Start the New Year with a new skill! This year, children seeking to challenge themselves and learn something new can check out Chess Time, a chess group for kids at the library. Among its many benefits, playing chess can help build confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills, promote creativity, and is a great way to meet new friends. Most importantly, it’s fun! Read on to learn more about our children’s chess group and related titles in our collection. 

Whether they’re just learning to read or diving into to chapter books and novels, this year’s Staff Picks list includes titles for all of your little ones, from infants to tweens!

Be sure to also check out our Staff Picks lists for Adults and Teens to find new reads for the whole family. And if you’re looking for more recommended reads for 2024, try our My Next Read service to receive a custom list of recommendations from one of our librarians!

We’re back with another edition of Spotlight on Staff! This month we’re featuring individuals who, in addition to their wonderful library work, are also skilled in multimedia production, fiber arts, law research, records analysis, and career consulting. Read on to learn more about how they use their talents both in and outside of the library!

While we love fall, it’s one season that always seems to pass us by. One minute we’re heading back to school, and the next we’re surrounded by holiday décor, music, and sales.  It’s that time of year when we suddenly find ourselves asking, “How is it November already?” If the thought of holiday shopping and to-do lists sends you into a tailspin, you’re not alone. This season, skip the crowds, stress, and spending, and head to the library! From cards and gifts, to décor and food, we’re offering several programs to help make it a handmade holiday. Read on to learn more about upcoming events and browse recommended DIY (do-it-yourself) titles from our collection.

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of the Native American community. The library is marking the occasion with a series of programs and book discussions and hope you'll join us. We also invite you to explore our collection of indigenous authors and stories. Read on for book recommendations and to learn more about upcoming events!

Our staff are a talented bunch, and as we continue discovering their special skills to share on our blog, we noticed many folks at HCPL are passionate about science and the natural world.  From birding to animal training and conservation, people who work at your library are knowledgeable about nature.  Read on to learn more about our talented team members.

It's that time of year when things start getting spooky at the library! Whether you prefer just a little bit of fear, full-fledged fright, or something in-between, the library is offering a variety of children’s and teen programs to help get you in the spooky spirit. We hope you’ll join us for stories, performances, writing, history, crafts, and more! Read on for details about this month’s spine-tingling fun.

September 15 is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, and also marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America (National Hispanic Heritage Month). The library is excited to celebrate and explore the history, culture, and contributions of the Latino community, and we hope you’ll join us for a month full of music, art, games, film, book discussions, displays, and more. Read on for details about participating in this month’s festivities!

Kids are back in school and getting into the swing of new routines. Along with academics, nutrition is an important piece of the school year puzzle, and what better way to find meal inspiration than by checking out some cookbooks from the library? Prepping lunches in advance is a great way to save time during the week, especially if you’re not a morning person. Make meal prep fun and easy and send your little ones off to school with lunches you feel good about. Not only will prepping lunches together encourage parental bonding and full tummies at school, but reading cookbooks can enhance mathematical and literacy skills too. Now that’s some food for thought!