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…
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…
Join the #OneHenrico Reading Challenge
Get a head start on Summer Reading and join your friends at the Henrico County Public Library for weekly challenges designed to help you connect with the library and discover a great big world of learning, all while you Stay Home! Visit https://henr…
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…
Summer Reading Challenge 2025: Color Our World
School is out, it’s officially summer, and we are gearing up for the launch of our 2025 Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s theme —“Color Our World”— is a celebration of the many ways both art and reading can connect us to one another and enrich o…
Older Adults Month: Discover Wellness Events and Resources at the Library
According to the United States Census Bureau, close to 18% of older adults who live in Henrico County are 65+, and statistics show that those demographics will only continue to grow in the future (Census.gov). This Older Americans Month, we’re highl…
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…
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…
The One Henrico Reading Challenge is your Summer Reading destination!
The One Henrico Reading Challenge started as a fun way to share reading activities during the stay-at-home order, and starting June 15, it is the official Henrico County Public Library Summer Reading Challenge! If you haven’t already, sign up to par…
Weird Girl Fiction
Weird Girl Fiction is a loose genre that has become more popular in the last few years. Calling it a genre at all is a kind of misnomer, instead, weird girl fiction is more of a catch-all phrase for a book that refuses to be neatly categorized. Thes…
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…
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…
Black History Month 2023
We're gearing up for a full month of Black History programs, displays, and reading in February. Explore contemporary local street art with Hamilton Glass, learn about Emancipation Towns in our region, research your family’s history with the African…
Explore 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…
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…
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…
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…
Thank You for Attending All Henrico Reads 2025 with Ruth Reichl
We couldn’t be more grateful to bestselling author Ruth Reichl and the community for making this year’s All Henrico Reads another one for the books! Thank you for joining us for an evening of conversation about food, art, and learning to enjoy life’…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
K-Pop Reads
Are you a member of the BTS Army? Do you belong to BLINK? As interest in K-Pop only continues to grow, more and more books are featuring characters chasing their dreams of K-Pop fame. Aspirational young stars have to learn complicated choreography 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…
What’s Your Friendship Style? Teen Reads About Friendship
Friendships play a vital role in our lives—especially when we are teenagers. Friends offer connection, adventure, and support. Whether you love meeting new people, prefer one-on-one connections, or feel more comfortable talking to people online, the…
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…
Serving Seniors, Strengthening Community
Greatest Generation, Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, Generation Z, Generation Alpha: no matter what age demographic you are in, there’s a trend that affects us all. We are all getting older. Not just individually, but as…
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…
2021 Staff Picks for Kids
It's the end of the year, which means it's time to share our staff's favorite recently published titles. We're kicking this week off with our favorite Children's books, but stayed tuned as we share our Teen and Adult lists over the next few days! Wh…
2024 Summer Reading Wrap-Up
That’s a wrap on our 2024 Summer Reading Challenge! Thank you to everyone who read and learned with us. Whether it was diving into books, trying new things, or exploring new places, we think it’s safe to say that this summer was quite an adventure…
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…
Native American Heritage Month
In commemoration of Native American Heritage Month, the library is hosting a series of programs in November. Learn about the practices of regional tribal communities, sample a staple from Native American cuisine, and discuss stories written by indig…
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…
Around the World Through Historical Fiction
Take a trip through time and space at Henrico County Public Library. Historical fiction is not confined to corsets and hoopskirts. Read on for windows into different places and eras throughout the world. A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon J…
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…
Stay Connected
Sign up for the monthly eNewsletter for the latest info, including what’s new! Read our blog covering a wide range of interesting topics and related books. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X: @HenricoLibrary Get SMS/Text messages when holds are…
Great Books Make Great Discussions
