It’s holiday time once again! Whether you celebrate Chanukah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa, consider making your celebration more special by making it a DIY holiday. In the Kwanzaa tradition, the exchange of gifts should be an experience without stress, creating appreciation for both giver and receiver. Handcrafting gifts, decorations, and meals for your home and gatherings sends a message of consideration and love. The Library offers a variety of resources for creating a unique and personal experience this holiday season.

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 to help you make the most of cozy season!

The Great Depression was a tumultuous, decade-long crisis that brought challenging times to thousands of families across the country. It was also a period marked by resourcefulness and perseverance. Explore the history and pastimes of the Depression era in our 1930s Open House, a series of programs for all ages taking place throughout the day on Saturday, December 3 at Varina Area Library, hosted in partnership with the History Division of Henrico Recreation and Parks.

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 can check out Lisa’s books at the library, as well as a variety of resources related to memory care, Alzheimer’s, and dementia.  If you want more information about Alzheimer’s, read on for ways you can connect with resources at the library and beyond.

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 titles from our collection!

Have you been wanting to trace your family’s history? Getting started can be a daunting process, and with the recent release of 1950s census data, there is more information to uncover than ever! But did you know that your library card gives you free access to genealogy resources? From databases, to books, to helpful guides, there are numerous tools to make the process more approachable.

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 spooky to nightmare-worthy, find the perfect, frightening fit for everyone in the family.

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 and styles. You can study the work of your favorite artist, explore a particular movement in art history, or learn a new technique.

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 hosting a number of events this fall. Read on to learn more about upcoming programs as well as additional local and Library resources that promote the benefits of active living and aging.