That’s a wrap on our Summer Reading Challenge! Thank you to everyone who participated and joined us as we celebrated kindness, friendship, and unity. It is incredible to see what we can achieve together. Read on to learn more about your collective accomplishments!

The Henrico Department of Recreation and Parks manages historic resources in Henrico, including archives, roadside markers and building plaques, and a group of historic sites and museums. This August, we invite you to explore literature and local history with us as we launch our Blast from the Past Book Club with Henrico Recreation and Parks. In this group, you can discuss engaging historical fiction and nonfiction at fascinating historic sites with expert staff.  Read on to learn more about the program and upcoming discussions.

The Gayton Branch Library became Henrico’s westernmost location when it opened its doors on November 30, 1988. In 2005, Henrico voters approved a bond referendum which included a comprehensive interior renovation of the library. In June of 2012, a newly renovated Gayton reopened with quite the memorable celebration: it was the same day a Derecho storm front caused widespread power outages throughout the area – including at the library! Since reopening, Gayton has remained a busy neighborhood library with a loyal community of patrons. Read on to learn more about why we love Gayton!

Food is a common thread that unites humanity. Beyond sustenance, food teaches us about identity, history, community, and culture. When we share our food, we share our roots. In the words of renowned American chef James Beard, “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” And, as culinary historian Michael Twitty wrote, “...your plate is your flag.” While our foodways may vary, the experience of gathering around food is one to which we can all relate. Read on to explore titles that nourish the mind, body, and soul and teach us about food: its history, its many forms, and most importantly, its ability to connect us all.

Quilting bees, stitch-ins, and sewing circles have long been community gatherings. In the spirit of our “All Together Now” Summer Reading challenge, join us to explore quilting and other textile arts this summer. Events include collaborative art installations at several locations, a documentary screening, presentations from area quilters, and a lecture on Virginia Quilt Trails.  Read on for more information about how you can connect with your community through quilting at the library this summer, and for book recommendations related to quilting and textiles.

Taking road trips with the family is a time-honored summer tradition. What better way to engage the whole family while beating that “Are We There Yet” boredom than by listening to an audiobook together? June is Audiobook Appreciation Month, and whether you’re a new listener or an audiophile, we have an extensive, fun-filled audiobook collection to keep you entertained for miles. Read on to learn more about the joys of audiobooks, and to discover some of our favorite audiobooks from the library’s collection.

Happy Pride Month! June 1 marks the beginning of Pride, a month-long celebration of the history and impact of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (questioning), intersex, and asexual identifying community. HCPL offers a variety of programs, some year-round, plus books and resources to support LGBTQIA+ individuals and families. Read on to learn more about upcoming programs and recommended titles from our collection to help you learn about and celebrate Pride!

Henrico County Public Library’s 2023 Summer Reading challenge, "All Together Now," is all about celebrating kindness, friendship, and unity. During last year’s Summer Reading challenge, the community read nearly 80,000 books. In the spirit of this year’s theme, the library is challenging the community to read 100,000 books together between June 15 and August 15 (pre-registration begins June 1). Read on to learn more about this year's challenge!

Every May the Administration for Community Living celebrates Older Americans Month. This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, promotes flexible thinking around the idea of aging and encourages us to consider the benefits of a community where everyone, no matter what their age, feels engaged, included, and independent (Administration for Community Living). Read on to learn about how you can support yourself or the older adults in your life by exploring resources available at the library.