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…
Internet Basics Class
Internet Basics: Getting Started on the Web NOTE: All screenshots featured in this class are from the Google Chrome internet browser. I. About the Internet A. What is the Internet or Web? Definitions Internet—a network made up of computers all over…
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…
Networking Organizations
80% of all job opportunities are found though networking. Career Prospectors www.career-prospectors.com Three Chopt Presbyterian Church 9315 Three Chopt Road Richmond, VA 23229 Jobs Assistance Ministry http://saint-mikes.org/jobs-assistance-ministry…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Children’s Literature in Verse
National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. Many picture books…
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…
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…
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…
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)
It has been said that everyone has one novel in them. National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, has been helping that notion become a reality since 1999. It is a simple challenge put forth for any and all to participate: write a 50,000 word novel…
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…
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…
Spotlight on Staff: Lights, Camera... Library Staff?
As we continue to highlight our staff as living resources, we thought we’d shine the spotlight on the performers in our midst. While librarians are stereotyped as being quiet and introverted, it turns out that many of us are far from shy! Read on to…
Starting Your Own Business
Starting a business is an exciting opportunity to share your passion and skills with the community. HCPL is here to connect you to resources as you research, plan, and set goals for your business. Read on to learn more about upcoming programs, libra…
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…
About Us - Library Administrative Offices
Library Administrative Offices Contact your Library Our Locations pages have the phone numbers, addresses, and manager contact information for all our libraries. Ask A Librarian Our Ask A Librarian information service allows you to ask brief, factua…
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…
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…
Friends of Henrico County Public Library
Friends of the Library are community members like you with an interest both in supporting the many services currently offered by the Library and in providing additional programs and services. As a 501-C non-profit organization, the Friends strive to…
2017 George Mason Award
Gerald M. McKenna Awarded by the Virginia Library Association This award recognizes Individuals (librarians or professional associates), libraries, or other organizations distinguished for advocacy of libraries and/or information access. Gerald McKe…
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…
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…
Did You Know: Genealogy Resources at the Library
Have you been wanting to trace your family’s history? Getting started can be a daunting process, and with the recent release of 1950s census data, there is more information to uncover than ever! But did you know that your library card gives you free…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Black History Month 2025
This Saturday marks the beginning of Black History Month and we are looking forward to kicking things off with a day full of events at Fairfield Library. Listen to Justin Golden perform the Piedmont Blues, test your knowledge of Henrico Black Histor…
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…
Richmond Environmental Film Festival
The Richmond Environmental Film Festival (RVA EFF) showcases films that raise awareness of environmental issues relevant to the Richmond region, our nation, and our planet. This year, HCPL has partnered with the RVA EFF to present two virtual film s…
Folk Tales from Around the World
So many of the fairy tales that we read are based on folk tales from around the world. Folk tales are a great way to connect with others across time and different cultures. They are fun stories that highlight many beautiful aspects of being human in…
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…
Researching Family History has Never Been Simpler
The study of genealogy and family history is a great way to connect with the past, and the library offers a variety of high-quality genealogical resources online. There are many reasons to research family history, but most of all it is a fun puzzle…
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…
Freedom Fighters & Hidden Histories
Juneteenth is just weeks away and in commemoration of the holiday the Library has organized a series of programs that centers around Black stories from near and far. Explore the history of Black people in Henrico County by transcribing primary sourc…
Connecting Communities with Quilts
Quilting bees, stitch-ins, and sewing circles have long been community gatherings. In the spirit of our “All Together Now” Summer Reading challenge, join us to explore quilting and other textile arts this summer. Events include collaborative art ins…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Bake Your Own Sourdough and Breads
In our All Henrico Reads featured novel Sourdough, the gift of a sourdough starter jump starts Lois’s foray into baking, giving her a new outlook on life. Rejuvenate your relationship with food by baking your own bread! Baking can be a fount of crea…
Get Lost in an Audiobook
We really love audiobooks here at HCPL, and have shared in the past some of our favorite narrators and audiobooks to make you laugh. When listening, it is easy to be carried away… swept up in the tale and transported by the storyteller. This time we…
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…
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…
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…
I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner
9 March 2025 Teen Librarian I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner I Shall Never Fall in Love is a touching rendition of classic Victorian novels, beautifully combining classic Austenian prose with relevant queer history. It follows Eleanor on he…
Juneteenth
Celebrate Juneteenth with the library and this list of titles available at HCPL. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Based on the words “June” and “Nineteenth,” the celebration started to commemorate an order issued by a…
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…
Teens Love the Library!
