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.

A chill is creeping into the air, leaves are skittering across the ground; it’s official: spooky season is here! Whether you’re a scaredy-cat or a thrill seeker, the library has something for everyone to get into the spooky spirit. However you choose to read this season — bundled up with the lights on or alone in a ghostly graveyard — these titles are sure to send shivers down your spine. Check out these frightening reading recommendations… if you dare!

November is Family Stories Month, a time to gather with family and friends and connect through the power of storytelling. Whether they’re heartbreaking, hilarious, terrifying, or triumphant, stories can unite us and help us understand one another. They can also bridge the gap between generations and teach us about who we are and where we come from. This month—or any month—celebrate and preserve the story of you and your loved ones with recording and digitizing resources available at the library. Read on to learn more!

Learning a new language can feel daunting and intimidating at first, but the benefits are immense and rewarding. Learning a new language can help increase your career opportunities, broaden your travel experiences, and introduce you to a world of new literature and other cultures. According to research, learning a new language can help stimulate your brain, improve your memory, boost your self-esteem, and improve your first language. Henrico County Public Library can support you on your journey to learning a new language. Read on to learn more about some of our resources!

Did you love Cheryl Strayed’s Wild but aren’t ready to hop on the Pacific Crest Trail yourself? One of the easiest ways to travel is from the safety of a book. Armchair adventures abound within the doors of your local Henrico library. Some of these adventures are unlimited by time, space, the rules of physics, or any other bases of reality.  Others are real world quests to find riches, new lands, healing, or the meaning of life itself.  Perhaps one of these works will inspire you in your own life’s quest.

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.