What makes a book a “classic?” Does it have to be published before, say, 1900? Or maybe it has to be recognized as a “classic,” part of the canon of great literature? Perhaps some feel “classics” must be at least 500 pages, hard to summarize, and boring to most people. Not so! Classics are books that endure beyond the time of their creation and, usually, their creators.

While travel broadens the mind, our bank accounts can’t always support our wanderlust. Thankfully, there is great literature written by people from faraway places and different cultures, which is nearly if not as stimulating!

Great travel writing can help you plan a trip, teach you more about the world, or transport you for the afternoon. Browse HCPL’s travel guides to imagine destinations you might not otherwise consider or research an epic staycation, challenging yourself to see central Virginia with new eyes.

Hobbies are exceptionally good for you. According to the National Institute on Aging, hobbies help to keep our brains working as we age and can help foster social connection Delving into something you enjoy fully can help re-focus our attention in ways that relieve stress and tension.

This summer, we’d like to challenge you to explore the farthest reaches of your imagination with us at the Library. Our 2019 Summer Reading challenge, A Universe of Stories, makes it easier than ever to earn rewards for indulging your curiosity. The challenge launches June 3 and runs through August 31. This year, you can customize your experience by earning badges for a mix of reading and other learning activities, like attending library programs and getting out in the community. 

With historical fiction, you can be anywhere at any time in history, guided by talented writers who can combine a good story with extensive research. You see historical events through the eyes of people who were there. It’s a great way to learn history at any age, and it helps young people learn that history is about more than memorizing dates for a test.

Few writers are better positioned than poets to capture and illuminate the fleeting moments, memories, and emotions that make up a life. This April in honor of National Poetry Month, immerse yourself in one of the following memoirs. Each title reflects the thoughts of a particular American poet on the subject of a life well-lived.

Lisa Scottoline’s talk this Wednesday at Glen Allen High School was the perfect culmination of this year’s All Henrico Reads. We hope you had as much fun as we did!

With All Henrico Reads just 10 days away, we are getting excited to meet Lisa Scottoline and we hope you are too! Henrico library staff are loving After Anna and we have some suggestions of what to read next.