So many of The Great American Read books are filled with thought provoking passages and controversial characters. In September and October, libraries across the county will be hosting discussions of some of our favorite titles from PBS' The Great Am…
Get in the Spirit of All Henrico Reads with One of These Teen Thrillers
Calling all super sleuths! Can you spot a plot twist coming from a mile away? Can you identify the murderer by the fifth… no, third chapter? Then look no further. Whether you’re in the mood for murder, keen on kidnapping, or thirsting for thievery…
Unsung Heroes of the Space Race
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin did the impossible. They landed a spacecraft on the Moon and took a step that will be forever remembered. However, their monumental accomplishment would not have been possible without the collective e…
Raising Weather Aware Kids
We are right in the middle of hurricane season and just one short year after a memorable tornado outbreak that moved through Central Virginia. Extreme weather can be fascinating for kids. It can also be a major source of anxiety. Being weather aware…
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…
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…
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…
Online Resources for Teens
Our Teen Services Librarians put together a list of some of the library’s online resources that are particularly helpful for teens. You can get free online tutoring and help with assignments and test prep, learn about health and wellness, keep up wi…
Sports Fiction for Tweens
HOME RUN! TOUCHDOWN! GOAL! For many tweens, sport is more than just a way to keep their bodies active or a hobby to have fun with; it’s a serious endeavor, an escape, or even a way of life. Your love for sport can reach beyond the game with fantasti…
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…
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…
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…
Upcoming May Programs
Spring is here and we are so excited to see you at our upcoming May programs! Learn how to get snacks from your garden, join us for fun role-playing games and trivia, and relax with us in our ongoing meditation program. Plus, we are happy to announc…
Summer Reading 2021: Tails and Tales
Starting June 15, the more books you read and the more activities you take part in this summer, the more prizes you will be eligible to win! Log reading, writing, and other literacy activities online to earn badges and prizes. Summer Reading is spon…
Stories to Celebrate Older Adults
If you’re looking for a mature protagonist in your next read – someone in their golden years who may (or may not!) be ready to retire – then you may want to check out the following books. Romance, friendship, murder, mayhem, and creativity are on of…
Did You Know: Movies, Television & Streaming
The library isn’t just for books and reading! Use your library card to check out movies, documentaries, television shows on DVD, or use Hoopla to stream directly to the device of your choice. HCPL has a great collection of DVDs that can be checked o…
Read with Your Eyes Closed
Expand your imagination with an audiobook! Audiobooks allow us to enjoy fabulous narrators and concentrate on the spoken word alone. Best of all, they enable us to bond and listen to stories together! Listening encourages readers to dive into challe…
March is National Craft Month
March is National Craft Month! Tap into your creative side by exploring craft programs, recommended titles from our collection, and online course opportunities available through Universal Class, one of our Research and Learning databases. Additional…
See What’s New This Spring at HCPL
This Spring, there’s a lot to discover at the library. We’ve got a full slate of programs suited to every interest, new features added to popular resources, a new catalog look and feel, and of course, new additions to our collection. This Spring, yo…
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…
Introducing the Historically Speaking Series
Established as a shire in 1634, Henrico was the second settlement in the colony of Virginia and is one of the oldest counties in the country (Henrico History). With a rich history that spans over 400 years, Henrico is home to numerous historic sites…
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…
Sandston Branch Library is Getting a Fresh Look!
UPDATE: We are pleased to announce the Sandston Branch Library will reopen on Wednesday, November 30. We hope you will join us for an Open House to celebrate the updated facility, which will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., followed…
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…
Introducing 100 Books Before Graduation
Introducing 100 Books Before Graduation, a new program that encourages teens in grades 6-12 to read by keeping track of the books you have to read, alongside the books you want to read, and earning prizes along the way! At the library, we hope to pr…
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…
Announcing All Henrico Reads March 30, 2023 with Jamie Ford and The Many Daughters of Afong Moy
All Henrico Reads, our signature author event, returns in 2023 with bestselling and award-winning author Jamie Ford, who will discuss his newest novel The Many Daughters of Afong Moy at J.R. Tucker High School on March 30 at 7 p.m. The community is…
Thank You for Attending All Henrico Reads with Jamie Ford!
