All Awards

Awarded by the Virginia Association of Counties

Established in 2019, Cook & Book is an ongoing series of monthly programs that connects the local community through food and reading while opening the doors to local businesses to share new recipes and food.  Local Chefs introduce new foods and kitchen techniques, while the library provides related books, cookbooks, and other resources.  Cook & Book engages library users of all ages to learn and experience a variety of cuisines.  It also encourages culinary creativity through different cultural expressions, supporting increased diversity and inclusive programming.  Food has a way of bringing people together, and the Cook & Book program is no exception.  The program provides residents of all ages opportunities to expand their horizons by sampling new foods, building kitchen skills, exploring creativity, and boosting confidence.  With a welcoming setting and a learning environment promoting open discussion and socializing, Cook & Book has consistently resulted in high attendance and participation.

Awarded by the National Association of Counties

To address the nationwide increase in hate crimes directed toward Asian Americans since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Henrico County Public Library (HCPL) and the Asian American Society of Central Virginia (AASoCV) collaborated in late 2022 to develop the Portraits of Immigrant Voices program.  Inspired by the book of the same name, the library hosted a panel discussion for immigrants to share stories from their perspectives and opened the floor for questions.  The program highlighted the experiences of immigrants in Central Virginia and brought the community together.  Participants related their life experiences: the lives they left behind, the challenges they faced, and the successes they have achieved.  The stories exemplified their strength, courage, and resilience, and resulted in a broader understanding, growth, and healing in the community.

Awarded by the National Association of Counties

In an ongoing effort to provide an attractive experiential learning environment for children in grades K-2, Henrico County Public Library’s Glen Allen Branch has created a native plant garden.  This collaboration with several County agencies and volunteer groups, including Keep Henrico Beautiful and Henrico’s Environmental Action Resources Team (H.E.A.R.T.) provides opportunities for children attending library programs to learn about native plants, pollinators, and basic ecology.  In fall of 2024, seven young people from the H.E.A.R.T. Youth Council installed the first plants, focusing on perennials that will come back year after year.  As these plants become established, their varied bloom times and interesting foliage improve the year-round appeal of the garden beds and provide an interactive learning experience for visitors to the library.

Awarded by the National Association of Counties

The Land Lovers Series was established in Henrico County Public Libraries in 2022 in response to the need to raise public awareness and sensitivity to local environmental challenges and to increase participation in the County’s Land Lover Award.  An educational and motivational tool, the award recognizes efforts to improve and maintain environmental sustainability of Henrico County properties.  In this partnership program, presentations are offered at regular intervals throughout the year, free of charge to area residents and business owners on the topics of local ecosystem diversity and best management practices for water quality and soil health.  Presenters are selected based on their ability to speak to these topics with special attention given to practical application.  The series aims to provide knowledge, skills, and motivation for residents to help address community environmental challenges.

Awarded by the Virginia Public Library Directors Association (VPLDA)

Henrico County Public Library received this award at the Virginia Library Association Conference in October of 2024. This new award looks at metrics of library service across Virginia. The achievement of “Gold” highlights the valuable role the library plays in helping people and in building community.