Did you know that our Area Libraries offer a variety of computer and digital media classes that are completely free to library cardholders? Whether you need the basics or want to learn more advanced skills and software, we have resources to support you in your personal and professional development. Read on to learn more about our offerings. 

Have you been wanting to trace your family’s history? Getting started can be a daunting process, and with the recent release of 1950s census data, there is more information to uncover than ever! But did you know that your library card gives you free access to genealogy resources? From databases, to books, to helpful guides, there are numerous tools to make the process more approachable.

It’s holiday time once again! Whether you celebrate Chanukah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa, consider making your celebration more special by making it a DIY holiday. In the Kwanzaa tradition, the exchange of gifts should be an experience without stress, creating appreciation for both giver and receiver. Handcrafting gifts, decorations, and meals for your home and gatherings sends a message of consideration and love. The Library offers a variety of resources for creating a unique and personal experience this holiday season.

There are lots of book clubs out there now, and there's more than one way to run a successful one.  From selecting a title befitting your group, to developing meaningful discussion prompts, the library can support you every step of the way.

March is Women’s History Month! In addition to our All Henrico Reads title, The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford, to celebrate, we’re browsing hundreds of inspiring narratives about women, including Virginia’s own female trailblazers, in our extensive collection of biographies, nonfiction, and databases. Read on to learn more!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the library is offering programs for stress management, self-care, and mindfulness to help support your personal wellbeing. You can also access helpful information and resources on a variety of mental health topics through the library’s collection and databases. Read on for information about programs supporting wellness and mindfulness, books from our collection that address mental health, and resources with high quality information on mental health topics, all available free at the library this month and every month.

Meditation and yoga are good for your body and mind! According to the Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health, the benefits of meditation can include reduced stress, anxiety, depression, and blood pressure. It can also improve your self-awareness and tolerance for negative emotions and situations. Furthermore, you can combine meditation with yoga to help increase your strength and flexibility and foster mindfulness. Learn more about kick-starting your meditation and yoga practice with book recommendations and resources available at the library!

Food is a common thread that unites humanity. Beyond sustenance, food teaches us about identity, history, community, and culture. When we share our food, we share our roots. In the words of renowned American chef James Beard, “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” And, as culinary historian Michael Twitty wrote, “...your plate is your flag.” While our foodways may vary, the experience of gathering around food is one to which we can all relate. Read on to explore titles that nourish the mind, body, and soul and teach us about food: its history, its many forms, and most importantly, its ability to connect us all.

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, so stop by a library near you to pick up your most essential school supply. You may be surprised to find that your card gives you access to much more than books (although we have thousands of those too!). Register today and start taking advantage of all that’s available to you with an HCPL library card.