We will be performing system maintenance Thursday, May 29, between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM. There may be brief disruptions during this time.
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…
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…
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…
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…
Announcing All Henrico Reads March 28, 2024 with Cheryl Strayed and Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
We are thrilled to announce that All Henrico Reads, our signature author event, will feature author Cheryl Strayed, who will discuss her bestselling memoir Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail! We invite the community to join us on Th…
Thank You for Attending All Henrico Reads with Cheryl Strayed!
We’d like to thank Cheryl Strayed and the community for joining us for an evening of conversation about connection, compassion, conservation, and the natural world. Read on for more about this year’s wonderful All Henrico Reads event! In her discuss…
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…
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…
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…
Famous Foods and How to Cook Them
Ever wondered what a Krusty Burger tastes like? What about Buddy the Elf’s Breakfast Pasta? Luckily for our taste buds, creative chefs have compiled, created, and in some cases re-created, recipe collections of famous foods from cinema and televisio…
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…
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…
Botanical Musings
Many of us are familiar with Robert Frost as a poet who uses nature as the setting and focus of much of his writing. His poem “A Late Walk” is rich with images of autumn. Frost describes the seasonal transformation of the landscape in the mown field…
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…
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…
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…
The Girl in Question by Tess Sharpe
18 November 2024 Teen Librarian The Girl in Question by Tess Sharpe [Insert book cover image here] The Girl in Question by Tess Sharpe follows Nora, Wes, Iris, Turbo the dog, and Amanda as they go on a hike in the forest as a birthday gift to Nora…
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…
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…
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…
National Pollinators Month
What do bats, wasps, bees, ants, butterflies, and moths have in common? These creatures are all pollinators! Pollinators help carry pollen from flower to flower. Without pollinators, we wouldn't have as many colorful flowers and essential crops. We…
All Henrico Reads
All Henrico Reads 2025 An evening with Ruth Reichl, author of The Paris Novel Thank You to All Who Attended! This FREE event is open to the public; no registration is required. Top 5 Tips to Know Before You Go About The Paris Novel Left with an unus…
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…
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…
Unique, Unusual, and Unexpected Finds – Teen Books to read this January!
This post was written by Drew at Twin Hickory Library. When you are browsing through our teen collection, you never know what you might find! For our January post, I decided to take a look at our teen shelves at Twin Hickory and highlight any unusua…
International Police Procedurals
Armchair detective or armchair traveler? You can have it both ways. There is no need to choose between an engrossing criminal investigation and the adventure of foreign travel with a list of international mysteries in hand. The particulars of geogra…
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 (…
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…
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…
Books About Quests
Did you love Cheryl Strayed’s Wild but aren’t ready to hop on the Pacific Crest Trail yourself? One of the easiest ways to travel is from the safety of a book. Armchair adventures abound within the doors of your local Henrico library. Some of these…
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…
Fandom Read-Alikes for Teens
Our festival of fandoms — Fandomonium — is just days away! Not sure what a ‘fandom’ is? ‘Fandom’ is simply the term used to describe the community or subculture of fans around a particular interest. These interests can vary from sports teams, to mus…
Bring History Alive with Historical Fiction!
