September 2025
In This Issue:
Library Card Sign-Up Month
NEW Online Store!
Book Club Bags
Read Up Richmond Announcement
Captain Curiosity: Found in the Stars
Highlighted Events
All Events
Curated Reads on Libby
Brainfuse Homework Help
Foundation Update
Library Card Sign-Up Month
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month!
If you’re reading this newsletter, chances are you already have a Richmond Public Library card—and you know just how powerful it is. With one card, you can borrow more than books. You can check out museum passes, laptops, even blood pressure monitors! Take part in engaging programs like book clubs, movie nights, craft workshops, and lectures. Use our technology, Wi-Fi, and career resources to support your goals—whether you’re a student, job seeker, entrepreneur, or lifelong learner. One card truly unlocks endless possibilities.
 
Will you help us spread the word? 
Getting a Richmond Public Library card couldn’t be easier. All residents of Richmond, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell, King William, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, Prince George, and Williamsburg are eligible. Can’t make it to a branch? No worries—you can sign up online for an eCard at rvalibrary.org/services/get-card.
 
So share the news with friends, family, neighbors, coworkers—even the person in front of you at the grocery store. Because everyone deserves the benefits of a FREE Richmond Public Library card!
 
New Online Store!
Select the first design for our NEW Richmond Public Library shop.
Yes, you’ve read that right! We’re launching an online shop where we’ll be selling exclusive Richmond Public Library merchandise. Local artist Ash Rudolph will create two exclusive designs, one of which will be featured on T-shirts, bags, mugs, and other fun swag. Throughout September, we’re inviting you, our community, to vote for your favorite design. Visit any of our locations or our website to cast your vote! 
 
 
About the Artist:
Ash Rudolph (she/they) is a pyrographer and printmaker based in Richmond, VA. Her work is distinguished by deeply textured wood pieces, and risograph prints in duplication that explore the intersection of the naive and the sacred. Find their work at altargokart.com
Book Club Bags
Hosting a Book Club Just Got Easier!
 
Richmond Public Library cardholders can now check out our brand-new Book Club Bags! Each bag comes with multiple copies of a popular title, making it simple to keep your club reading together.
Choose from favorites like Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover, and Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree—plus many more. With Book Club Bags, your group will never run out of great reads!
 
 
Read Up Richmond Announcement 
And Our 2025 Read Up Richmond Book is...
Richmond Public Library is excited to announce that this year’s Read Up Richmond title is Mỹ Documents by Kevin Nguyen.
 
A powerful and provocative novel, Mỹ Documents explores the lives of a multi-generational Vietnamese American family shaped by immigration policy and Big Tech surveillance—set in a future that feels uncomfortably close to today.
 
Mark your calendars for November 16 at the Main Library, when Kevin Nguyen will join scholar Emma Ito for a conversation about the novel and its themes.
 
     
 
Captain Curiosity: Found in the Stars
Let the library propel you to new heights with “Found in the Stars” a hilarious, theatrical extravaganza about art, change, and the science of outer space. Kids will learn the stunning science of stars, black holes, light, color, and more! Ages 3-10. 
 
Belmont                   9/17         4:00 PM
Broad Rock              9/16         4:00 PM
East End                  9/18         10:30 AM
Ginter Park              9/19          4:30 PM
Hull Street                9/17         10:30 AM 
Main                         9/16         11:15 AM 
North Avenue           9/19         11:00 AM
West End                 9/15          4:00 PM
Westover Hills          9/18          4:00 PM
Highlighted Events
Hispanic Heritage Month Film Series
September 17 & 24; October 1, 8, & 15, 5:30 PM
Broad Rock Branch
 
Enjoy a different film from a Spanish-speaking country each week as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Films will be in Spanish with English subtitles. Refreshments will be provided.
Library Life: How to Use Libby and Hoopla
Wednesday, September 3, 5:00 PM
Ginter Park Branch
 
Make the most of your library card and discover how to access free e-books, e-audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, and more!
Echoes of History: A Walking Tour of Richmond’s Enslaved Past
Saturday, September 6, 10:00 AM
Main Library
 
Take part in a guided walk along a modified route of Richmond’s Slave Trail, starting at Great Shiplock Park and traveling north of the James River. Registration required.
Podcast Workshop for Beginners
Saturday, September 27, 3:00 PM
Main Library
 
Learn the basics of podcasting from a professional producer! We’re partnering with WRIR to bring you all the info you need on how to get your hot takes on the record. If you have them, please bring a laptop and headphones. Registration required.
 
Fall Festival Renaissance Faire
Saturday, September 20, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
(Rain date: September 27)
Westover Hills Branch
 
Huzzah! The Hills of Westo'er Library invites you to a full day of merrymaking fit to delight kings, queens, and fair folk of all ages at our Fall Festival Renaissance Faire. This family-friendly event will have activities for everyone with Virago Alley providing historical displays of crafts, tools, and weapon demonstrations. Perchance you will find a trinket you desire from one of the merchants selling their wares. There will be crafts, face painting, and a prize contest for best Faire attire! Registration required.
All Events
 
 
Curated Reads on Libby
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month
Use your library card to check out these titles featuring books and/or libraries.
            
 
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Enjoy this list featuring Hispanic authors, settings, and characters.
            
 
The Life of a Digital Book
Taylor Swift isn't the only one who loves orange. Enjoy one of these books with an orange cover today!
            
 
 
Brainfuse Homework Help
Live Online Tutoring for All Learners
Access real-time assistance through the Brainfuse Online Classroom, where you'll receive personalized tutoring support. Tutors work to help you master core academic concepts rather than simply providing answers. HelpNow also offers live tutoring in Spanish for all subjects offered in English.
 
Expert Writing Assistance
Receive real-time guidance on brainstorming, revising, and refining your writing. For more in-depth help, the Writing Lab offers a detailed analysis of submitted papers within 24 hours.
 
Academic and Test Prep Support
Prepare for academic and standardized tests using SkillSurfer, a comprehensive library of lessons, practice tests, and videos.This resource supports subjects from elementary school through college, and includes test prep for the SAT, ACT, GED, ASVAB, TOEFL, and more.
 
 
Richmond Public Library Foundation 
 
Summer Interns, Class of 2025   
 
Your love for libraries can change lives. Our Foundation Newsletters bring you stories of the magic your support makes possible. Sign up today to see how your generosity opens doors to literacy, discovery, and dreams —often in ways you never imagined.
 
Susan Revere
Executive Director, Richmond Public Library Foundation
 
 
 
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Library Closure
 
 
As a reminder, all Richmond Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, September 1, for Labor Day.
 
Richmond Public Library
101 East Franklin Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 646-7223
https://rvalibrary.org/