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…
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…
Introducing Book Bundles
Recreate the serendipity of discovering a book on the shelf at the library by requesting a Book Bundle for curbside pickup. Librarians will surprise you with a selection of staff-favorite titles from a variety of genres and for readers of all ages…
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…
Audiobooks for Tweens
One of our favorite ways to experience books is to listen to them. Audiobooks allow a full, immersive experience with different voices for characters, multiple narrators, sound effects, the works! You can customize listening speed, listen on the go…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Celebrate Banned Books Week!
Life would be completely different if we weren’t able to choose what we want to read. Banning and challenging books takes away that choice. Today is the start of Banned Books Week and we are celebrating our freedom to read at the library! We believe…
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…
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…
Celebrating Picture Books at the Library
November is Picture Book Month. We are celebrating these powerful stories, when an engaging text is paired with art that both enhances and elucidates the story line. Keep reading for some expert tips on getting started with reading picture books tog…
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…
Women’s History Month 2025
March 1 marks the beginning of Women’s History Month, and the library is offering several programs to commemorate the occasion. Attend a book discussion or film, explore the work of female musicians, artists, and writers, and discover history makers…
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…
Need a Laugh? Funny Books for Teens
Need a laugh? Of course you do! Laughter is the best medicine, after all. Maybe you’re looking for a chuckle, but you want to expand your horizons (or maybe you love romantic comedies and are looking for something new!). Luckily, humor can be found…
Requesting Interlibrary Loan Materials
Requesting Interlibrary Loan Materials The Henrico County Public Library welcomes Interlibrary Loan requests for materials that are not a part of the library's collection. Library staff will attempt to borrow an item from another library for you. Pl…
Mental Health Awareness Month
It is important to remember that mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so we are highlighting some of our best books and resources to help you find information on mental health issues. Our onl…
Read Aloud Like a Librarian
Reading to young children as early as possible can help strengthen the bond between parent and child, increase vocabulary, and teach kids about the wider world. HCPL offers storytimes for all ages, from birth to preschool, and we wanted to share tip…
Talking about Race with Children
A great deal of research has been done concerning how young children become aware of race. It all points to a very clear fact: kids pick up on racial differences during the very first years of life. Our librarians have pulled together a list of book…
Neighbors: A New Cultural Exchange Event Series at HCPL
We are excited to announce a new program series, Neighbors, that aims to build connections and facilitate cultural exchange in our growing and diverse community. Neighbors events are inter-generational programs created by library staff in cooperatio…
Exciting Virtual Programs Coming Up in December!
Brush up on your improv skills and move and groove with us! Our online programs this month include music, games, crafts, book discussions, and even investment tips! Join us from the comfort of your home. These are a few of our upcoming programs. Vis…
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…
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 –…
Celebrate Short Story Day
Short Story Day always takes place on the shortest day of the year (of course!). This year it falls on December 21st. Why celebrate short stories? According to Edgar Allen Poe, they leave the reader with “a sense of the fullest satisfaction.” Althou…
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, and the Library has a full line-up of performances, speakers, film screenings, and book discussions about Indigenous history and culture. Read on to learn more about upcoming programs and recommended title…
Short Stories: A Gateway to New Authors
There are lots of ways to find new favorite authors. At the library you can always ask a librarian for suggestions, or request a book list through My Next Read, but sometimes it feels like a lot to commit to a whole novel. Short stories are a great…
Women's History Month: Trailblazers in Virginia & Beyond
March is Women’s History Month! In addition to our All Henrico Reads title, The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford, to celebrate, we’re browsing hundreds of inspiring narratives about women, including Virginia’s own female trailblazers, in ou…
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…
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…
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…
Hispanic Heritage Month: Library Resources & Books From the Collection
We’re gearing up and getting excited for this weekend's Familia Fiesta celebration and other Hispanic Heritage Month events, but the celebration doesn’t end there. You can continue to explore Hispanic voices, history, and culture beyond this month t…
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…
The Magic of Food and Fiction with Ruth Reichl
For Ruth Reichl, food and words have always been linked. “Growing up in my family,” she explained, “You had to have a story at the dinner table. It’s where I learned to write.” Reichl’s early storytelling training has served her well. One of America…
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, which raises awareness about people living with a developmental disability such as Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and other developmental d…
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2025
Since 1992, May has been designated Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by Congress. The month was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States in May of 1843 and to mark the completion of th…
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…
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…
March Movies!
With the weather in March so unpredictable, it is nice to have a few indoor activities ready to go for unexpectedly cold or windy days. While we always love to suggest a good book to read, sometimes it is more fun to watch a movie. Henrico County Pu…
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…
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…
Travel Through Time with Some Historical Fiction
Historical fiction immerses you in a different time and place. You can travel back to 16th Century England, 19th century Liberia, 1920s Mexico, -- the possibilities are endless. Historical fiction can also give us insight to the lives of historicall…
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…
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…
2020 Staff Picks for Adults
Last but not least, here are our favorite books for adults! There is something for everyone, from romance to high fantasy to history. What was your favorite book this year? This is a very diverse list and every title is very different from the other…
It’s Basic- Talk, Sing, and Point
Language learning starts early, and the best way to build vocabulary is through interaction. Talking, singing, and pointing are hallmarks of language learning, and the pillars of the second principle of The Basics. The Basics are a set of principles…
Listen, Learn, and Limber Up
Picture books are more than colorful images paired with words. Great picture books insist that the reader and the listener actively play and talk. Learning is made dynamic when you add dancing, imagination, and verbal responses. Movement makes liter…
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…
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…
Celebrate Women's History Month!
“How important it is to recognize and celebrate our heroes and sheroes!”—Maya Angelou Women’s History Month is here! This March, let’s take a cue from the great Maya Angelou and learn about our sheroes, past and present. Explore the library’s collec…
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 (…
Open Book with Meg Medina
This summer, Henrico’s own nationally renowned, bestselling, and Newbery Award-winning author, Meg Medina, will be leading a series of book discussions for tweens! Called Open Book, this special book club will allow rising 4th-7th graders to discuss…
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…
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…
November is Family Stories Month
November is Family Stories Month, a time to gather with family and friends and connect through the power of storytelling. Whether they’re heartbreaking, hilarious, terrifying, or triumphant, stories can unite us and help us understand one another. T…
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…
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month starts next week, and we look forward to commemorating the occasion with films, book discussions, and a variety of programs. Listen to the sitar, learn to play Mahjong, practice the art of su…
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…
Social Emotional Learning at the Library
Storytimes have always been vehicles for fostering early literacy skills, and they can help with your child(ren)’s social emotional development too. Many parents and caregivers seek to instill a love of reading to give their little ones a boost with…
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…
Top Six Library Resources for Students
Backpack? Check. School supplies? Check. First day outfit? Narrowed down to two options. We know those back-to-school checklists can be daunting, but the library is here for you and your family as you kick off another academic year. A library card g…
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…
Glen Allen Time Capsule
Glen Allen Library Time Capsule The Glen Allen Branch Library Time Capsule is located in front of the library beneath the marker pictured here. Originally placed when the library opened in 1995, it was removed and then reinstalled following the reno…
2019 New Landmark Library Award: Varina Library
Awarded by Library Journal The New Landmark Library Award recognizes innovative, newly constructed libraries for others to use as a benchmark. By openly listening to and incorporating a diversity of voices into the planning process, the Varina Area…
Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is a way for you to have a voice at the library, participate in programs with other teens, and help others in your community. TAB programs include promoting library services, helping librarians…
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