May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the library is offering programs for stress management, self-care, and mindfulness to help support your personal wellbeing. You can also access helpful information and resources on a variety of mental health topics through the library’s collection and databases. Read on for information about programs supporting wellness and mindfulness, books from our collection that address mental health, and resources with high quality information on mental health topics, all available free at the library this month and every month.

Meditation and yoga are good for your body and mind! According to the Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health, the benefits of meditation can include reduced stress, anxiety, depression, and blood pressure. It can also improve your self-awareness and tolerance for negative emotions and situations. Furthermore, you can combine meditation with yoga to help increase your strength and flexibility and foster mindfulness. Learn more about kick-starting your meditation and yoga practice with book recommendations and resources available at the library!

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.

School is back in session, and we just want to remind all the hard-working students out there that the library has your back! Between academic workloads, outside-of-school responsibilities, and planning for the future, we know you juggle a lot. We’re here to help, in-person or online, so that you can have a successful year. Read on to learn more about resources available to you at the library.

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!

Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 as a way to advocate for the millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Every May and beyond, organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) work to educate the public, extend support, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. With one in five adults experiencing mental illness each year [NAMI], HCPL recognizes the importance mental health plays in our overall wellness. Read on to learn more about library resources that can help you find the information you need.

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!