UPDATE:  We are pleased to announce the Sandston Branch Library will reopen on Wednesday, November 30. We hope you will join us for an Open House to celebrate the updated facility, which will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by activities throughout the day. Learn more. 

Starting September 12, the Sandston Branch Library will be closed for a refresh project.

We will be installing modern, bright, accessible A-frame shelving that will enable face-out displays to highlight book cover art and transform the browsing and wayfinding experience at the library.  In meeting spaces and common areas, you will find new A/V equipment, all new carpet, and a fresh coat of paint.  Outside the library, new environmentally friendly plantings will be added to the landscape.

Whether you are viewing the exterior, browsing books, reading out on the floor, or attending storytime and other programs, your experience will be significantly upgraded.

The Great Depression was a tumultuous, decade-long crisis that brought challenging times to thousands of families across the country. It was also a period marked by resourcefulness and perseverance. Explore the history and pastimes of the Depression era in our 1930s Open House, a series of programs for all ages taking place throughout the day on Saturday, December 3 at Varina Area Library, hosted in partnership with the History Division of Henrico Recreation and Parks.

September 15 marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month! To celebrate, the Library will be offering several programs. Join us for speakers, performances, film screenings, book discussions, and more as we celebrate Latinx history and culture! Read on to learn more about upcoming programs and recommended titles from our Collection.

With the start of school just days away, don't forget your most important supply: a library card! The Library offers several resources to help support students and their families throughout the school year. Learn more about what’s available to you with a library card and set yourself up for back-to-school success!

In 1949 the Mental Health America organization designated May as Mental Health Awareness Month to bring attention to mental health issues. Mental health is defined as “our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.” (Medline Plus).

In 2020, 21% of the United States population ages 18 and older, around 52.9 million adults, and 16.4% of youth ages 6-17, experienced a mental health disorder (SAMHSA, October 2021). 5.6% of adults experienced a serious mental illness. The library offers informative resources on the subjects of health and wellness, and is offering educational programs in May to support Mental Health Awareness Month.  If you or a loved one needs support or treatment for a mental health condition, or if you or someone you love is in crisis, the experts at Henrico Mental Health and Developmental Services can help.

Read on to learn more about what’s available at the Library.

Discover the Eastern Shore! In the spirit of Summer Reading, we’re exploring all things ocean. What better place to start than Virginia’s coast? Read on to learn more about upcoming programs and titles that explore the region’s unique landscape and history.

This summer, Henrico’s own nationally renowned, bestselling, and Newbery Award-winning author, Meg Medina, will be leading a series of book discussions for tweens!  Called Open Book, this special book club will allow rising 4th-7th graders to discuss books and writing with Meg Medina and their peers at HCPL locations county-wide! Read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

We are excited to announce our 2022 Summer Reading Challenge: Oceans of Possibilities! In this year’s challenge, readers of all ages can explore the library’s collection, attend programs, submit written reviews, and participate in other activities to earn badges and prizes. Read on to learn more about how to participate.

Since 1971, Week of the Young Child has been celebrated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and early childhood educators around the country. This weeklong event is a time for communities to learn more about the hard work being done to help educate and prepare young children (birth through age 8) for success in school and life.