Nearly two hundred years ago, the first permanent photograph was taken by Frenchman Joseph Niépce of the view outside his window. Today, during National Photography Month, we celebrate the advancement of the medium. Once an expensive and cumbersome hobby or trade, the development of point-and-shoot and smartphone cameras has made photography accessible to many, allowing people from around the world to share their perspectives and stories through imagery.

Amateurs and professionals alike can find photographic inspiration at the library. Read on to learn more about our photography workshops, how to check out equipment for in-library use, and our extensive photo book collection. Happy snapping to all the photographers out there!

The library is your neighborhood hub for hands-on teen creativity! From 3D printing services and technology available in our Digital Media Labs, to books detailing various DIY activities in our catalog, we have tons of tools to help teens tinker on their next project. If crafting is your love language, we hope you’ll stop by to create with us at our many maker-focused programs for teens. Whether you prefer experimenting in the digital sphere or love using old-school supplies, let the library be your first stop for creative inspiration. Read on for a full list of upcoming spooky-season crafting events for teens, library resources that can enhance your crafting experience, and related titles in our Young Adult collection. 

The sun is setting earlier, the air is getting cooler: time to go on a camping adventure. Camping is a great way to reconnect with nature, and there are several resources available at the library to help you plan your next camping endeavor. Read on to learn more about our exploration kits, upcoming programs, books, and more.

HCPL would like to thank and welcome veterans, service members, and their families to the library. HCPL provides access to several resources, including VetNow, JobNow, and Tutor.com, for those seeking help with veteran benefits, career support, academic assistance, and more. If you haven't already, stop by your closest library location to sign-up for a library card and start exploring all that is available to you. Additionally, this November we look forward to hosting programs that honor veteran history and experiences. Read on for further details about upcoming programs, resources, and related titles from our collection.

Turn the chapter on last year’s literary scenes, and jump into new worlds of adventure with fantasy and science fiction books for teens. Known for crafting incredible worlds of detailed magic or advanced technology, fantasy and science fiction authors can transport you to imaginary territories ripe for exploration. Looking for some fresh excitement in 2025? Enroll in a magical school, spy on a bubbling dystopian revolution, or survive an intergalactic war by traveling to new worlds at your library. Read on for a full list of recommended reads, upcoming otherworldly teen library events, and a handy library resource that can help with future fantasy or science fiction adventuring.

Friendships play a vital role in our lives—especially when we are teenagers. Friends offer connection, adventure, and support. Whether you love meeting new people, prefer one-on-one connections, or feel more comfortable talking to people online, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to friendship. February 11 is “Make a Friend Day,” but we're celebrating all month long. Inspired by the popular early 2000s-style quizzes teens used to take in magazines with their friends, we've created a quiz of our own. Read on to discover your preferred friendship style, and explore personalized YA recommendations featuring stories about friendship!

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.

It’s that time of year again when all we want is to stay inside and curl up with a good book. This season, we’re leveling up our cozy with equally cozy mysteries from the library. Cozy mysteries are typically lighthearted, include a quirky cast of characters, feature an amateur sleuth, and leave out the disturbing details that make you want to sleep with the lights on. Best of all, they come in several sub-genres, making it easier to find the right mystery for you. Whether you’re a classic “whodunit” enthusiast (think Agatha Christie), an animal lover, a culinary connoisseur, a history buff, hobbies nerd, or home renovation obsessed, there are plenty of mysteries out there to keep you cozy this winter.

Self-discovery, making friends, exploring new worlds, finding your passion: these are just a few of the themes you’ll find on this year’s Staff Picks list of teen titles.  

If you’re looking for more recommendations in 2025, subscribe to one of our genre-specific newsletters, browse thousands of read-alikes and mood-inspired recommendations on Novelist, or try our My Next Read service to receive a custom list of titles from one of our librarians. And while you’re reading through that new stack of recommendations, why not earn prizes too? Check out our ongoing 100 Books Before Graduation Challenge to learn more.

Be sure to also visit our Staff Picks lists for Kids and Adults to find suggested titles for the other readers in your life.