Richmond Public Library is your public library. Although books are in our DNA, public libraries of today are so much more. In the spirit of holiday giving, we are presenting (see what we did there?) a series of blog posts highlighting all of the resources available to you — in the library, or at home — to become a Richmond Public Library power user. All you need is a library card. Don’t have a library card? Find out how to get one here.
Your library card is good at all nine RPL locations. Search the catalog to find titles, or ask at any service desk. You can place holds online, or ask a friendly RPL staff member for assistance. When you’ve found things to check out, you can use the self check out kiosks, or ask for help at any service desk — we love to help library users, so don’t be shy! All items check out for two weeks, and will automatically renew if there are no holds. RPL does not charge overdue fines, just for lost or damaged items.
You can also log in to your account online to renew items, check holds, and more. Pro tip: you can suspend holds so they don’t all come in at once. You can suspend your holds yourself, or ask RPL staff for assistance.
Did you know that you can return items to any Richmond Public Library location? RPL has nine library branches, one in each Richmond voting district. All branches have after-hours book drops, too.
When you stop by a Richmond Public Library branch, be sure to check out the book displays! You will find the newest books, or peruse curated book choices in thematic or seasonal displays.
If you need more suggestions, Richmond Public Library can help! Try NoveList Plus, one of RPL’s premium online resources. Perfect for avid readers looking for read-alikes or specific recommendations. NoveList Plus also includes BookChat — a quick, text-based suggestion service. You want more? Richmond Public Library has more! Take a look at the RPL Readers page for a plethora of themed book lists – something for every taste! Still not enough? No worries! Ask The Bookologist for a hand-crafted, on demand, “bespoke” book suggestion list just for you! No algorithim or canned suggestions, but hand-selected by RPL staff.
And, you want something really specific that Richmond Public Library doesn’t own? You have options! If it’s a new(ish) or popular title, use the Suggest a Title for Purchase form. Include your library barcode and email, and you’ll be notified if RPL acquires the titles. For older or esoteric titles, consider RPL’s Interlibrary Loan service.
Be sure to check back to read all the Shelf Respect posts on Twelve Days of Richmond Public Library
