April 2025
In This Issue:
April 2025
National Library Week
Upcoming Events
From the Blog
Curated Reads for April
Indigenous Life in America
Holiday Closings
Sign Up for RPL at Home
Richmond Public Library Foundation
National Library Week
What draws people to the library? Everything! From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.
  
National Library Week, April 6–12, 2025, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. 
 
At Richmond Public Library, we invite you to join the celebration! Whether you're a longtime patron or haven’t visited in a while, now is the perfect time to explore all the library has to offer and get involved.
 
 
How To Support Your Library
1. Get a library card.
2. Check out some books (or DVDs, or kits, or digital magazines… you get the point)!
3. Visit our libraries.
4. Attend a library program.
5. Tell your friends and neighbors about the library.
6. Join the Friends of Richmond Public Library.
7. Make a donation to the Richmond Public Library Foundation.
8. Volunteer at one of our locations.
9. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (like and share our posts, too!).
10. Thank a library worker!
 
 
Draw Your Dream Library
Have you ever imagined what your ideal library would look like? What features would it have? What would it make you feel like when you step inside?
 
Visit any Richmond Public Library location during National Library Week and draw your Dream Library. Then give it to a staff member and we’ll hang it up for display. 
Ripple Storytimes
Come read, dance, and take photos with Ripple during these very special National Library Week storytimes.
 
 
 
Upcoming Events
Legal Q&A for Small Businesses
Thursday, April 10, 11:00 AM
East End Branch
 
The Richmond Public Law Librarian and local attorney will be on hand to discuss common legal issues, highlight new legal developments that impact small businesses, and answer questions regarding business governance, registration, and compliance. 
Zero-Waste Lunches with CVWMA
Thursday, April 10, 6:00 PM
West End Branch
 
Learn how to pack a zero-waste lunch from representatives of Central VA Waste Management Authority. Get tips that can be adapted for school lunches, too!
Week of the Young Child: Rainbow "Mud" Sensory Bins
Friday, April 11, 10:30 AM
Belmont Branch
 
Don't worry—this mud is made from soap and paper so is plenty clean! As your little one explores the cool and interesting texture, they may just find a few other spring-themed items hiding in the muck.
 
 
SuperSmash Bros. Tournament 
Saturday, April 12, 1:00-4:00 PM
North Avenue Branch
 
Choose your character! Battle with your friends to see who comes out on top at our SuperSmash Bros. tournament. Winners will receive a small prize. 
STEAM Team: Egg Painting with Vinegar
Saturday, April 12, 2:00 PM
Hull Street Branch
 
Learn a new, fun way to decorate eggs.
Blackout Poetry
Tuesday, April 15, All day
Ginter Park Branch
 
Celebrate National Poetry Month with a drop-in activity making your own poetry from the pages of damaged or discarded books.
Día de los Niños - Children’s Day
Saturday, April 26, 12:00-3:00 PM
Broad Rock Branch
 
Join us for a bilingual day celebrating children and reading! There will be storytimes, activities, community resources, free books, and other surprises!
 
¡Únete con nosotros para un día bilingue que celebrará los niños y la lectura! ¡Tendremos horas de cuentos, actividades, recursos comunitarios, libros gratuitas, y otras sorpresas!
Gellman Concert Series: Jenny and the Ghouls
Saturday, April 26, 2:00 PM
Main Library
 
Jenny and the Ghouls began in January 2023 when five friends came together to learn songs made famous by The Dubliners, The Wolfe Tones, and The Clancy Brothers, as well as labor and protest songs by artists like Ewan MacColl and Dick Gaughan. Enjoy Jenny and the Ghouls’ rousing renditions of Irish and folk classics both contemporary and traditional.
Exploring Richmond's History: Community Conversations at Your Local Branch
Wednesday, April 30, 6:00 PM
Westover Hills Branch
 
This special event will feature a brief presentation on the history of Richmond in Westover Hills, highlighting the resources available at the Richmond Room and the Memory Lab for those interested in historical research and preserving personal memories.
From the Blog
April is National Poetry Month, and it’s the perfect time to dive into the world of poetry and discover the transformative power of words. For many, poetry is more than just a form of art, it’s a personal journey, a way to explore and express emotions that might be hard to articulate otherwise. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone who’s never picked up a pen to write poetry, now is the perfect time to explore how poetry can help you understand yourself better.
 
 
Curated Reads for April
 
Library Love
National Library Week is April 6-12 so check out any of these titles set in or about libraries! 
            
 
April Showers Bring Spring Flowers
Check out any of these titles with beautiful floral covers!
            
 
True Crime
Calling all true crime aficionados!  This list of books will appeal to the inner sleuth in you. 
            
 
 
Indigenous Life in America
The experience and impact of Indigenous Americans as recorded by the news media.
 
The story of America’s Indigenous peoples is rich and varied – a complex tapestry of achievements, dislocations, occupations, resistance, forced migrations, upheavals, and triumphs that has shaped the story of America. Indigenous Life In America offers an expansive window into Indigenous history, allowing students to examine the full depth of America’s past and present through a wider and more diverse lens. This rich collection supports cross-curricular research and discussion in subjects including history, literature, sociology, government, cultural studies, religious studies, Native American Studies, and more.
  • Comprehensive coverage of the Indigenous experience in America from 1690 to today
  • More than 16 million primary documents from diverse sources and perspectives
  • A fully searchable online resource, updated daily
 
Holiday Closings
Spring Holiday
Friday, April 18, 2025 – All libraries closed
Sunday, April 20, 2025 – All libraries closed
 
Sign Up for RPL at Home
Want to stay "in the know" about Richmond Public Library?

Click on the button below to sign up for future editions of RPL at Home,
as well as other news from the library! 
 
 
Richmond Public Library Foundation
As we celebrate National Library Week, please consider a donation to strengthen our library system. Click on our logo below to donate.
 
 
Thank you!
Richmond Public Library
101 East Franklin Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 646-7223
https://rvalibrary.org/