We’d like to thank Jamie Ford and the community for joining us for an evening of conversation and fun! We hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as we did. What a wonderful way to kick-off our return to an in-person All Henrico Reads event! In his…
Spooky Stories at HCPL
A chill is creeping into the air, leaves are skittering across the ground; it’s official: spooky season is here! Whether you’re a scaredy-cat or a thrill seeker, the library has something for everyone to get into the spooky spirit. However you choos…
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…
Summer Reading Challenge 2024: Adventure Begins at Your Library
It’s official: the HCPL Summer Reading Challenge starts this Saturday, June 1. With plenty of programs, prizes, and fun for everyone, let your summer adventures begin at the library! Read on to learn more about this year’s challenge. GETTING STARTED…
Continuing Education Workshops for Child Care Providers
Learn about different childhood development topics, discover new resources, meet other caregivers, and earn continuing education credit at the library's Child Care Provider workshops. Past topics have ranged from creating inclusive environments to c…
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…
It's Cozy (Mystery) Season
It’s that time of year again when all we want is to stay inside and curl up with a good book. This season, we’re leveling up our cozy with equally cozy mysteries from the library. Cozy mysteries are typically lighthearted, include a quirky cast of c…
Reaching Your New Year's Goals
As you hit the reset button and start thinking about the year to come, remember the library is here to support you in reaching your 2025 goals. Whether your hopes are related to your career, academics, wellness, finances, personal hobbies, or readin…
Announcing All Henrico Reads: The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl
We are excited to announce that in 2025 our signature community reading program, All Henrico Reads, will feature James Beard Award-winning author Ruth Reichl and her bestselling book The Paris Novel. We invite the community to join us on Thursday, M…
Arab American Heritage Month
April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to commemorate the history and culture of the Arab community. Our collection features several titles from Arab and Arab American authors. Read on for a list of titles for children, teens, and adults that…
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…
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…
Paws and Pages: Programs and Books for Teen and Tween Animal Lovers
As we roll over into a new school year, be sure to check out our upcoming program series with the Richmond SPCA. Whether you are the ulti-mutt dog lover or just starting to look for your new best fur-end, these events are sure to be a real treat. Re…
The Longest Night of the Year
The winter solstice is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the Earth's axis is tilted the farthest away from the sun in the Northern Hemisphere and closest to the sun in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the short…
Announcing All Henrico Reads: Gray Dawn with Walter Mosley
With over 60 books to his credit and nearly every mystery writing award on his resume, we are excited to announce that this year’s signature community reading program, All Henrico Reads, will feature bestselling author Walter Mosley and his latest r…
Celebrate VA250 at the Library
This year the United States is celebrating its Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which secured freedom for our nation. Join HCPL (and all of Virginia!) over the coming months for performance…
Thank You for Attending All Henrico Reads with Walter Mosley
From book discussions and murder mystery nights, to local true crime and Gray Dawn-inspired mocktails, our All Henrico Reads fun culminated in an inspiring evening with award-winning writer Walter Mosley. A big thank you to everyone who attended las…
Spring is Here: Celebrating Community Science Month & Earth Day
Spring is here and we are embracing the season of growth and renewal by exploring the world around us. It is also when we celebrate Community Science Month and Earth Day (April 22), both of which remind us to reflect on the fun and creative ways we…
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…
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…
The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin
24 December 2024 Teen Librarian The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin The Scarlet Veil is a fast paced and climatic book starring mainly Michal, Celie, Odessa, and Dimitri. It is set in a medieval world with witches, witch hunters, werewolves, vampires…
Thunder City by Philip Reeve
23 February 2025 Teen Librarian Thunder City by Philip Reeve The book is set in a sci-fi world where there are moving cities. In the beginning, the flying city of Thorbury is taken over by the former Chief of Planning, Strega. Strega has plans to us…
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