Turn the chapter on last year’s literary scenes, and jump into new worlds of adventure with fantasy and science fiction books for teens. Known for crafting incredible worlds of detailed magic or advanced technology, fantasy and science fiction authors can transport you to imaginary territories ripe for exploration. Looking for some fresh excitement in 2025? Enroll in a magical school, spy on a bubbling dystopian revolution, or survive an intergalactic war by traveling to new worlds at your library. Read on for a full list of recommended reads, upcoming otherworldly teen library events, and a handy library resource that can help with future fantasy or science fiction adventuring.

Friendships play a vital role in our lives—especially when we are teenagers. Friends offer connection, adventure, and support. Whether you love meeting new people, prefer one-on-one connections, or feel more comfortable talking to people online, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to friendship. February 11 is “Make a Friend Day,” but we're celebrating all month long. Inspired by the popular early 2000s-style quizzes teens used to take in magazines with their friends, we've created a quiz of our own. Read on to discover your preferred friendship style, and explore personalized YA recommendations featuring stories about friendship!

For Ruth Reichl, food and words have always been linked. “Growing up in my family,” she explained, “You had to have a story at the dinner table. It’s where I learned to write.”

Reichl’s early storytelling training has served her well. One of America’s top culinary voices, Reichl has earned distinctions ranging from the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award to a recent cameo on The Simpsons. A New York Times bestselling author and former Gourmet magazine editor and restaurant critic for The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, Reichl has lived America’s food journey. At All Henrico Reads on March 27, 2025, you’re invited to be part of the experience as Reichl shares insights from her life and her latest book The Paris Novel.

We couldn’t be more grateful to bestselling author Ruth Reichl and the community for making this year’s All Henrico Reads another one for the books! Thank you for joining us for an evening of conversation about food, art, and learning to enjoy life’s pleasures. Read on for more details about this year’s delicious event.

July 4, 2026, will mark the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and in anticipation of this milestone, HCPL is excited to announce a new program series supported, in part, by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250). Using textiles as a lens to explore America’s history both past and present, we invite you to join us for demonstrations, hands-on learning, and presentations from local groups, artists, and historians. Read on for more details about our upcoming Hand Crafted program series.  

We are feeling inspired by this year’s delicious All Henrico Reads title, The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl, and are eager to explore new cuisines, try fresh recipes, and embrace our inner gourmands. While the early definition of gourmand was synonymous with overconsumption, the term has since gained a more positive connotation, thanks to the French. Today, a gourmand is someone who simply appreciates good food and drink. So if the thought of buttery croissants, soft creamy brie, and simmering summer vegetables whet your appetite (or you’re interested in trying all of the above), we recommend reading on to learn more about the art of cooking French food.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, which raises awareness about people living with a developmental disability such as Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and other developmental disabilities. According to the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 6 children have one or more developmental disability.

HCPL has programs and resources throughout the year for people with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. There are also many related items in our collections. Read on to learn more. 

It’s that time of year again when all we want is to stay inside and curl up with a good book. This season, we’re leveling up our cozy with equally cozy mysteries from the library. Cozy mysteries are typically lighthearted, include a quirky cast of characters, feature an amateur sleuth, and leave out the disturbing details that make you want to sleep with the lights on. Best of all, they come in several sub-genres, making it easier to find the right mystery for you. Whether you’re a classic “whodunit” enthusiast (think Agatha Christie), an animal lover, a culinary connoisseur, a history buff, hobbies nerd, or home renovation obsessed, there are plenty of mysteries out there to keep you cozy this winter.

Whether it's stargazing, bird watching, exploring the outdoors, connecting with loved ones, or discovering new books, the library has several curated kits to help kick start activities with friends and family. Read on to learn more about our kits as well as other resources to enjoy with loved ones over the holiday break.