The study of genealogy and family history is a great way to connect with the past, and the library offers a variety of high-quality genealogical resources online. There are many reasons to research family history, but most of all it is a fun puzzle. When you dive down the research rabbit hole, you not only learn about your own family, but about the period they lived in.

One of the very best things about books is that they can take us to amazing places without having to ever leave home. What’s even better is that we can use our own imaginations to create those places and take other people there with our own writing. Whether the stories you create are long or short doesn’t matter—what matters is that you have the power to take people to other places and times with your words alone.

We really love audiobooks here at HCPL, and have shared in the past some of our favorite narrators and audiobooks to make you laugh. When listening, it is easy to be carried away… swept up in the tale and transported by the storyteller. This time we are sharing some of our favorite stories, new and old, that take on a new life when read aloud.

Our Teen Services Librarians put together a list of some of the library’s online resources that are particularly helpful for teens. You can get free online tutoring and help with assignments and test prep, learn about health and wellness, keep up with your reading goals, and even earn community service credit from the library – all online!

The library offers eBooks and audiobooks that you can access online and enjoy on all kinds of devices. Read on to learn more about how to get started, and how to find eBooks, audiobooks, e-magazines, and children’s books that fit your interests - free from HCPL.

Even though we can’t be together in the physical library temporarily, our children’s librarians want you and your family to know that we are doing everything we can to help you weather this moment.

Update 3/21:

Henrico County has created an online resource with information about the coronavirus, including the number for the Virginia Department of Health call center, and other helpful links.  You can access that resource here.  It will be updated regularly.  We are following the County’s lead in its response to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.  

Whether you want a tale with a villain who plays mind games, an atmospheric spy novel, or an obsession-fraught love story, we have recommendations for books that will keep you turning the pages. Stop by your local library to check out the thriller you’ve been craving!

The Paws to R.E.A.D.® (Reading Education Assistance Dog) program brings young people and dogs together to practice reading! You can read to a certified therapy dog each month at Gayton and Varina libraries.