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 titles, both new and old, that push the limits of imagination.

One of the questions we get regularly in the children’s area is “My child is starting to read, where are the books for us?” We wanted to share a few suggestions, tips, and books to help you and your beginning reader get started.

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 historically marginalized people, and allow us to deepen our understanding of the past.

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 fantastic titles from Henrico County Public Library.

Springtime in central Virginia is beautiful, but there’s a dilemma. Should you read, or should you work in the garden? Try some sleuthy-ness and plots based on, well, garden plots! These cozy mysteries are satisfying, quick reads that are perfect companions when digging in the dirt. Murder and mayhem notwithstanding, they can be very refreshing after a day in the backyard.

In partnership with Greater Richmond SCAN, HCPL is observing Resilience Week by contributing to a virtual bookshelf highlighting titles that contain themes of resilience and growth. Young people can be inspired to nurture their own resilience by reading about the experiences and actions of others – fictional or not. Read on for picks from SCAN and HCPL librarians for children and teens – all available online through OverDrive, Libby, or Hoopla with your HCPL card.

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 in all sorts of places, from memoirs to graphic novels to sci-fi/horror. Regardless of what you’re looking for, Henrico County Public Library has it all, online and ready to go. Check out these titles on Overdrive and Hoopla digital!

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!

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-fiction, fiction, picture books, audiobooks, and educational movies from our digital collection, so you can tour the world from home.