A chill is creeping into the air, leaves are skittering across the ground; it’s official: spooky season is here! Whether you’re a scaredy-cat or a thrill seeker, the library has something for everyone to get into the spooky spirit. However you choose to read this season — bundled up with the lights on or alone in a ghostly graveyard — these titles are sure to send shivers down your spine. Check out these frightening reading recommendations… if you dare!

November is Family Stories Month, a time to gather with family and friends and connect through the power of storytelling. Whether they’re heartbreaking, hilarious, terrifying, or triumphant, stories can unite us and help us understand one another. They can also bridge the gap between generations and teach us about who we are and where we come from. This month—or any month—celebrate and preserve the story of you and your loved ones with recording and digitizing resources available at the library. Read on to learn more!

Learning a new language can feel daunting and intimidating at first, but the benefits are immense and rewarding. Learning a new language can help increase your career opportunities, broaden your travel experiences, and introduce you to a world of new literature and other cultures. According to research, learning a new language can help stimulate your brain, improve your memory, boost your self-esteem, and improve your first language. Henrico County Public Library can support you on your journey to learning a new language. Read on to learn more about some of our resources!

One of the many adventures you can enjoy this summer (and all year) is the game of Dungeons & Dragons. In this collaborative tabletop roleplaying game for all ages, players work together as different characters to defeat monsters, solve puzzles, and ultimately tell a story of their own creation. Dungeons & Dragons has grown in popularity with many recent books, television shows, movies, and podcasts highlighting the game.

Games like Dungeons & Dragons, which focus heavily on teamwork, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, are a great way for peers to engage with one another and work on social skills. Be sure to check out our online calendar or Program Guide for upcoming opportunities to play Dungeons & Dragons at the library!

In the meantime, browse our collection for Dungeons & Dragons-themed books to get you in the spirit of adventure. Read on for a list of some of our recommended titles for children and teens.

What do the 2024 Summer Olympics have in common with our manga collection? More than you think! You’ll find badminton, basketball, cycling, gymnastics, running, soccer, and volleyball on the screen and on our shelves. If you’re a manga fan (or looking to try something new) and are feeling inspired by the summer games, read on for some of the sports-themed manga available at the library. 

That’s a wrap on our 2024 Summer Reading Challenge! Thank you to everyone who read and learned with us. Whether it was diving into books, trying new things, or exploring new places, we think it’s safe to say that this summer was quite an adventure. Read on to learn more about all of your accomplishments.

Now a federal holiday, Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) is when more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom, preceded by the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. Union Troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, on that fateful day in 1865, sharing news of the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery in the United States. We wish everyone a happy Juneteenth full of community and celebration. Read on for recommended reads about Juneteenth from our collection!

We’d like to thank Cheryl Strayed and the community for joining us for an evening of conversation about connection, compassion, conservation, and the natural world. Read on for more about this year’s wonderful All Henrico Reads event!

It’s official: the HCPL Summer Reading Challenge starts this Saturday, June 1. With plenty of programs, prizes, and fun for everyone, let your summer adventures begin at the library! Read on to learn more about this year’s challenge.