Commemorate Native American Heritage Month with the library! Catch a film, join a book discussion, and learn about regional Indigenous culture and history. Read on for program details and to browse recent titles that highlight Native American stories. 

November is Family Literacy Month. HCPL recognizes the power of learning together and offers resources that support literacy and learning for everyone in your family. Preparing your little ones for kindergarten is just the first important step in a lifelong journey of education and discovery. Read on for more about kindergarten readiness tips and resources to support literacy in your family’s early years and beyond.

Spooky season is upon us! It’s a time when shadows dip and dance about, when macabre beings bump and twist in the night, and when one can never be too certain that something isn’t lurking—silent and watchful—in some darkened corner.

To draw you fully into spooky season, we’ve gathered a selection of some of our favorite young adult horror, suspense, and thriller novels of the past few years. These stories are not for the faint of heart. Consider yourself warned!

September 15 – October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, and we are marking the occasion with film, craft, and history programs that celebrate the culture and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities. Our month-long celebration will culminate in a Familia Fiesta where we'll paint alebrijes, enjoy music inspired by the life and times of Frida Kahlo, and see a performance from the Richmond-based Tradición Dance Company. Be sure to check out other events happening throughout the month!

As we roll over into a new school year, be sure to check out our upcoming program series with the Richmond SPCA. Whether you are the ulti-mutt dog lover or just starting to look for your new best fur-end, these events are sure to be a real treat. Read on for more details and to find pet-related books that pair paw-somely with these opportunities.

Teens interested in pursuing a career in the arts but aren’t sure how are invited to join us for two upcoming program series where you can meet professionals working in creative fields. Whether you enjoy illustration, or history is more your speed, both series will offer insights into the different opportunities available to those seeking creative careers.

This May and beyond, discover the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans by browsing titles in our collection. Read on for kid, teen, and adult titles that celebrate stories by and about Jewish voices.    

If you thought reading challenges were just for the summer, then think again. Fall is quickly approaching and we’re in the mood for chilly weather and even chillier reads. What better way to welcome the new season than with a spooky reading challenge? If you’re ready to read booo-ks and set new ghouls, we’re inviting everyone (including adults!) to participate in our first ever Haunted Henrico Spooky Reading Challenge. Read on for more details.

Our 2025 Summer Reading Challenge has come to a close, and we want to thank you for a summer full of creativity, connection, and reading. You colored our summer by participating in art-related programs and collaborative library displays, and beat the summer slide by logging millions of minutes in reading. No matter your age, Summer Reading is a fun and helpful tool to set reading and learning goals for ourselves. Congratulations on a great summer! If you participated in Summer Reading and haven’t already taken our survey, please give us your feedback. There’s even a chance to win a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card.

Read on to learn more about your collective accomplishments and this year’s Grand and Branch Prize winners.