February 2026
In This Issue:

Celebrate Black History Month
Memory Lab Recording Pod
Love Your Library
Curated Reads on Libby
Events
Richmond Public Library Foundation Update
Sign Up for Our Newsletters
Library Closings
Celebrate Black History Month
Join Us As We Honor Black History Month
Richmond Public Library celebrates Black History Month 2026 with programs across our locations that honor Black history, culture, and achievement. This year’s national theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” marks 100 years since the first observance of Negro History Week in 1926, and invites reflection on the importance of preserving and sharing Black history. Throughout February, join us for film screenings, community conversations, genealogy programs, storytimes, arts events, and more for all ages. 
 
Black History In the Making: A Conversation with Dr. Daryl Dance
Thursday, February 19, 6:00 PM
Main Library
 
A conversation with Dr. Daryl Dance – creator of VCU’s Black History in the Making Award in 1984 and Professor Emerita at both the University of Richmond and VCU. Dr. Dance will speak about her time leading VCU’s fledgling African-American Studies program and offer insight on how celebrating Black History Month has changed over the years.
Black History: A Living Legacy!
Saturday, February 21, 1:00-3:00 PM
Broad Rock Branch
 
Join us for the 5th Annual Black History Month Social and Celebration, featuring community presentations, food, and fellowship in honor of Black history and excellence.
Reclaiming Our Time
Friday, February 27, 11:00 AM
Hull Street Branch
 
Dr. Paula D. Royster, expert on African diaspora history and culture, will discuss the Reclaiming Our Time Genealogy Project and its work with families in the historic Blackwell community.
 
Learn More, Discover More
Explore a wide range of Richmond Public Library resources that support learning and discovery year-round. Access primary sources, local history materials, and genealogy tools that help preserve and deepen understanding of Black experiences in Richmond and beyond. Broaden your exploration with films, documentaries, and books available through hoopla, all free with your library card. Borrow, stream, or download content featuring Black stories and creators on iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, and more, and immerse yourself in Black history anytime, anywhere.
 
 
 
From the Archives
Delve into our library's archives through our digitized historical materials. These online collections feature historic photographs, documents, and other primary sources that preserve and illuminate Black history in Richmond and beyond. By making these materials available digitally, the library helps ensure continued access to the stories, people, and moments that have shaped our community’s past.
 
 
Memory Lab Recording Pod
Preserve your story in the Memory Lab Recording Pod, a free, reservable recording space on the first floor of the Main Library near the Richmond Room. This comfortable, semi-soundproof pod is perfect for capturing oral histories, interviews, and meaningful conversations, with seating for up to four people, adjustable lighting, ventilation, and convenient power outlets. You can also enhance your project by reserving a Personal Archiving Kit (PAK) with professional recording equipment.
 
Love Your Library
February isn’t just about Valentine’s Day—it’s also National Library Lovers’ Month, a special time to celebrate the love we share for our library and all the ways it enriches our lives. Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a curious learner, or someone who just enjoys a quiet place to explore new ideas, Richmond Public Library is here for you.
 
Ways to Show Some Library Love
  • Dive Into a New Story– Explore Richmond Public Library’s vast collection of books and audiobooks, featuring something for every taste and interest. Whether you’re looking to discover a fresh author or dive into a new series, our diverse booklists are full of great options. Need a personalized suggestion? Our expert Bookologists are ready to help you find your next favorite read.
  • Attend Events for All Ages– Richmond Public Library offers programs for everyone, no matter their age or interests. From storytimes and crafts for little ones to book clubs, workshops, and cultural events for teens and adults, there’s something happening at every branch to inspire learning and connection. 
  • Share Your Library Love– Show your love for Richmond Public Library online or in person. Tag us on Instagram @rvalibrary or on Facebook @richmondpubliclibrary and tell the world what makes libraries special to you. Or, visit any of our locations and fill out a “Gratitude Card” to let our staff know their impact. Your words make a difference!
  • Support Your Local Library!– Help strengthen Richmond Public Library by donating to the Richmond Public Library Foundation or volunteering with the Friends of Richmond Public Library. You can also show your library pride by shopping our online store—every purchase supports programs and services that benefit our community.
Join us in celebrating the magic of Richmond Public Library all month long—because our libraries aren’t just buildings filled with books; they’re places full of discovery, connection, and love.
 
Curated Reads on Libby
Hockey Reads
Shoot the puck with any one of these hockey-themed reads today.
Always Only You by Chloe Liese   Sunny Disposition: A Grumpy/Sunshine Romance by Deanna Grey   Body Check: A Spicy Hockey Rom-Com by Elle Kennedy   Pucking Ever After: Vol 1 by Emily Rath   Off The Ice by Emma O'Dea
 
Friends. Feelings. Oops.
Friends-to-lovers romances where feelings complicate everything — in the best way.
Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman   Emma by Jane Austen: A Witty Tale of Love, Mischief, and Self-Discovery (Grapevine Edition) by Jane Austen   The Inheritance by Rochelle Alers   Marriage & Masti by Nisha Sharma   Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday
 
 
Events

 
Richmond Public Library Foundation
This February, explore our Memory Lab programming, made possible by our Mellon Foundation grant and your generous support.
 
Saturday, February 14, 1-2pm at Hull Street Branch: Join Marvin Hicks, Community Memory Fellow, to discuss Richmond's Black History and learn how to use the Memory Lab.
 
Saturday, February 28, 1-3pm in the Main Library's Richmond Room: Map Your Richmond offers hands-on exploration of historical maps, redlining documents, and census records showing how our neighborhoods have evolved. Discover how to use Memory Lab resources to preserve and share community stories for future generations.
 
Programs like these are possible because of donors like you working together with the Foundation to expand Richmond Public Library resources, serving our entire Richmond community. Thank you.
  
Susan Revere
Executive Director, RPLF
 
 
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Library Closings
 
As reminder, all Richmond Public Library locations will be closed on the following dates: 
 
Monday, February 16 – Presidents' Day
Richmond Public Library
101 East Franklin Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 646-7223

https://rvalibrary.org/