HCPL Tour Series #7: Tuckahoe

This October, Tuckahoe Area Library marks two decades of creating community, exploring new ideas, promoting reading, and more. So we’re picking up where we left off with our HCPL Library Tour series, which takes a closer look at our different library locations. Read on to learn more about the history of Tuckahoe, its unique features, and its impact on both patrons and staff. 

HISTORY

Tuckahoe Area Library opened its current location at 1901 Starling Drive on October 8, 2006. It replaced the previous Tuckahoe library facility on Fargo Road built in 1971, which now houses Henrico County Public Library’s Administrative Offices. With this move, Tuckahoe increased in size from 32,000 square feet to 53,000 square feet.

Tuckahoe is unique among our other libraries because it houses Henrico County’s only public law library. The Joseph P. Rapisarda, Jr. Law Collection, located on Tuckahoe’s lower level, is named after the former Henrico County Attorney, and has been serving Henrico County’s government and citizens since 1977. Here you can also explore HCPL’s only collection of microfilm!

WHAT PATRONS SAY:

When asked what they loved about Tuckahoe, patrons shared:

• I love the librarians’ energy!
• Tuckahoe has awesome books, a calm and serene ambiance, and helpful librarians!
• It is a safe, quiet space and there are lots of books.
• It’s a quiet and chill place to hang out.
• The big windows!
• This is the nicest library I've been to. It's beautiful, it's quiet, and it always has the best selection of books! 

WHAT STAFF SAY:

Staff love it here too! Here’s what they shared about their experience working at Tuckahoe:

• What do you love most about working at Tuckahoe?
  • “I am so lucky to have a job I love and enjoy coming to each and every day.  My co-workers make it such a wonderful experience, and being able to provide services to our community is a terrific feeling.” – Tori N.
  • “I love that we’re busy, with so many in our community to take advantage of all we have to offer. From storytimes and programs for kids, teens, and adults of all ages, to the books and many resources we provide, every day is different and never boring! I also love that the staff here is a tight team, enabling us to serve our community better.” – Amy C.
  • “Tuckahoe's vast collection of books/periodicals/DVDs, ample seating, and accessibility to nature (behind the building) are what make working at Tuckahoe so amazing. Tuckahoe is a wonderful community hub with lots of resources and materials for local patrons and visiting guests alike!” – Naila P.

• What makes Tuckahoe unique? 
  • “Our view of the pond in the back, we get to see a lot beautiful wildlife.” – Gavin H.
  • Several staff commented on Tuckahoe’s location and diverse community:
    • “We have customers who have lived in Henrico all or most of their lives, as well as many who have moved here from across the U.S. and world.” – Amy C.
    • “It is like we can go around the world without ever leaving the building.” – Gary C.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

We hope you’ll join us throughout the month for these programs:

• Happy Birthday, Tuckahoe! Literary Trivia for Adults
  • Thursday, October 22, 2-3:30PM at Tuckahoe
    Enjoy an afternoon of literary trivia and light refreshments. 
    
    
• Happy Birthday, Tuckahoe! Cupcake Party & DIY Bookmarks for Teens
  • Friday, October 23, 4-5PM at Tuckahoe
    Enjoy a birthday cupcake, then create unique bookmarks to swap or keep for yourself. All materials provided. Cupcakes available while supplies last.