Short Story Day always takes place on the shortest day of the year (of course!). This year it falls on December 21^st. Why celebrate short stories? According to Edgar Allen Poe, they leave the reader with “a sense of the fullest satisfaction.”

Whether you know it as a remix, retelling, or reimagining, stories that incorporate elements from classic tales or well-known legends provide ways for us to explore the “what if.” Retellings, reimaginings, and remixes all provide us with a somewhat familiar set-up, but have a modern twist, be it setting or otherwise. From retellings of Greek mythology to remixes of Jane Austen, the books below provide an example of the wide range of retellings we have in our teen collection. Happy reading!

Ever wondered what a Krusty Burger tastes like? What about Buddy the Elf’s Breakfast Pasta?

Luckily for our taste buds, creative chefs have compiled, created, and in some cases re-created, recipe collections of famous foods from cinema and television. From The Simpsons’ fast food to Downton Abbey feasts, from Hogwarts feast hall to The Sopranos’ New Jersey family table, our library cookbook collection has titles for any fan’s delectation.

As days get shorter and nights get longer, many of us will spend more time at home to escape the growing darkness and chill of autumn as it transitions into winter.  How can we make our time at home more comfortable and relaxing?  Make hygge like the Danes do!  

Whether you’re ready to visit the theatre or love watching from your couch, there are television and movie adaptations of some of our favorite titles to look forward to this fall and into 2022. Despite some productions being delayed, it’s never too early to start keeping tabs and looking for news to build up the anticipation. Take a look at just some of the options below, and make sure to check out their book counterparts at any Henrico library location!

November is Picture Book Month.  We are celebrating these powerful stories, when an engaging text is paired with art that both enhances and elucidates the story line.  Keep reading for some expert tips on getting started with reading picture books together with the little ones in your life, plus some recommended titles!

November is Native American Heritage Month! We’ve compiled a selection of books by Indigenous authors and illustrators to help you learn and celebrate. 

Pets, Pets, Pets!!! In celebration of our Summer Reading Program, “Tails and Tales,” we have some wonderful books about amazing pets for you to check out. In these fun tales you can learn how Arthur adopts an adorable pet puppy, Norman the goldfish becomes the perfect pet and an adventurous pup meets a high-energy toddler!

Research shows that spending time outdoors has many benefits for people of all ages, including better overall health, and lower stress levels. One good way to realize those benefits and connect with nature is to go on a hike. Whether it’s planning a stroll through a local park or exploring a new hiking trail further afield, we have resources for every age that can help you make great choices and get excited about spending time outside.