If you thought reading challenges were just for the summer, then think again. Fall is quickly approaching and we’re in the mood for chilly weather and even chillier reads. What better way to welcome the new season than with a spooky reading challenge? If you’re ready to read booo-ks and set new ghouls, we’re inviting everyone (including adults!) to participate in our first ever Haunted Henrico Spooky Reading Challenge. Read on for more details.
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.
New Season, New Beginnings
Labor Day has come and gone, summer is slipping away, and we are on the verge of a new season. As we transition into fall, we find ourselves reflecting on new beginnings and the feelings of excitement and nervousness that often come along with change. Thankfully, our recent PR intern, Shishira, left us with some words of wisdom and a list of books to help us navigate what lies ahead. Read on for more.
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.
Reducing Our Impact
In the spirit of this year's All Henrico Reads theme, “Conservation, Connection, and Compassion: Wellness and the Natural World,” we are considering our connection to the world and ways we can preserve its health for future generations.
The Library is continuing to implement more sustainable building designs and currently has five LEED certified locations. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized system that certifies buildings as green or sustainable. Buildings that meet LEED requirements save money and water, use fewer building materials, and consume less energy—all great things for us and the future of the planet! Read on to learn more about how the library is working to reduce its impact and for recommended reads about how you can do the same.
Did You Know: Movies, Television & Streaming
The library isn’t just for books and reading! Use your library card to check out movies, documentaries, television shows on DVD, or use Hoopla to stream directly to the device of your choice.
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.