Children's Hospital Foundation

Go beyond books

10 things to check out at the library (besides books)
The shelves at Belmont Library, lined with books
Access to tons of books is just the start at RPL. | Photo by RICtoday
If you’re overdue on learning all the resources available at the Richmond Public Library, here are 10 things to check out.

First things first: You’ll need a library card. Richmonders and people who live in surrounding cities and counties — including Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover — can get a card for free.

🗓️ Events and programs

From First Friday concerts to local author appearances to adult coloring hours, the RPL calendar can be a great resource to find something fun to do. Use the filters to see what’s happening at your neighborhood branch.

Bonus: We list RPL events on our calendar.

🍿 Online entertainment

If you’ve got a library card, congratulations — you also have access to thousands of movies, documentaries, magazines, audiobooks, and albums. RPL lets you use Acorn TV, Curiosity Stream, Hoopla, and Hellosaurus, among other services.

🖊️ Notary services

Get up to three documents per day notarized at RPL branches. The office services don’t end there — you can also get all your faxing, copying, printing, and scanning needs met at the library.

Pro tip: It isn’t required, but it’s usually a good idea to call ahead to verify that a notary is available.
Located in the Main Library, the Richmond Room is the answer to your business, law, and nonprofit questions. Make an appointment to take full advantage of services for small businesses, access to special collections, and assistance with legal topics.

Pro tip: The Richmond Room travels to different branches for events, including legal workshops and information sessions about tenant/landlord law.

💼 Job seeker assistance

Download a resume template, get connected with career coaches, and use online databases to find your next gig. You can even book a one-on-one session for more assistance.

RICtoday_RichmondPublicLibrary_MemoryLab

You can use the Memory Lab’s resources to digitize family documents, old photos, and more.

Photo via Richmond Public Library

🎙 Innovation and Memory Labs

The Main Branch is home to two labs with tools to create and research. Get access to Adobe Creative Cloud, 3D printing and scanning, and sewing machines at the Innovation Lab. Then, embark on an oral history project with the audio-visual tools in the Memory Lab.

Pro tip: Contact a librarian before you visit so you’ll be ready to use the equipment.

📚 Self-publishing

RPL can help your words come to life in the form of a print-ready eBook. You can also submit your work to the Indie Author Project, which will share it with readers around VA.

🪴 Gardening tips

Master gardeners are always on hand via a virtual help desk on the RPL website. Whether you’re curious about native plants or understanding soil test results, the experts will help you dig into all things gardening.

The master gardeners also visit various branches for in-person help sessions.

💸 Grants and funding

The money could be out there for your next project — and RPL can help you find it. Through the Funding Information Network, you can access print and electronic resources. Schedule an information session with a librarian.

🧩 Meeting rooms

Find a home for your nonprofit or special interest group by reserving space in a meeting or study room. Meetings must be open to the public.

Book it over to the RPL website for even more library resources.

