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.

Step away from the screen, go beyond your stairs, and explore the great outdoors! Studies show there are several benefits to being outside. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Proximity to greenspace has been associated with lower levels of stress and reduced symptomology for depression and anxiety, while interacting with nature can improve cognition for children with attention deficits and individuals with depression.” Other advantages include reduced fatigue, greater self-awareness, increased creativity and more. Warmer weather is here, so whether you enjoy biking, camping, or just feeling the grass between your toes, be sure to celebrate National Great Outdoors Month! Read on for book recommendations, ideas, and library resources. 

What do bats, wasps, bees, ants, butterflies, and moths have in common? These creatures are all pollinators! Pollinators help carry pollen from flower to flower.  Without pollinators, we wouldn't have as many colorful flowers and essential crops. We can help them do their important job in many ways, like growing native plants and avoiding pesticides – plus, you can start by learning about them!

June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month! What originally began as a day to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising (Gay Pride Day) has since evolved into an official month-long celebration that recognizes the impact lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (questioning), intersex and asexual identifying people have had on history (Library of Congress). We are marking the occasion with a list of titles that celebrate authors and characters belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community. Read on for recommended books for children, tweens, teens and adults!

Juneteenth is just weeks away and in commemoration of the holiday the Library has organized a series of programs that centers around Black stories from near and far. Explore the history of Black people in Henrico County by transcribing primary source documents from 19th century Henrico County, experience a live historical interpretation of Gabriel Prosser, learn about Black communities throughout the Coastal South and their displacement, and discover sea-inspired myths, legends and folklore from Africa. We hope you will join us at the Library as we celebrate Juneteenth!

May is a beautiful time for biking in Henrico! Whether it’s just around the corner, or throughout the region, Henrico County has several trails and bike lanes available. You can even take your bike on the GRTC bus! Read on to learn more about local, regional and statewide trails as well as Library resources to help you plan your next ride.

Join us for an author talk with local Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist, Chip Jones! Jones will discuss his title, The Organ Thieves: The Shocking Story of the First Heart Transplant in the Segregated South, which was awarded the 2021 Nonfiction Literary Award by the Library of Virginia.

“How important it is to recognize and celebrate our heroes and sheroes!”—Maya Angelou

Women’s History Month is here! This March, let’s take a cue from the great Maya Angelou and learn about our sheroes, past and present. Explore the library’s collection for books and DVDs that highlight the great achievements of women throughout history.  Here are just a few!