There are lots of ways to find new favorite authors. At the library you can always ask a librarian for suggestions, or request a book list through My Next Read, but sometimes it feels like a lot to commit to a whole novel. Short stories are a great way to try an author's work and get a taste of their style in a single sitting!  

Our Staff Picks lists are here! Whether you’re looking for new books to add to your TBR list or great titles to gift this holiday season, below you’ll find our favorite books we've read this year. Be sure to also check out our favorite Teen and Children’s reads too. We hope you enjoy these lists as much as we enjoy compiling them!

Explore our staff's favorite Children's titles read this year for an array of books to share with your little one! The Kids page on our website is another great resource and includes reading lists by age and grade, a link to our My Next Read service, information about our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge, and more. Of course, should ever need assistance or recommendations, you can always call or visit!

Be sure to check out our Staff Picks lists for Adults and Teens as well to find new reads for the whole family!

Our staff read across all genres and have a wide selection of teen titles to recommend this year. So whether you enjoy fantasy, romance, graphic novels, history, sci-fi, or realistic fiction, we hope there’s something for everyone in the titles listed below! And while you’re reading, why not earn prizes too? Check out our 100 Books Before Graduation Challenge page to learn more.

There are lots of book clubs out there now, and there's more than one way to run a successful one.  From selecting a title befitting your group, to developing meaningful discussion prompts, the library can support you every step of the way.

It’s holiday time once again! Whether you celebrate Chanukah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa, consider making your celebration more special by making it a DIY holiday. In the Kwanzaa tradition, the exchange of gifts should be an experience without stress, creating appreciation for both giver and receiver. Handcrafting gifts, decorations, and meals for your home and gatherings sends a message of consideration and love. The Library offers a variety of resources for creating a unique and personal experience this holiday season.

Whether in the sweltering heat of summer, or the blustery cold of winter, Libraries offer a comfortable indoor refuge from the elements, and supplies you can take home to enjoy the great indoors.  Read on for some of our recommended winter offerings to help you make the most of cozy season!

The Great Depression was a tumultuous, decade-long crisis that brought challenging times to thousands of families across the country. It was also a period marked by resourcefulness and perseverance. Explore the history and pastimes of the Depression era in our 1930s Open House, a series of programs for all ages taking place throughout the day on Saturday, December 3 at Varina Area Library, hosted in partnership with the History Division of Henrico Recreation and Parks.

Alzheimer’s Day in RVA is November 15, and the library is working to help raise awareness about Alzheimer’s by sharing resources and promoting an upcoming author event sponsored by the Rick Sharp Alzheimer’s Foundation: author Lisa Genova, Live! You can check out Lisa’s books at the library, as well as a variety of resources related to memory care, Alzheimer’s, and dementia.  If you want more information about Alzheimer’s, read on for ways you can connect with resources at the library and beyond.