Teens love to read, teens love books, and they love their libraries! This month, in particular, is all about showing love to the library. Henrico County Public Library offers so much more than just books: there are meeting spaces, quiet study areas…
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…
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…
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…
New Poetry Open Mic Series Starts September 18
Designed to provide an authentic open mic experience for local writers wishing to read their poems in a public setting, our new virtual program series “From the Page to the Mic” is kicking off this month! Join library staff and local poet and writer…
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…
Libraries Were Made for “Inside Weather”
Whether in the sweltering heat of summer, or the blustery cold of winter, Libraries offer a comfortable indoor refuge from the elements, and supplies you can take home to enjoy the great indoors. Read on for some of our recommended winter offerings…
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…
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…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
In 1949 the Mental Health America organization designated May as Mental Health Awareness Month to bring attention to mental health issues. Mental health is defined as “our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, fee…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Programs for Older Adults this Fall
You have more life experience– but maybe you are still working, are busy with caregiving, and you like to play video games too. We get it, which is why we recommend a variety of programs and services, especially for older adults! At the library, you…
Join the Friends of the Library
The Friends of Henrico County Public Library support library programs and services, and are the primary sponsors of All Henrico Reads, our annual author event (coming up April 2 with author Robin Sloan!). The Friends support Summer Reading, host aut…
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…
Celebrate Women's History Month
We love celebrating Women’s History Month at Henrico County Public Library. Learning about incredible women and their accomplishments is always fun and enlightening. This year, we asked library staff to tell us about women who inspire them. Here’s w…
Virginia Festival of the Book
Author talks can be a fascinating way to learn more about the ideas, research, and inspiration behind your favorite books. Every spring, the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities brings authors and readers together to promote and celebrate books, r…
Active Aging Week
In 2003, the International Council on Active Aging initiated the first Active Aging Week. Typically held in early October, the week-long campaign encourages the concept of positive aging. In observation of Active Aging Week, the Library will be host…
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…
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…
2017 Outstanding Service Innovation Children's and Teen Neighborhood Collections
Children’s and Teen Neighborhood Collections Awarded by the Virginia Public Library Director's Association Neighborhood Collections are a new way of organizing materials that is more responsive to the way that children and teens look for books. The…
2017 NACo Achievement Award - 100 Brilliant Ideas at Work
100 Brilliant Ideas at Work Award: Children’s and Teen Neighborhood Collections Awarded by the National Association of Counties Neighborhood Collections are a new way of organizing materials that is more responsive to the way that children and teens…
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…
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 #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…
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…
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…
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…
Career Conversations for Teens with Historic Richmond
If you’re a teen who enjoys history and the arts but aren’t sure about next steps after graduation, HCPL invites you to learn more about career opportunities in conservation and historic trades in a panel discussion with Historic Richmond. Read on 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…
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…
Hispanic Heritage Month 2023
September 15 is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, and also marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America (…
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…
Banned Books Week 2020
September 27 - October 3, 2020 is Banned Books Week. Banning books is a form of censorship, and this week we are joining libraries across the country to bring awareness to the harms of censorship and the importance of intellectual freedom. “Banned B…
Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron
29 November 2024 Teen Librarian Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron [Insert book cover image here] Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron is a retelling of the fairy tale: snow white. Princess Eve has been raised to destroy the knight, who has terrorized t…
Borrowing Materials FAQs
Borrowing Materials FAQs Borrowing Library Materials How do I get a library card? Options and requirements can be found on the Getting Started page. How do I change my PIN number? Your PIN is like a "password" for your Library account. If you have f…
Volunteer Work for Teens
Volunteer Work for Teens Teens can volunteer with Henrico County Public Library one of three ways. Service hours earned through these three programs can be applied toward your school’s Community Service program. Make sure you follow all the rules an…
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…
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Latin Ballet
Have you ever tried to Tango? Slipped into a Salsa? Felt the urge to Flamenco or been moved to Mambo? These are just a few of the many styles of Latin Dance popular throughout the world today. Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from Septem…
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…
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