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…
World War II Books for Teens
This year marks the 75th commemoration of the end of World War II, an event that has produced countless stories of bravery, tragedy, and triumph. These World War II books are not just for history buffs. They are stories that help us connect to the p…
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…
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 (…
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…
Introducing Book Bundles
Recreate the serendipity of discovering a book on the shelf at the library by requesting a Book Bundle for curbside pickup. Librarians will surprise you with a selection of staff-favorite titles from a variety of genres and for readers of all ages…
Ready, set, roll … it's a critical hit!
Do you ever wish you were a character between the covers of your favorite fantasy book, ready to venture forth to experience swords and sorcery firsthand? With Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), one of the world's most popular tabletop role-playing games…
Broaden Your Child’s Horizons with eBooks
Books have the capacity to transport us around the world with just a few sentences. This is especially important for young readers who are learning about the world around them for the first time. Here’s a list of books and resources, including non-f…
Espionage Old & New
People are fascinated spy fiction and non-fiction for many reasons. Some are taken with the notion that there are comprehensible, coordinated plots that affect world events. Others enjoy learning about how mixed motivations, conflicting interests, a…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Here’s Looking at You, Kid!
August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds everyone to schedule a routine eye exam to have your children fitted with the correct prescription or protection, depending on their needs. Although star…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Explore the World: Works in Translation
While travel broadens the mind, our bank accounts can’t always support our wanderlust. Thankfully, there is great literature written by people from faraway places and different cultures, which is nearly if not as stimulating! Reading books that have…
Summer Reading Copy Test
2024 Summer Reading read books • do activities • earn prizes Thank you for participating! That’s a wrap on our 2024 Summer Reading Challenge! Thank you to everyone who read and learned with us. Summer Reading will return next year. Summer Reading is…
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…
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…
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…
Connecting Cultures & Building Community Through Food
Food is a common thread that unites humanity. Beyond sustenance, food teaches us about identity, history, community, and culture. When we share our food, we share our roots. In the words of renowned American chef James Beard, “Food is our common gro…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Hispanic Heritage Month: Upcoming Programs
September 15 marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month! To celebrate, the Library will be offering several programs. Join us for speakers, performances, film screenings, book discussions, and more as we celebrate Latinx history and culture! Rea…
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2025
Since 1992, May has been designated Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by Congress. The month was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States in May of 1843 and to mark the completion of th…
A Message from our Director about COVID-19 and the Library
Update 3/21: Henrico County has created an online resource with information about the coronavirus, including the number for the Virginia Department of Health call center, and other helpful links. You can access that resource here. It will be updated…
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…
Take the Internet Home with You!
It is with great excitement that we announce that hotspots are now available for check out at Henrico County Public Library. A hotspot is a small portable device that enables users to wirelessly connect to the internet. It’s perfect for those moment…
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…
Room Requests
Room Request Polices Governing HCPL Rooms | Using a Room | Scheduling a Room | Digital Media Lab Policies | Reserve a Room Policies Governing the Use of Henrico County Public Library Meeting, Conference, Study Rooms & Digital Media Labs The library…
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…
Active Aging Week
“Active Aging Week challenges society’s diminished expectations of aging by showing that, regardless of age or health conditions, adults over 50 can live as fully as possible in all areas of life—physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual…
Supporting Students and Virtual Learning
HCPL has coordinated with our public schools to support students and their families during the virtual start to the school year. We have pledged to provide educational support to our young people and their families. Through our collaboration with He…
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…
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…
Business Resources at Henrico County Public Library
Henrico County Public Library provides many valuable resources for business owners, operators, and entrepreneurs. From market research databases and free WiFi, to meeting space and professional-grade technology, the library offers free tools to supp…
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…
Resilience Week + Mental Health Awareness Month
This week is Resilience Week, and we are again partnering with Greater Richmond SCAN to share titles for young readers that celebrate and uplift stories of resilience. This is also the first week of Mental Health Awareness Month, and we want to shar…
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…
2021 Staff Picks for Adults
And last but not least, we're sharing our favorite Adult picks! With unique titles that span across several different genres, it's our hope that this list offers a little something for everyone. Click through the links below to learn more about each…
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…
Complete the 2020 Census
Every ten years, the U.S. Census aims to count each and every person living in the nation, including right here in Henrico County. The collected data helps to determine things like the number of seats Virginia has in the House of Representatives, an…
Jump Start Your New Year
Another year is upon us and with each new year is a new beginning. It’s a time to hit the reset button on our lives, be it for personal improvement, fitness, or professional development. As you make your New Year’s resolutions, you can utilize our c…
Legal Research Resources
Did you know that Henrico County’s public law library is housed at the Tuckahoe Area Library? In 2018, the law library moved from the Henrico County Courthouse and became the Joseph P. Rapisarda, Jr. Law Collection. This reference collection include…
