Library Card Sign-up Month

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the American Library Association and libraries across the country unite to promote the benefits of having a library card. We believe a library card provides endless possibilities for everyone to read, learn, connect, and grow. Whether you're a little one working on literacy skills, a student returning to school this fall, a professional seeking new opportunities, or a retiree interested in socializing and pursuing a hobby, the library provides countless resources to support your needs. Read on to learn more about how to get a card and what a card can do for you.

GETTING A CARD

We invite all Henrico residents to get a library card! Residents of Chesterfield County, and the City of Richmond are also eligible for free library cards, and if your home address is in Goochland or Hanover County, you may qualify for a card through our reciprocal agreement with Pamunkey Regional Library System. To register, visit any of our nine locations to fill out a library card registration form in person. A photo ID and proof of address is required to obtain most types of library cards. Even non-residents can apply for a card for an annual fee. You can learn more about library card registration and eligibility requirements on our website.

And if you think you might already have a library card, stop by, give us a call, or Ask A Librarian (the green tab on the right hand side of our website) to chat with a staff member. Library card replacements are free throughout the month of September!

LIBRARY RESOURCES

Your library card is good to use at all Henrico County Public Library (HCPL) locations. With an HCPL card, you can:

• Check out physical and digital materials.
  • Browse our catalog to find books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, and more.
  • Learn more about Exploration and Literacy Kits, Book Club Bags, and Caregiver Kits.
  • Visit our Downloads and Streaming page for information about Libby, Hoopla, and Magzter, where you can access ebooks, audiobooks, e-magazines, music, movies, television, and more.

Items can be placed on hold and sent to your preferred library location for pickup. Area Libraries also have drive-up windows to pick up and return items when you’re on the go!

• Access premium online articles and information. Some of our popular Research & Learning databases include:
  • Tutor.com
  • Universal Class
  • Rosetta Stone
  • JobNow
  • Consumer Reports
  • Ancestry for Virginians

• Use a public computer to:
  • Surf the web
  • Access Microsoft Office applications
  • Print documents (wireless printing is also available)
  • Scan documents

Plus, free Wi-Fi is available at all locations (no library card required for access).

• Reserve a meeting space to work on a project, host a group meeting, or study.

• Create and edit digital media. Visit a Digital Media Lab at one of our Area Libraries to access the following resources for in-library use:
  • 3D printing services
  • Digitization equipment: VHS to digital file converters, photo and film scanners (35mm and medium format)
  • Podcasting equipment
  • Green screen and lighting equipment
  • DSLR camera with video capabilities, tripod, and shotgun microphone
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software

Questions? Call your nearest Area Library to speak with a staff member about your digital media project.

• Plus, attend free programs! The library offers dozens of events every month (no library card required to attend). Check out our online calendar to see what’s happening near you.

Once you have a library card, be sure to stay up to date on all the latest library news by subscribing to our newsletter, reading our blog, and following us on social (Facebook, Instagram, X).