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Continuing Education Workshops for Child Care Providers

Learn about different childhood development topics, discover new resources, meet other caregivers, and earn continuing education credit at the library's Child Care Provider workshops. Past topics have ranged from creating inclusive environments to childhood brain development. This fall, we’re exploring book activities, nutrition, speech development, and social emotional learning. Read on for more details.   

Library Card Sign-up Month

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the American Library Association and libraries across the country unite to promote the benefits of having a library card. We believe a library card provides endless possibilities for everyone to read, learn, connect, and grow. Whether you're a little one working on literacy skills, a student returning to school this fall, a professional seeking new opportunities, or a retiree interested in socializing and pursuing a hobby, the library provides countless resources to support your needs. Read on to learn more about how to get a card and what a card can do for you.

Top Six Library Resources for Students

Backpack? Check. School supplies? Check. First day outfit? Narrowed down to two options. We know those back-to-school checklists can be daunting, but the library is here for you and your family as you kick off another academic year. A library card gives you free access to several resources and, in our opinion, is your number one school supply! Read on for our top six library resources for students.

Birding at HCPL

We’re gearing up for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count, so whether you're an amateur or an expert, we're inviting bird enthusiasts of all ages and levels of experience to join us at the library this February! Read on to learn more about upcoming birding programs, related resources, and some of our favorite titles about birds from the collection.

2025 Summer Reading Wrap-Up

Our 2025 Summer Reading Challenge has come to a close, and we want to thank you for a summer full of creativity, connection, and reading. You colored our summer by participating in art-related programs and collaborative library displays, and beat the summer slide by logging millions of minutes in reading. No matter your age, Summer Reading is a fun and helpful tool to set reading and learning goals for ourselves. Congratulations on a great summer! If you participated in Summer Reading and haven’t already taken our survey, please give us your feedback. There’s even a chance to win a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card.

Read on to learn more about your collective accomplishments and this year’s Grand and Branch Prize winners.

Black History Month 2023

We're gearing up for a full month of Black History programs, displays, and reading in February. Explore contemporary local street art with Hamilton Glass, learn about Emancipation Towns in our region, research your family’s history with the African American Genealogical Society of Central Virginia, taste soul food from a celebrated local chef, discuss Black authors and filmmakers, enjoy theatrical performances with your little ones, and so much more. No matter your interests, we are offering a way for you to engage with Black History and culture this month at the Library.

August Programs at HCPL

Come enjoy the last days of summer with some fun learning opportunities at the library! You can watch a movie with us, create a craft, meditate, catch a concert, share stories, improve your financial literacy, celebrate our furry friends, and much more this coming month. Read on to see some highlights from our August program offerings.

2022 Summer Reading Wrap-Up

That's a wrap! Summer Reading has come to a close and we can't thank you enough for reading with us. Whether you explored new books, programs, or challenges (or all of the above), we hope you enjoyed diving into oceans of possibilities at the Library. Read on to get some final Summer Reading stats and view our grand prize winners.

Explore the Great Outdoors!

Step away from the screen, go beyond your stairs, and explore the great outdoors! Studies show there are several benefits to being outside. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Proximity to greenspace has been associated with lower levels of stress and reduced symptomatology for depression and anxiety, while interacting with nature can improve cognition for children with attention deficits and individuals with depression.” Other advantages include reduced fatigue, greater self-awareness, increased creativity and more. Warmer weather is here, so whether you enjoy biking, camping, or just feeling the grass between your toes, be sure to celebrate National Great Outdoors Month! Read on for book recommendations, ideas, and library resources.