Summer Reading 2024
2024 Summer Reading read books • do activities • earn prizes Thank you for participating! That’s a wrap on our 2024 Summer Reading Challenge! Thank you to everyone who read and learned with us. Summer Reading will return next year. Summer Reading is…
Summer Reading 2025 Final Week
2025 Summer Reading Last day! read & review books, earn prizes LOG YOUR PROGRESS by Friday, August 1! 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 creativi…
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…
2018 Staff Picks for Adults
Like our lists from previous years, our staff picks reflect the wonderfully diverse reading tastes of our library staff. See what your favorite librarian is reading and pick up a copy! Here are our favorite books from 2018: Fiction: Praise Song For…
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…
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…
Explore the World: Travel Guides and Memoirs
Great travel writing can help you plan a trip, teach you more about the world, or transport you for the afternoon. Browse HCPL’s travel guides to imagine destinations you might not otherwise consider or research an epic staycation, challenging yours…
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…
Writing Resources for NaNoWriMo
Every November, all across the globe, writers ranging from amateur to expert try to meet ambitious word-count goals as part of National Novel Writing Month. Here at HCPL, we offer a wide variety of resources, programs, and work spaces to support you…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Read Together, Watch Together
Many books have been made into fabulous film adaptations. So what is the best option… read it and then watch it? Watch it and then read it? The choice is for you and your family to make. You could even listen to the audiobook first. Here are some of…
2020 Staff Picks for Teens
There were some absolutely fabulous teen titles published this year, including wonderfully thought-provoking nonfiction, fantastical adventures, and stunning LGBTQIA+ stories. Here are our favorites! Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Rey…
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…
Back to School Support at the Library
This September, and throughout the school year, we’re happy to be able to support our students and learners of all ages with helpful, free resources at the library. All month long, library card replacements are free, and we encourage students to sig…
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…
The Organ Thieves: Author Talk by Chip Jones
Join us for an author talk with local Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist, Chip Jones! Jones will discuss his title, The Organ Thieves: The Shocking Story of the First Heart Transplant in the Segregated South, which was awarded the 2021 Nonfiction L…
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…
Did You Know: Computer & Digital Media Classes
Did you know that our Area Libraries offer a variety of computer and digital media classes that are completely free to library cardholders? Whether you need the basics or want to learn more advanced skills and software, we have resources to support…
Stitching Groups at HCPL
This August we are starting a new stitching group at Tuckahoe Library. The Rainbow Stitching Group is for LGBTQIA+ knitters, crocheters, sewists, and fiber crafters to get together and stitch. This is the third stitching group that meets regularly a…
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…
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…
Award Winning Teen Fiction
Award Winning Teen Fiction Find award-winning YA fiction and nonfiction at your library! Michael L. Printz Award Winners YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Coretta Scott King Honor Books Asia/Pacific American Award Syndney Taylor Book Award Sc…
Women's History Month: Trailblazers in Virginia & Beyond
March is Women’s History Month! In addition to our All Henrico Reads title, The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford, to celebrate, we’re browsing hundreds of inspiring narratives about women, including Virginia’s own female trailblazers, in ou…
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…
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…
May is Older Americans Month
Every May the Administration for Community Living celebrates Older Americans Month. This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, promotes flexible thinking around the idea of aging and encourages us to consider the benefits of a community where everyone, no ma…
Audiobook Appreciation Month: Great Audiobooks for Road Trips
Taking road trips with the family is a time-honored summer tradition. What better way to engage the whole family while beating that “Are We There Yet” boredom than by listening to an audiobook together? June is Audiobook Appreciation Month, and whet…
Blast from the Past Book Club with Henrico Recreation & Parks
The Henrico Department of Recreation and Parks manages historic resources in Henrico, including archives, roadside markers and building plaques, and a group of historic sites and museums. This August, we invite you to explore literature and local hi…
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…
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…
Teen Financial Wellness
As a teen, learning positive ways to handle money can help set you up for a bright and successful future. However, most of us are not born knowing how to manage money, and not everyone is taught at a young age how to handle money matters. Luckily, t…
Women’s History Month Books for Teens
This year marks the centennial of the 19th Amendment. Women’s History Month is a fitting time to remember the women who championed the original suffrage movement, but also those who were excluded from it. This month, we want to recognize and celebra…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Jewish American Heritage Month
This May and beyond, discover the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans by browsing titles in our collection. Read on for kid, teen, and adult titles that celebrate stories by and about Jewish voices. EASY (Picture Books) 1, 2, 3…
Spooky Storyline Returns in October!
For the second year in a row, we will feature a family-friendly Spooky Storyline this October. Not-too-scary stories guaranteed to give little ones a slight fright will be available every Wednesday from September 29 to October 27. Read on for detail…
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…
Memory Care Resources
Caring for a family member or loved one with dementia can be an all-consuming and difficult task. In honor of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in November, we have put together a list of resources, books, and educational events that can help you…
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…
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