With historical fiction, you can be anywhere at any time in history, guided by talented writers who can combine a good story with extensive research. You see historical events through the eyes of people who were there. It’s a great way to learn hist…
Some of Our Favorite Thrillers
Whether you want a tale with a villain who plays mind games, an atmospheric spy novel, or an obsession-fraught love story, we have recommendations for books that will keep you turning the pages. Stop by your local library to check out the thriller y…
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…
Teen Retellings
Whether you know it as a remix, retelling, or reimagining, stories that incorporate elements from classic tales or well-known legends provide ways for us to explore the “what if.” Retellings, reimaginings, and remixes all provide us with a somewhat…
March Madness: Teen Dystopian Characters
We're putting a literary spin on March Madness! In this competition, characters will go head-to-head in a teen dystopian bracket. Read on to learn more about the “players” and follow us on social media to cast your vote every Friday (starting today…
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…
Classic Spin-Offs
Most of us have heard the old adage, “there are two sides to every story.” The saying encourages us to consider multiple perspectives. As readers, viewing the stories we love through different lenses can open up entirely new worlds! It can be fun to…
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…
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…
Classic Reads for the End of Summer
What makes a book a “classic?” Does it have to be published before, say, 1900? Or maybe it has to be recognized as a “classic,” part of the canon of great literature? Perhaps some feel “classics” must be at least 500 pages, hard to summarize, and bo…
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…
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…
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…
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 Trail: Guides & Meditations
This year's All Henrico Reads title, Wild by Cheryl Strayed, has us reflecting on trails: their origins, where they lead us, and the experiences they provide along the way. Read on for upcoming related programs and recommended travelogues, meditatio…
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…
Monsters, Aliens, and True Crime!
As the weather is getting cooler and the days shorter, October is the time to be scared! We have several programs coming up that embrace the spooky, the surreal, and the unknown. Be prepared for chills down your spine! Monsters Around the World Sand…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Science Made Easy
Physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, geology and meteorology are regarded as physical sciences because they apply to the natural world and can be investigated by using data and models to form a hypothesis that can be tested through carefully cont…
It’s Basic - Explore through Movement and Play
There is so much for a child to learn about the world around them, and their best tools are movement and play. Movement and play support motor development while simultaneously encouraging curiosity- and are the pillars of the fourth principle of the…
It’s Basic- Read and Discuss Stories
Reading is the one activity that can increase the bonds between parent and child, teach your little one about the world around them, and open their eyes to concepts they might not encounter every day. Read and Discuss Stories is the last pillar of t…
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…
Week of the Young Child
This week marks the Week of the Young Child (April 1-7), an annual event sponsored by the National Association for Young Children that celebrates early learning, children, their teachers, and families. HCPL is here to support your family and communi…
2022 Staff Picks for Teens
Our staff read across all genres and have a wide selection of teen titles to recommend this year. So whether you enjoy fantasy, romance, graphic novels, history, sci-fi, or realistic fiction, we hope there’s something for everyone in the titles list…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
The Rez Doctor by Gitz Crazyboy
21 December 2024 Teen Librarian The Rez Doctor by Gitz Crazyboy The Rez Doctor by Gitz Crazyboy is a compelling story about a young Indigenous man named Ryan Fox, who strives to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor despite numerous obstacles throu…
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…
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…
We Have Liftoff: Books to Launch Your Summer Reading
June is finally here and we are excited to get reading this summer! Inspired by this year’s Summer Reading theme, A Universe of Stories, we have chosen some of our favorite titles about exploring our universe. Picture books Gravity by Jason Chin Onc…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Perfect little monsters by Cindy R. X. He
18 November 2024 Teen Librarian Perfect little monsters by Cindy R. X. He [Insert book cover image here] “Perfect little monsters” by Cindy R. X. He is a young adult thriller/murder mystery. The story revolves around Dawn, the new girl at school who…
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…
August Programs at HCPL
Come enjoy the last days of summer with some fun learning opportunities at the library! You can watch a movie with us, create a craft, meditate, catch a concert, share stories, improve your financial literacy, celebrate our furry friends, and much m…
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…
World Folktales & Fables Week
March 17-23 is World Folktales and Fables Week, and we’re celebrating by exploring different folktales available in our children’s collection. For thousands of years, communities across the globe have passed down tales that reflect their unique hist…
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…
Summer Reading 2025
2025 Summer Reading June 1–August 1 read & review books, earn prizes Coming Soon 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 creativity, celebrating the m…
Library Services Plan
Library Services Plan In December 2010, Henrico County Public Library began a year-long initiative to gather input from all stakeholders in developing a plan for the future that was streamlined, achievable and updated regularly. The mission, vision…
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