One of our favorite ways to experience books is to listen to them. Audiobooks allow a full, immersive experience with different voices for characters, multiple narrators, sound effects, the works! You can customize listening speed, listen on the go, and find narrators you enjoy, who inspire you to keep listening. Some wonderful audiobooks happen to be for the tween crowd. These audiobooks are targeted at ages 8-12 and include adventure, fantasy, ghost stories and more. Read on for our picks – all of which are available through our digital collections for easy streaming.

Recreate the serendipity of discovering a book on the shelf at the library by requesting a Book Bundle for curbside pickup. Librarians will surprise you with a selection of staff-favorite titles from a variety of genres and for readers of all ages.

Language learning starts early, and the best way to build vocabulary is through interaction. Talking, singing, and pointing are hallmarks of language learning, and the pillars of the second principle of The Basics. The Basics are a set of principles that help families maximize early learning so you can build a foundation for your child's cognitive, social, and emotional growth. In the second post in this series, we are sharing tips for “Talk, Sing, and Point”, the second principle of The Basics.

It is December and that means it is time for us to share our favorite books from 2020. We are starting with our favorite books for kids (and those young at heart!). Be sure to keep an eye out for our favorites for teens and adults later this week.

Books are powerful vessels for allowing children to see themselves reflected in stories. When they read about a character like them, they can be empowered and gain a sense of belonging and familiarity. Reading books that feature disabled characters can help children with disabilities see themselves represented in literature and validate their experiences. These books also inform and educate children without disabilities about the experiences of others, building empathy and understanding. In the end, reading books that feature characters with disabilities is positive for all children. Read on for some recommended titles from our librarians.

Sensory Storytime engages children through movement, music, stories, sensory activities, and play. 

Helping Henrico families develop strong foundational literacy habits is something we are very passionate about at Henrico County Public Library. RVA Basics is an early learning campaign being widely embraced in the region that focuses on five essential aspects of a child’s development.

Sharing music and singing together are great ways to connect, educate, and have fun with the children in your life. HCPL librarians have some tips for ways you and your little ones can get creative and learn together through music.

Reading to young children as early as possible can help strengthen the bond between parent and child, increase vocabulary, and teach kids about the wider world. HCPL offers storytimes for all ages, from birth to preschool, and we wanted to share tips caregivers can use to read like a librarian.