Storytimes have always been vehicles for fostering early literacy skills, and they can help with your child(ren)’s social emotional development too. Many parents and caregivers seek to instill a love of reading to give their little ones a boost with future academics, but social competency also factors into success both in and outside of school. Children need opportunities to identify and manage their emotions, to practice setting goals, to show compassion towards others, to form meaningful relationships, and to make responsible decisions, all of which libraries can help provide. Read on to learn more about library storytimes and recommended titles geared toward early social emotional development.

This year’s Summer Reading theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” and we couldn’t agree more! HCPL is the perfect place to plan your next adventure. There are plenty of fun places to explore in Richmond, throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the greater Mid-Atlantic region. Read on for recommendations and learn more about resources to help you plan your next local adventure.

One of the many adventures you can enjoy this summer (and all year) is the game of Dungeons & Dragons. In this collaborative tabletop roleplaying game for all ages, players work together as different characters to defeat monsters, solve puzzles, and ultimately tell a story of their own creation. Dungeons & Dragons has grown in popularity with many recent books, television shows, movies, and podcasts highlighting the game.

Games like Dungeons & Dragons, which focus heavily on teamwork, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, are a great way for peers to engage with one another and work on social skills. Be sure to check out our online calendar or Program Guide for upcoming opportunities to play Dungeons & Dragons at the library!

In the meantime, browse our collection for Dungeons & Dragons-themed books to get you in the spirit of adventure. Read on for a list of some of our recommended titles for children and teens.

What do the 2024 Summer Olympics have in common with our manga collection? More than you think! You’ll find badminton, basketball, cycling, gymnastics, running, soccer, and volleyball on the screen and on our shelves. If you’re a manga fan (or looking to try something new) and are feeling inspired by the summer games, read on for some of the sports-themed manga available at the library. 

Whether it’s a destination at the top of your bucket list or a place you’re curious about but would never visit, discover a book about it in the library’s collection of unique travel titles. Who knows? Maybe a great book will open your eyes to a surprising destination for your next real-life trip. Adventure awaits you at the library!

That’s a wrap on our 2024 Summer Reading Challenge! Thank you to everyone who read and learned with us. Whether it was diving into books, trying new things, or exploring new places, we think it’s safe to say that this summer was quite an adventure. Read on to learn more about all of your accomplishments.

Now a federal holiday, Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) is when more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom, preceded by the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. Union Troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, on that fateful day in 1865, sharing news of the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery in the United States. We wish everyone a happy Juneteenth full of community and celebration. Read on for recommended reads about Juneteenth from our collection!

We’d like to thank Cheryl Strayed and the community for joining us for an evening of conversation about connection, compassion, conservation, and the natural world. Read on for more about this year’s wonderful All Henrico Reads event!

It’s official: the HCPL Summer Reading Challenge starts this Saturday, June 1. With plenty of programs, prizes, and fun for everyone, let your summer adventures begin at the library! Read on to learn more about this year’s challenge.