Library Fluent adj. li-brary flü-әnt

A term describing a person who knows how to utilize all aspects of a library, including but not limited to: checking out materials such as books, movies, comics, and periodicals; looking up items on the library’s online catalog; accessing information from databases; printing, emailing, scanning, and faxing; researching local history and family genealogy; using a law library; attending public readings; learning a new language; and so much more!

Are You Library Fluent? 

Take advantage these lesser-known perks to using Richmond Public Libraries. Some of them don’t even require a library card! 

• Get your documents notarized for FREE and at any of our locations. 

• Develop your skills in leading-edge technology topics and unlock new opportunities with the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Training Center on our LearningExpress database. 

• Let your little one with sensory needs explore our Sensory Kits (for in-library use). 

• Start a new garden with seeds from our seed libraries at the Hull Street, Main, and West End locations. 

• Get all your horticultural questions answered by Master Gardeners (in-person or virtually).  

• Borrow up to 10 titles and place up to 15 holds per month with our Libby app. 

• Attend an early literacy storytime at one of our locations EVERY day of the week! 

• Check out Personal Archiving Kits (PAKs) from the Memory Lab; they include cameras, audio recorders, portable scanners, and more. 

• Receive 24/7 online homework help or tutoring services through Brainfuse’s HelpNow. 

• Enrich your child’s financial literacy by borrowing books about money from the Virginia Credit Union-sponsored kiosks at our Broad Rock and West End Branches. 

• Access test prep materials for the GED, SAT, nursing exam, teaching licensure, and ASVAB via Brainfuse’s SkillSurfer. 

• Emerging local authors can use Pressbooks to create, edit, format, and generate print-ready and eBook formats for their work. 

• Discover ways to research your genealogy using how-to guides and DIY charts/forms in Ancestry’s Learning Center. 

• Learn a new language using Transparent Language or Lingopie to open new cultural worlds.

• Take a class with The Great Courses, available for FREE through our hoopla database.  

• Stream films, TV shows, educational videos, and documentaries on Kanopy. 

• Learn how to apply for grants for non-profits, individuals, and unincorporated groups with The Foundation Center (accessible at any Richmond Public Library location). 

• Sign up for a 1-on-1 tutorial session in our Innovation Lab.  

• Stay informed about your legal rights using Westlaw (available at any Richmond Public Library location).