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…
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…
HCPL Tour Series #1: Sandston Branch Library
Get to know all of our library locations through our new Library Tour blog series! Each post will highlight a different HCPL location and its unique features. To kick things off, we’re highlighting the Sandston Branch Library. As the first public li…
2023 Summer Reading Wrap Up
That’s a wrap on our Summer Reading Challenge! Thank you to everyone who participated and joined us as we celebrated kindness, friendship, and unity. It is incredible to see what we can achieve together. Read on to learn more about your collective a…
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…
The Stories Behind the NACo Awards
Henrico County Public Library (HCPL) was recently honored to receive three National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards. The accolades were part of Henrico County’s overall total of 48, which is the most of any county in Virginia for t…
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…
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…
2025 Staff Picks for Adults
It’s finally here—and just in time to set your New Year’s goals and for our upcoming Cozy Reading Challenge (details coming soon!) We’re excited to announce our annual Staff Picks list full of our favorite things we’ve read this year. To say we enjo…
2025 Summer Reading Wrap-Up
Our 2025 Summer Reading Challenge has come to a close, and we want to thank you for a summer full of creativity, connection, and reading. You colored our summer by participating in art-related programs and collaborative library displays, and beat th…
Loving Day and Juneteenth
June is a month of celebrations. From Pride to graduations to the start of summer, we have lots to celebrate this month. There are two very special days in June that have previously been overlooked, but have been gaining attention in recent years: L…
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…
Celebrate Juneteenth
Now a federal holiday, Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) is when more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom, preceded by the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. Union Troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, on that fateful day in…
Summer Reading 2022: Oceans of Possibilities
We are excited to announce our 2022 Summer Reading Challenge: Oceans of Possibilities! In this year’s challenge, readers of all ages can explore the library’s collection, attend programs, submit written reviews, and participate in other activities t…
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…
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…
It’s Basic- Maximize Love, Manage Stress
Building a strong foundation for learning begins at birth. To help families maximize early learning during this critical phase of development, Henrico County Public Library has adopted The Basics. This is the first post of a blog series in which we…
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…
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…
Computer & Internet Policy
Computer & Internet Policy Please scroll to review the entire computer use policy below. Of key note: Be sure to save your work before you step away from the computer. See the section on how to extend permanent card holder time beyond the two hour d…
Hand Crafted: Exploring Textiles During and After the American Revolution
July 4, 2026, will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and in anticipation of this milestone, HCPL is excited to announce a new program series supported, in part, by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and…
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…
HCPL Tour Series #2: Glen Allen
Located on Staples Mill Road, Glen Allen Branch Library is one of our four branch library locations, and one of our busiest! Some of its highlights include a courtyard with tables and chairs to enjoy during warm weather, a fireplace to enjoy during…
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…
Revisit the Founding Era in February and March
This February and March we are hosting programs across the county that explore Founding Era history through primary source documents, with the goal of bringing the community together in dialogue about social issues that persist to this day. The seri…
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…
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…
Did You Know: One Button Recording Studio
The Fairfield Library has a recording studio. Yes, you read that right - a library with a recording studio! Referred to as the One Button Recording Studio, this space allows you to record podcasts, capture oral histories, conduct a virtual interview…
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…
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…
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…
Explore Electric Vehicles
The 9th Annual RVA Environmental Film Festival is this month and we are excited to participate! EVolveKY and Drive Electric RVA present Evolve: Driving a Clean Future in Coal Country at Varina Library on Saturday, February 16. There will be screenin…
New 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…
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…
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…
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 (…
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…
Hispanic Heritage Month 2025
September 15 – October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, and we are marking the occasion with film, craft, and history programs that celebrate the culture and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities. Our month-long celebration will culmina…
It’s Basic - Count, Group, and Compare
Our librarians at Henrico County Public Library are always ready to provide information and tips on early literacy. But we also love early math! Little ones are ready to tackle math concepts well before they reach kindergarten, and it starts with co…
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…
Lisa Genova Live and Alzheimer's Resources at the Library
Alzheimer’s Day in RVA is November 15, and the library is working to help raise awareness about Alzheimer’s by sharing resources and promoting an upcoming author event sponsored by the Rick Sharp Alzheimer’s Foundation: author Lisa Genova, Live! You…
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…
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…
April is Arab-American Heritage Month
In 2021, the U.S. State Department officially recognized and designated April as Arab-American Heritage Month. Browse our collection to learn more about the culture, history and contributions of the Arab world. We’ve included some kid, teen and adul…
Did You Know: Family Resources at the Library
In addition to books, programs, and Storytimes, the Library offers a variety of materials and resources for families. Whether you’re a new parent, in a household with teens, or the caregiver to an elder adult (or all of the above), the Library offer…
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…
2025 Staff Picks for Kids
Soccer, robots, mad scientists, and more, this year we read about all kinds of characters, worlds, and real-life wonders. Read on to see what we enjoyed most in 2025! Plus, be sure to check out our Staff Picks lists for teens and adults too. JUVENIL…
Older Americans Month
May is Older Americans Month. Since 1963, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) has led a national campaign to honor the contributions of older adults to their communities. To commemorate, we are highlighting some of the many HCPL programs a…
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…
Unicorns vs. Dragons!!!