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Today
  • Boo & Brew: Isley Brewing Company Beer Garden | Thu., Oct. 13 - Sun., Oct. 16 | 4-8 p.m. | Ashland Berry Farm, 12607 Old Ridge Rd., Beaverdam | Free | Head to the farm for pumpkin pickin’, haunted tours, delicious brews, and family fun.
Saturday
  • ¡Virginia Fiesta! | Sat., Oct. 15 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond | $10.00 - $16.00 | The day long celebration will feature different vendors, food trucks, cultural performances + live demos.
  • 8th Annual Czech and Slovak Folklife Festival | Sat., Oct. 15 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Prince George Regional Heritage Center, 6406 Courthouse Rd., Prince George | Free | Head to a cultural fest with music, food, drinks, dancing + exhibits.
  • International Crafter’s Market + Local Food Trucks | Sat., Oct. 15 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Ave, Richmond | Free | You’re invited to an International Crafter’s Market featuring local and global artisans! A unique opportunity to purchase handcrafted gifts and treasures and support local food trucks.*
Sunday
  • “The Fly” | Sun., Oct. 16 | 2 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W Cary St, Richmond | $8.00 | The 1958 body horror classic stars David Hedison + Patricia Owens.
Monday
  • John Petrucci | Mon., Oct. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | The National, 708 E Broad St, Richmond | $30.00 - $99.00 | The guitarist will be joined by Mike Portnoy, Dave LaRue, and special guest Meanstreak.
Tuesday
  • The History of Photography: Images from the Past | Tue., Oct. 18 | 2-3 p.m. | Virginia War Memorial, Richmond | Free | Virginia War Memorial Education Director Jim Triesler will share original photos dating back to 1840 at this webinar.
  • RVA Job Fair | Tue., Oct. 18 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Chesterfield Towne Center, 11500 Midlothian Tpke., Richmond | Free | Bring your resume and wear professional attire to this job fair, which will feature 20+ vendors.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS
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Weather
  • 74º | Cloudy | 68% chance of rain
Arts
  • Virginia Repertory Theatre has a new home. The group purchased the Scottish Rite Temple (4202 Hermitage Rd.) for $3.5 million this week. Its new location will be called the Virginia Rep Center for Arts and Education. It will have a children’s theater + host classes and camps. 🎭 (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Development
  • City Council approved two upcoming housing developments this week. In Scott’s Addition, Blackwood Development will build a seven-story building on Roseneath Road. In the Museum District, the former Saint Gertrude’s campus will be converted into 39 apartments. 🏠 (Richmond BizSense)
Eat
  • Midlothian Mexican staple Mi Hacienda may have closed back in August, but the family behind it is still serving its signature flavors. Javier Ornelas and Rene Garcia have opened Hacienda Catering Company and two food trucks called El Guapo. 🍽 (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Festival
  • Three finalists have been selected for the Pitch Party event at this weekend’s RESONATE Podcast Festival. Katy Sewall, Jahi Whitehead, and Mav Viola will pitch their idea for a podcast in front of a live audience for the chance to win a $10,000 production contract to record a pilot episode. 🎙 (VPM)
Try This
  • Hoof you heard? The Greater Appalachian Llama and Alpaca Association is hosting a free Meet the Llamas event this Sat., Oct. 15 from 3:30-5 p.m. Pet or walk a llama and learn about the animals outside of the Doubletree by Hilton at 1021 Koger Blvd. 🦙
Cause
  • Spirit Halloween is bringing back its Spirit of Children campaign. The effort raises funds for Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Last year, CHoR received $178,000. Contribute at checkout or use the coupon code DONATE22 online. 🎃
Edu
  • This fall, first-year students who apply to the University of Mary Washington and complete an interview will earn an additional $1,000 one-time scholarship to start their studies. Bonus: Interview by Tues., Nov. 15, and it will be doubled to $2,000. 💰*
Pets
  • Richmond Animal League will host an adoption event at Hyman Bros. Subaru in Midlothian on Sat., Oct. 29 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Adoption fees will be lowered to $10. Check out the available pets + submit an application to meet them in person. 🐶
Number
  • $2.8 billion. That’s how much money tourism generated in the Richmond region in 2021. According to Richmond Region Tourism, visitor spending increased by 6.7% compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 24,000 jobs were supported. 💸
Health
  • Would you know what to look for if someone you loved was struggling with dementia? Learn more with these tips from our local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.*
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The Squirrels made it to the playoffs for the first time in years this season. | Photo by @sonyasfoodforthought
Autumn is full of crisp falling leaves, Halloween fun, and pumpkin spice lattes. But fall is also sports season. College football kicked off, VCU hoops is traveling onto our calendars, and the countdown to the USL League One playoffs is on.

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Go bananas for these foodie brands 🍌

Go bananas for these 30+ foodie brands
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We polled City Editors across our parent company, 6AM City, about foodie brands they love. The result? A list of mouthwatering food products ranging from SC Lowcountry’s favorite biscuits to a line of vegan dipping sauces that hail from San Diego.

Bag Ladies Tea (Boston, MA) | Tea products that aim to bring others joy through delicious blends and humorous packaging. | We love: No Other Like a Mother (Black Tea) Tin

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (Columbus, OH) | An ice cream brand that prioritizes performance, accountability, and transparency to deliver a diverse flavor selection. | We love: Brambleberry Crisp

Minglewood Bake Shop (Richmond, VA) | Vegan baked goods ranging from scones, poptarts, cupcakes, cookies, and brownies that are made fresh daily. | We love: Cosmic Brownie

St. Elmo’s Steak House (Indianapolis, IN) | The oldest steakhouse in Indy sells its revered sauces + seasonings nationwide. | We love: The “World Famous” Shrimp Cocktail Sauce
27 MORE FOODIE BRANDS
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Robin.

Editor’s pick: Friendly reminder that Mon., Oct. 17 is the deadline to register to vote or update your existing registration. Technically you can register through Election Day, but you’ll have to cast a provisional ballot if you miss the deadline. Check out our guide for all the need-to-know info for Nov. 8. 🗳

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Editorial: Robin Schwartzkopf, Katie Potter, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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