Award-Winning Innovation at Henrico County Public Library

Henrico County Public Library earned recognition for four innovative programs and two collaborations with other agencies as part of Henrico County’s 56 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for 2026. Henrico’s total is the highest in Virginia for the 21st consecutive year and ranks eighth nationally.

The awards for Henrico County Public Library reflect a commitment to creating meaningful experiences for residents of all ages. From teen financial literacy to lifelong learning and workforce exploration, the programs and initiatives underscore the library’s important role in building strong communities. Read on to learn more.

AWARD-WINNING HCPL PROGRAMS

• Historically Speaking is a lecture series developed by Henrico County Public Library and Henrico County Recreation & Parks, History Division, to connect residents with the people, places, and events that shaped their community and the nation. The series leverages strategic partnerships with local historians, museums, and the National Park Service. Historically Speaking strengthens civic identity, promotes lifelong learning, and creates accessible spaces for informed community dialogue.
  
  
• The Auction of Arbitrary Art is an innovative teen financial literacy program that transforms the library into an auction house. Participants receive a set budget of mock currency and bid in real time on donated works of art, guided by library staff serving as auctioneers and curators. Complete with bidding paddles, a digital catalog, and formal attire, the immersive experience mirrors a live auction environment while remaining accessible and fun. Designed to build practical money management skills, the program challenges teens to evaluate value, weigh opportunity costs, and make strategic spending decisions under pressure.

• Based on a True Story is a lifelong learning program that explores real historical events that inspired works of fiction. Led by a Mobile Library Services team member, each session examines a popular novel, uncovers the compelling true events behind it, and connects participants to related library materials for further discovery. The program travels to senior living communities, libraries, and lifelong learning organizations throughout the county. By blending history, literature, and interactive discussion, Based on a True Story strengthens social connection, stimulates intellectual curiosity, and reinforces the library’s role as a trusted community partner in lifelong learning.

• Historic Career Conversations is a workforce development series that connects Henrico County teens and tweens with professionals in historic trades and preservation fields. Through interactive panel discussions, students engage directly with archaeologists, preservation specialists, skilled trades professionals, grant writers, and others working in history-related careers. The program expands awareness of attainable and often overlooked career pathways, including skilled trades and conservation roles that do not require traditional four-year degrees. Historic Career Conversations strengthens job readiness, builds confidence, and equips youth with practical knowledge about education, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities within the preservation economy.

ADDITIONAL COLLABORATIVE RECOGNITIONS

Henrico County Public Library was also recognized as a collaborator on two additional programs and initiatives:

• Catalyst Business Academy is a free, interactive educational program launched by the Henrico Economic Development Authority (EDA) in partnership with Henrico County Public Library. It is designed to equip entrepreneurs and small business owners with actionable skills to successfully launch, grow, and manage their companies.

• Aging Actively Mobile Library Partnership is a collaboration between Mental Health & Developmental Services and Henrico County Public Library to bring educational and entertaining materials and programming to local senior communities, encouraging improved quality of life.

Whether connecting residents to local history, supporting entrepreneurs, introducing new career pathways, or bringing services directly into the community, HCPL continues to create opportunities for people of all ages to learn, explore, and connect.