While we love fall, it’s one season that always seems to pass us by. One minute we’re heading back to school, and the next we’re surrounded by holiday décor, music, and sales.  It’s that time of year when we suddenly find ourselves asking, “How is it November already?” If the thought of holiday shopping and to-do lists sends you into a tailspin, you’re not alone. This season, skip the crowds, stress, and spending, and head to the library! From cards and gifts, to décor and food, we’re offering several programs to help make it a handmade holiday. Read on to learn more about upcoming events and browse recommended DIY (do-it-yourself) titles from our collection.

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of the Native American community. The library is marking the occasion with a series of programs and book discussions and hope you'll join us. We also invite you to explore our collection of indigenous authors and stories. Read on for book recommendations and to learn more about upcoming events!

A chill is creeping into the air, leaves are skittering across the ground; it’s official: spooky season is here! Whether you’re a scaredy-cat or a thrill seeker, the library has something for everyone to get into the spooky spirit. However you choose to read this season — bundled up with the lights on or alone in a ghostly graveyard — these titles are sure to send shivers down your spine. Check out these frightening reading recommendations… if you dare!

The gift-giving season is almost upon us! Here are some fun ideas for thrifty DIY gifts you can create with books from our collection. These crafts are great for beginners and use only a handful of materials.

Our staff are a talented bunch, and as we continue discovering their special skills to share on our blog, we noticed many folks at HCPL are passionate about science and the natural world.  From birding to animal training and conservation, people who work at your library are knowledgeable about nature.  Read on to learn more about our talented team members.

With over 400 years of history, Richmond has seen its fair share of dark and ghoulish events. The city even boasts ties to the famed horror writer, Edgar Allen Poe! This October, local historians are visiting the library to share their expertise on Richmond’s haunted past. Read on to find a program to attend and books about the River City’s spine-chilling history.

September is National Wilderness Month, a celebration of the anniversary of the Wilderness Act.  Passed on September 3, 1964, the Wilderness Act was created in order to “establish a National Wilderness Preservation System for the permanent good of the whole people.” When passed, the Act designated 54 areas made up of 9.1 million acres in 13 states as protected wilderness. Today that has grown to over 111 million acres (that’s slightly larger than the state of California!) in 806 areas in 44 states and Puerto Rico. This month — and all year! — take advantage of the benefits and beauty of the great outdoors by exploring wilderness areas near you. Read on to learn more about our greatest national treasure, the American Wilderness!

September 15 is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, and also marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America (National Hispanic Heritage Month). The library is excited to celebrate and explore the history, culture, and contributions of the Latino community, and we hope you’ll join us for a month full of music, art, games, film, book discussions, displays, and more. Read on for details about participating in this month’s festivities!

Kids are back in school and getting into the swing of new routines. Along with academics, nutrition is an important piece of the school year puzzle, and what better way to find meal inspiration than by checking out some cookbooks from the library? Prepping lunches in advance is a great way to save time during the week, especially if you’re not a morning person. Make meal prep fun and easy and send your little ones off to school with lunches you feel good about. Not only will prepping lunches together encourage parental bonding and full tummies at school, but reading cookbooks can enhance mathematical and literacy skills too. Now that’s some food for thought!