Many of us are familiar with Robert Frost as a poet who uses nature as the setting and focus of much of his writing. His poem “A Late Walk” is rich with images of autumn. Frost describes the seasonal transformation of the landscape in the mown field, the covered path, the tangled garden, the sad whir of birds, and the bare trees. The last stanza portrays both memories of the season gone and hope for future seasons that are held in “the faded blue, Of the last remaining aster flower.” Why did Frost choose an aster? Why did he feel such a strong association between the aster and the changing of the seasons? What is so special about this little blue flower? 

For many, a fascination with spooky tales starts young, with simple ghost stories and rhymes. As children age, it can be hard to find books with just the right amount of fright.  Below is a selection of stories for ages 9-12 that might just be the perfect spooky read. 

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, in which we celebrate the contributions of the disabled community to our workforce and the economy. As noted on the Department of Labor’s website, 2021’s theme is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.” One way we can encourage more community involvement and inclusion in the workforce is to read more from self-advocates who are leading the cause in their fields. Read on for some of our recommendations of books to get better acquainted with the disability community.

Do you ever wish you were a character between the covers of your favorite fantasy book, ready to venture forth to experience swords and sorcery firsthand? With Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), one of the world's most popular tabletop role-playing games, you have that chance! Read on for more information about D&D and how to play along at the library, plus some recommended books for beginners and long-time fans of the game!

For the second year in a row, we will feature a family-friendly Spooky Storyline this October. Not-too-scary stories guaranteed to give little ones a slight fright will be available every Wednesday from September 29 to October 27. Read on for details!

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Assistant Library Manager at Varina Library and chair of the HCPL IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism) committee Cristina Ramirez has penned a special guest contribution to our blog. Please read on to discover how you can learn more about Latinx culture and history and the library, and how members of the Latinx community can engage with library resources.

Designed to provide an authentic open mic experience for local writers wishing to read their poems in a public setting, our new virtual program series “From the Page to the Mic” is kicking off this month! Join library staff and local poet and writer Kristina Hamlett on Saturday afternoons in September, October, and November for the opportunity to present poetry and hear the work of both novice and veteran poets read out loud.

This September, and throughout the school year, we’re happy to be able to support our students and learners of all ages with helpful, free resources at the library. All month long, library card replacements are free, and we encourage students to sign up for one! We’re also debuting a new homework help resource, HelpNow, on September 1. Read on for more awesome and free library resources that can help you or the students in your life succeed.

If you’re looking for a mature protagonist in your next read – someone in their golden years who may (or may not!) be ready to retire – then you may want to check out the following books. Romance, friendship, murder, mayhem, and creativity are on offer in these stories featuring older adults.