As we gear up for All Henrico Reads, we’re reflecting on some of the themes in this year’s title The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford. Family, undoubtedly, plays a central role in the story as protagonist Dorothy Moy seeks to connect with generations past, cope with her inherited trauma, and alter the path of her daughter’s future. Her journey makes evident that family - whether given or chosen, past or present - shapes us in powerful ways. Gut-wrenching, beautiful, dysfunctional, and hilarious, the titles below examine “family” in its many shapes and forms. 

All Henrico Reads, our signature author event, returns in 2023 with bestselling and award-winning author Jamie Ford, who will discuss his newest novel The Many Daughters of Afong Moy at J.R. Tucker High School on March 30 at 7 p.m.  The community is invited to gather together to learn more about this thought-provoking work as the event returns to an in-person author discussion with an opportunity for Q&A with the author, book sales from Fountain Books, and a book signing.  Book discussion groups about Mr. Ford’s novel begin at library locations across the county next month.  Read on to learn more about the book and how you can get involved with this all-community read.

Our staff read across all genres and have a wide selection of teen titles to recommend this year. So whether you enjoy fantasy, romance, graphic novels, history, sci-fi, or realistic fiction, we hope there’s something for everyone in the titles listed below! And while you’re reading, why not earn prizes too? Check out our 100 Books Before Graduation Challenge page to learn more.

Explore our staff's favorite Children's titles read this year for an array of books to share with your little one! The Kids page on our website is another great resource and includes reading lists by age and grade, a link to our My Next Read service, information about our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge, and more. Of course, should ever need assistance or recommendations, you can always call or visit!

Be sure to check out our Staff Picks lists for Adults and Teens as well to find new reads for the whole family!

Our Staff Picks lists are here! Whether you’re looking for new books to add to your TBR list or great titles to gift this holiday season, below you’ll find our favorite books we've read this year. Be sure to also check out our favorite Teen and Children’s reads too. We hope you enjoy these lists as much as we enjoy compiling them!

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!