Do you ever wish you were a character between the covers of your favorite fantasy book, ready to venture forth to experience swords and sorcery firsthand? With Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), one of the world's most popular tabletop role-playing games, you have that chance! Read on for more information about D&D and how to play along at the library, plus some recommended books for beginners and long-time fans of the game!

School is out, it’s officially summer, and we are gearing up for the launch of our 2025 Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s theme —“Color Our World”— is a celebration of the many ways both art and reading can connect us to one another and enrich our lives. Starting June 1, we invite you to join us for a summer full of reading, art, and creativity. Read on to learn more about this year’s challenge and upcoming events!

Happy National Cookbook Month! As the weather begins to cool off, we look forward to cozying up indoors and cooking with family and friends. And while many of us now turn to our phones and social media for recipes, why not skip the ads and flip through an old-school cookbook instead? Our collection includes cookbooks for everyone in the family. Read on for a selection of kid, teen, and adult titles as well as delicious programs coming up this fall.

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month starts next week, and we look forward to commemorating the occasion with films, book discussions, and a variety of programs. Listen to the sitar, learn to play Mahjong, practice the art of suminagashi (paper marbling), and much more. Read on for details about upcoming events and recommended AAPI titles from our collection. We hope you will join us for the festivities!

May is Older Americans Month. Since 1963, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) has led a national campaign to honor the contributions of older adults to their communities. To commemorate, we are highlighting some of the many HCPL programs and resources that may be of interest to older adults.

Starting a business is an exciting opportunity to share your passion and skills with the community. HCPL is here to connect you to resources as you research, plan, and set goals for your business. Read on to learn more about upcoming programs, library databases, and local organizations that can help support your entrepreneurial endeavors.

In this year’s All Henrico Reads title, The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl, the impulsive purchase of a vintage Dior dress sparks a journey of self-discovery and adventure in Paris. For practical and predictable main character Stella, the dress encourages her to see herself in a new light and envision a life beyond anything she’d previously imagined. And while Dior may not be in the budget for most, fashion is much more than runway looks and expensive designer labels. It is how we present ourselves to the world; it is a vehicle for personal expression. Clothing has the power to boost our confidence and give us the courage to live deliciously.

Hear more about Stella’s story and living deliciously from author Ruth Reichl, who will join us for an in-person conversation and book signing on Thursday, March 27 at 7PM at the Henrico Sports & Events Center!

If you’re a teen who enjoys history and the arts but aren’t sure about next steps after graduation, HCPL invites you to learn more about career opportunities in conservation and historic trades in a panel discussion with Historic Richmond. Read on to learn more about the panel and related titles from our collection.

Nearly two hundred years ago, the first permanent photograph was taken by Frenchman Joseph Niépce of the view outside his window. Today, during National Photography Month, we celebrate the advancement of the medium. Once an expensive and cumbersome hobby or trade, the development of point-and-shoot and smartphone cameras has made photography accessible to many, allowing people from around the world to share their perspectives and stories through imagery.

Amateurs and professionals alike can find photographic inspiration at the library. Read on to learn more about our photography workshops, how to check out equipment for in-library use, and our extensive photo book collection. Happy snapping to all the photographers out there!