All Richmond Public Library locations are open beginning July 6, 2020. Visit our Reopening Page to learn more before your visit.  
Libraries are where it all begins.
Rita Dove

Greening the Libraries


July 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
Broad Rock, West End, North Avenue

The James River Association and Richmond Public Libraries are soliciting input from the public on green infrastructure practices to be installed at North Avenue Branch Library, West End Branch Library, and Broad Rock Branch Library. In-person charrettes will be held at each library and will include a tour of the library grounds. Virtual charrettes will be facilitated by James River Association staff members via Zoom.

Library Reopening


July 6
All Libraries

All Richmond Public Libraries will be opening on July 6, 2020 with some important changes to consider before your visit. Learn about our available services, procedures, health guidelines and more at our Reopening Page. Our Curbside Pickup service will end on Thursday, July 2, 2020.

Summer Reading 2020


June 13 - August 28

Join our summer adventure and start exploring! It's fun for all ages with visual storytimes, virtual programs, STEAM Kits and more. Check out the Summer Reading page to learn more about what's happening this year and how to get started.

Master Gardener Virtual Help Desk



Online

Get gardening help from Master Gardeners through our virtual help desk! Simply post your question through our online form, and a Master Gardener will get in touch. And browse our question and answer board for more gardening tips and tricks straight from the masters.

Art Exhibits – Virtual Galleries



Online

Check out our newly expanded Art Exhibits page. We've brought our exhibits online with our new virtual galleries. Browse this month's exhibiting artists and their selected pieces and learn more about their work's inspiration.

Latest from the Blog

10 Jul
06 Jul
02 Jul

COVID Haiku

Laura Price

Posted in Poetry | Writing |

Gentle, dappled light,Through semi-shaded windows,Waiting for someone.Eyes above the masks,Fearful yet still hopeful--Can I be of help?Masks cannot obscureSmiles and grins and gladness.We are glad you’re here!Someone approaches--“I’m so happy you’re ok.We missed you, you know.”“We missed you as well!”My heartfelt yet sad reply.Who might not return?...

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Jul
10

Browsing the New Book Shelves: new nonfiction books about your brain

Meg Raymond

Posted in Book Reviews | nonfiction | Reading Recommendations |

At Richmond Public Library, you can always peruse the Latest Releases page on the library’s website, and now that we've moved into the next phase of limited re-opening, the new book shelves will be available for browsing again. But still, sometimes you want your options a little more … curated. We can do that! Your library has some great new books on the brain science behind many of our common problems, pitfalls, and other characteristics dictated by our unique brain che...

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Jul
06

The Declaration of Independence Today

Kathy Coker

Posted in Book Reviews |

On July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. However, the legal separation from England actually happened on July 2, 1776, when the delegates to the congress approved Virginia native Richard Henry Lee’s resolution stating the thirteen colonies were "free and independent States," no longer part of the British Empire. After the delegates voted for independence, a Committee of Five drafted the Declaration of Ind...

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Jul
02