Unicorns are legendary creatures, described since antiquity as beasts with a single, large, pointed, spiraling horn projecting from its forehead. They appear in fairy tales from around the world, but interestingly are not found in Greek mythology –…
It's Written in the Stars @ HCPL
An astronomical literary event is here! Get ready for Teen Read Week! Originating from the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), this Teen Read Week is from October 7th-13th, and its theme is "Written in the stars", all to encourage any…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Information for Community Authors
Henrico Community Authors Showcase Information For Authors If you are a Henrico County Public Library card holder and a locally residing author of a bound and published book, you are eligible to participate in the Community Authors Showcase. Each Au…
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…
New Season, New Beginnings
Labor Day has come and gone, summer is slipping away, and we are on the verge of a new season. As we transition into fall, we find ourselves reflecting on new beginnings and the feelings of excitement and nervousness that often come along with chang…
Fandomonium
Summer is officially here, and so is this year’s Summer Reading Challenge! Celebrate both by attending HCPL’s festival of fandoms—Fandomonium — on Saturday, June 24, 1-5PM at Fairfield Library. We hope you’ll join us for an afternoon full of drop-in…
Earn Volunteer Hours at the Library
Did you know that teens can volunteer at the Library? Whether you’re in need of hours for school, or just interested in getting more involved in your community, the Library offers three different ways for teens to earn hours. Read on to learn more a…
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…
Books on Careers and Job Hunting
Search the Library's Catalog Visit henricolibrary.org/catalog Select Subject from the drop-down box of search options. Enter search terms such as: Career Changes, Career Development, Cover Letters, Employment Interviewing, Job Hunting, Professions…
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…
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…
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…
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…
International Cookbooks to Refresh Your Table
The arrival of spring brings a refreshing feeling of renewal, inspiring more than just a traditional spring cleaning. With new warmth and new life blooming outside, invite new and exciting dishes into your home during mealtimes with some of our favo…
Chinese-American Stories
This year’s All Henrico Reads title, The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by award-winning author Jamie Ford, provides a powerful examination of Chinese-American history. Though fiction, the book ties in real-life events and figures as it details the liv…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Mission & Values
Mission & Values Our Mission Mission Statement We promote reading and lifelong learning, connect people with the information they need, and enrich community life. Vision We believe public libraries are vital to the community. We strive to deliver ex…
Back-to-School Support
With the start of school just days away, don't forget your most important supply: a library card! The Library offers several resources to help support students and their families throughout the school year. Learn more about what’s available to you w…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
New Resources for Jobseekers and Veterans
JobNow and VetNow are two great new resources you can access with your library card! JobNow features information and services for job seekers that can help you reach your career goals. VetNow provides support to veterans and their families with a wi…
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…
May is National Bike Month
May is a beautiful time for biking in Henrico! Whether it’s just around the corner, or throughout the region, Henrico County has several trails and bike lanes available. You can even take your bike on the GRTC bus! Read on to learn more about local…
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…
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…
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…
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 (…
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…
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…
HCPL Named 4-Star Library
HCPL was recognized as a 4-Star Library by Library Journal as part of their America’s Star Libraries in 2019. We were one of eleven libraries of our population size to be awarded four stars, and one of two in Virginia. Stars are awarded to public li…
Pride Month Reads from Past and Present
June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the stories, contributions, and impact of the LGBTQIA+ community. Along with Henrico County’s recognition of Pride Month, we have some fresh reads that highlight LGBTQIA+ voices, as well as some classics to r…
Off the Beaten Path
Whether it’s a destination at the top of your bucket list or a place you’re curious about but would never visit, discover a book about it in the library’s collection of unique travel titles. Who knows? Maybe a great book will open your eyes to a sur…
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…
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…
Thank You for a Great All Henrico Reads!
Lisa Scottoline’s talk this Wednesday at Glen Allen High School was the perfect culmination of this year’s All Henrico Reads. We hope you had as much fun as we did! Highlighting the themes of her work, Lisa discussed family, community, and the impor…
Summer Reading Wrap-Up
From all of us at the library, we would like to give a resounding Thank You! to all who read and learned with us during Summer Reading. Together we logged tons of books, shared lots of great book reviews, attended library programs, and completed lea…
2022 Summer Reading Wrap-Up
That's a wrap! Summer Reading has come to a close and we can't thank you enough for reading with us. Whether you explored new books, programs, or challenges (or all of the above), we hope you enjoyed diving into oceans of possibilities at the Librar…
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…
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…
Book to Movie Adaptations
Whether you’re ready to visit the theatre or love watching from your couch, there are television and movie adaptations of some of our favorite titles to look forward to this fall and into 2022. Despite some productions being delayed, it’s never too…
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