April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to commemorate the history and culture of the Arab community. Our collection features several titles from Arab and Arab American authors. Read on for a list of titles for children, teens, and adults that highlights their stories.   

Earth Day, April 22, encourages us to appreciate the beauty of the environment and challenges us to take steps to protect it, and Arbor Day, April 25, reminds us of the importance of trees to the health of our planet. This April, head to the library to discover books for all ages about how we can play our part in the planet’s preservation.  

Happy Pride Month! Pride is an annual commemoration dedicated to recognizing the impact of the LGBTQIA+ community. In celebration, we’re reading across the rainbow and highlighting some of our collection’s newer LGBTQIA+ reads for teens and adults. Read on for some of our recommendations!

If you’re a teen who enjoys history and the arts but aren’t sure about next steps after graduation, HCPL invites you to learn more about career opportunities in conservation and historic trades in a panel discussion with Historic Richmond. Read on to learn more about the panel and related titles from our collection.

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.