The winter solstice is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the Earth's axis is tilted the farthest away from the sun in the Northern Hemisphere and closest to the sun in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. The winter solstice usually takes place on December 20 or 21.

Soccer, robots, mad scientists, and more, this year we read about all kinds of characters, worlds, and real-life wonders. Read on to see what we enjoyed most in 2025! Plus, be sure to check out our Staff Picks lists for teens and adults too.

As we enter the holiday season and near closer to the start of winter, we find ourselves eager to cozy up indoors, get a little crafty, and enjoy culinary comforts with friends and family. If you find yourselves feeling the same, then we hope you will join us to create and celebrate over the coming weeks. Read on to learn more about upcoming events and highlights from our collection.

November is Family Literacy Month. HCPL recognizes the power of learning together and offers resources that support literacy and learning for everyone in your family. Preparing your little ones for kindergarten is just the first important step in a lifelong journey of education and discovery. Read on for more about kindergarten readiness tips and resources to support literacy in your family’s early years and beyond.

Commemorate Native American Heritage Month with the library! Catch a film, join a book discussion, and learn about regional Indigenous culture and history. Read on for program details and to browse recent titles that highlight Native American stories. 

Calling all young creators! The library offers its youngest patrons multiple outlets for their creative endeavors. One of our newest art series for kids is the Young Art Explorers Club at Tuckahoe Library. This program is designed to introduce children, grades 3-5, to the fascinating world of art through fun, hands-on projects inspired by stories of famous artists from around the world. Read on to learn more about this new offering and other regular children’s art programs at the library.

If you thought reading challenges were just for the summer, then think again. Fall is quickly approaching and we’re in the mood for chilly weather and even chillier reads. What better way to welcome the new season than with a spooky reading challenge? If you’re ready to read booo-ks and set new ghouls, we’re inviting everyone (including adults!) to participate in our first ever Haunted Henrico Spooky Reading Challenge. Read on for more details.

September 15 – October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, and we are marking the occasion with film, craft, and history programs that celebrate the culture and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities. Our month-long celebration will culminate in a Familia Fiesta where we'll paint alebrijes, enjoy music inspired by the life and times of Frida Kahlo, and see a performance from the Richmond-based Tradición Dance Company. Be sure to check out other events happening throughout the month!

Labor Day has come and gone, summer is slipping away, and we are on the verge of a new season. As we transition into fall, we find ourselves reflecting on new beginnings and the feelings of excitement and nervousness that often come along with change. Thankfully, our recent PR intern, Shishira, left us with some words of wisdom and a list of books to help us navigate what lies ahead. Read on for more.