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 can help children with disabilities see themselves represented in literature and validate their experiences. These books also inform and educate children without disabilities about the experiences of others, building empathy and understanding. In the end, reading books that feature characters with disabilities is positive for all children. Read on for some recommended titles from our librarians.

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.

Learn something new this November. This month we are starting a Comics Makers Club for teens, Science Kids is tackling coding, and adults can compete to see who will win JeoPARODY! Find something fun for your family.

Building a strong foundation for learning begins at birth. To help families maximize early learning during this critical phase of development, Henrico County Public Library has adopted The Basics. This is the first post of a blog series in which we will cover all five principles of The Basics so you can build a foundation for your child's cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Here are our tips for maximizing love and managing stress, the first principle of The Basics.

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 to share stories offline, the library will offer newly recorded stories each week.  

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 us.

Real places have inspired some really good fiction. Often times, the setting can make or break a story, especially when it is somewhere you have been before. Here are some of our favorite novels for adults, teens, and kids that capture the spirit of a place, each paired with a work of non-fiction so you can keep exploring and learning.

¿Qué recursos me pueden ayudar con la escuela, el trabajo, o para disfrutar de mi tiempo libre?

There are many wonderful books produced for children and young adults featuring well-known artists. We’ve paired them here with adult titles so that you and your child can all look, learn, and read together. Our list highlights titles at multiple reading levels about different well-known twentieth-century artists, making them perfect for reading together or reading side by side.