Each title refle…
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…
Fourth Annual LibraryCon
Kick off Summer Reading with us at our 4th Annual LibraryCon! This year it will be at Tuckahoe Library on Saturday, June 29 at 1:00 pm. The afternoon will be filled with workshops, cosplay, gaming, and prizes for the whole family. Pick up something…
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…
Summer STEAM Programs
Learning doesn’t stop just because school is out! Keep learning this summer by exploring the solar system, practicing your engineering skills, or creating music with coding at the library. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and…
The Basics at HCPL
Helping Henrico families develop strong foundational literacy habits is something we are very passionate about at Henrico County Public Library. RVA Basics is an early learning campaign being widely embraced in the region that focuses on five essent…
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…
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…
Family Fun for the Spooky Season!
The temperature has dropped, leaves are changing color, and Halloween is right around the corner! We are celebrating with magic shows, special storytimes, spooky science, and fun events for the whole family. We love Halloween at HCPL. Each year we h…
Holiday Craft Programs
If you were inspired by our Do-It-Yourself Gift Giving booklist, stop by the library for one of our holiday craft programs. We have activities for all ages or for the whole family. Come get some hands-on learning experience while celebrating the hol…
2019 Staff Picks for Teens
Graphic novels, thrillers, historical fiction… the teen books that came out in 2019 were amazing! We have gathered the best young adult titles from this year to share with you. Our favorite books for teens from 2019: Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell –…
Black History Month Events at the Library
During Black History Month, we recognize the enormous cultural contributions and civil rights achievements of African Americans. We are offering a wide array of events for adults, children, and teens including a presentation by the Petersburg Chapte…
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…
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