We’re gearing up for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count, so whether you're an amateur or an expert, we're inviting bird enthusiasts of all ages and levels of experience to join us at the library this February! Read on to learn more about upcoming birding programs, related resources, and some of our favorite titles about birds from the collection.

We're gearing up for a full month of Black History programs, displays, and reading in February. Explore contemporary local street art with Hamilton Glass, learn about Emancipation Towns in our region, research your family’s history with the African American Genealogical Society of Central Virginia, taste soul food from a celebrated local chef, discuss Black authors and filmmakers, enjoy theatrical performances with your little ones, and so much more. No matter your interests, we are offering a way for you to engage with Black History and culture this month at the Library.

Get to know all of our library locations through our new Library Tour blog series! Each post will highlight a different HCPL location and its unique features. To kick things off, we’re highlighting the Sandston Branch Library. As the first public library in Henrico with an upcoming 100^th Anniversary, Sandston seemed like the perfect place to start our tour. Read on to learn more about Sandston and how you can celebrate its 100 years!

Make the most of the winter cozy season by bringing home a cozy mystery! Cozy mysteries are perfect for curling up in a warm blanket with a hot beverage. What makes a mystery cozy? Read on to find out!

Storytimes are a wonderful way to introduce books and the joy of reading to your little ones. They help build early literacy skills and acquaint young readers with their library and community. At HCPL, we recognize that young readers have different needs and abilities, and our goal is to help each reader find the right fit. Read on to learn more about the Library’s storytime offerings including the new Adaptive Storytime!

All Henrico Reads, our signature author event, returns in 2023 with bestselling and award-winning author Jamie Ford, who will discuss his newest novel The Many Daughters of Afong Moy at J.R. Tucker High School on March 30 at 7 p.m.  The community is invited to gather together to learn more about this thought-provoking work as the event returns to an in-person author discussion with an opportunity for Q&A with the author, book sales from Fountain Books, and a book signing.  Book discussion groups about Mr. Ford’s novel begin at library locations across the county next month.  Read on to learn more about the book and how you can get involved with this all-community read.

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!