In this year’s All Henrico Reads title, The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl, the impulsive purchase of a vintage Dior dress sparks a journey of self-discovery and adventure in Paris. For practical and predictable main character Stella, the dress encourages her to see herself in a new light and envision a life beyond anything she’d previously imagined. And while Dior may not be in the budget for most, fashion is much more than runway looks and expensive designer labels. It is how we present ourselves to the world; it is a vehicle for personal expression. Clothing has the power to boost our confidence and give us the courage to live deliciously.

Hear more about Stella’s story and living deliciously from author Ruth Reichl, who will join us for an in-person conversation and book signing on Thursday, March 27 at 7PM at the Henrico Sports & Events Center!

We are just a few days away from hosting our sixteenth All Henrico Reads event! This year we are thrilled to host bestselling author Ruth Reichl and hear about her life, work, and recent release, The Paris Novel. We hope you will join us on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 7p.m. at the Henrico Sports & Events Center. Whether this is your first All Henrico Reads or your sixteenth, it never hurts to plan ahead. Read on for our top five tips for attending this year’s event.

We couldn’t be more grateful to bestselling author Ruth Reichl and the community for making this year’s All Henrico Reads another one for the books! Thank you for joining us for an evening of conversation about food, art, and learning to enjoy life’s pleasures. Read on for more details about this year’s delicious event.

July 4, 2026, will mark the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and in anticipation of this milestone, HCPL is excited to announce a new program series supported, in part, by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250). Using textiles as a lens to explore America’s history both past and present, we invite you to join us for demonstrations, hands-on learning, and presentations from local groups, artists, and historians. Read on for more details about our upcoming Hand Crafted program series.  

We are feeling inspired by this year’s delicious All Henrico Reads title, The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl, and are eager to explore new cuisines, try fresh recipes, and embrace our inner gourmands. While the early definition of gourmand was synonymous with overconsumption, the term has since gained a more positive connotation, thanks to the French. Today, a gourmand is someone who simply appreciates good food and drink. So if the thought of buttery croissants, soft creamy brie, and simmering summer vegetables whet your appetite (or you’re interested in trying all of the above), we recommend reading on to learn more about the art of cooking French food.

As Varina Area Library celebrates its eighth anniversary, we’d like to highlight the only HCPL library situated on the Capital Trail! Opened in June of 2016, Varina’s current LEED-certified location on New Market Road replaced the smaller Varina branch which served the community since 1970. Varina Library is a 43,885-square-foot two-story building equipped with designated adult, teen, and children’s areas; study and meeting spaces; a Digital Media Lab; a demonstration kitchen; a grand stairwell for events; and a nature trail. In 2017, Varina won the prestigious Library Building Award presented by the American Institute of Architects in conjunction with the American Library Association. Read on to learn more about this serene and nature-inspired library nestled in the East End!

It’s October and we are right in the midst of the spooky season. The days are shorter, Halloween decorations are going up, and there’s a chill in the air. For horror fans, it’s the perfect time of year to share some of our favorite titles.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, which raises awareness about people living with a developmental disability such as Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and other developmental disabilities. According to the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 6 children have one or more developmental disability.

HCPL has programs and resources throughout the year for people with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. There are also many related items in our collections. Read on to learn more. 

As you hit the reset button and start thinking about the year to come, remember the library is here to support you in reaching your 2025 goals. Whether your hopes are related to your career, academics, wellness, finances, personal hobbies, or reading, HCPL has a number of resources that can help you. Read on for a list of databases, programs, and titles available to you, for free, with a library card. Moreover, don’t forget our staff are also here to support you! Call, visit, or text us (571- 536-7695), and we will work to point you in the right direction.