10 things to check out at the library (besides 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.
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.
📖 Legal resources
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.
Intersecting History Community Conversation | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6-8 p.m. | Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | Free | A panel of leaders will discuss how women continue to be on the frontline of arts, culture, and freedom movements.
The Gayest Show on Earth | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6-9 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2408-2410 Ownby Ln, Richmond | $10-$15 | This variety show will feature jaw-dropping drag performances and stand-up comedy.
Beat Battle/Nail Battle Vol. 4 | Friday, Jan. 26 | 8 p.m. | The Garage, 1004 N. Sheppard St., Richmond | $10 | Join the party with a DJ battle hosted by DJ L.E.S. and Guam, plus free food and drinks.
Saturday, Jan. 27
Winter Horrorland Film Festival | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 12-8 p.m. | RPL Main Branch, 101 E. Franklin St., Richmond | Free | Enjoy a day of screenings, panels, discussions, and outreach concentrated on horror films and mental health.
Legacy Band | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 8 p.m. | Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, 6807 Midlothian Tpke., Richmond | Free | Enjoy a free show with this local act — get there early to secure seating.
Sunday, Jan. 28
“Strangers on a Train” | Sunday, Jan. 28 | 2 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $9 | See the 1951 Hitchcock film on the big screen.
Hello, Riverfront Amphitheater. That’s the official name for the 7,500-capacity venue being built behind Tredegar Iron Works. Live Nation, Red Light Events, and city leaders announced the name at the groundbreaking yesterday. The expected opening date is summer 2025. (CBS 6 News)
Number
$1.4 million. That’s how much Henrico will receive in federal funds to create an electric vehicle charging station network. The grant will help build seven stations at public facilities across the county.
Civic
The team behind the Cultural Resources Management Plan will share project updates and the results of the community survey at a virtual meeting on Monday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. Join the meeting or look for the project outline to be posted online the following day.
Film
The founders of the French Film Festival are saying au revoir to the popular event. Married couple Peter Kirkpatrick and Françoise Ravaux-Kirkpatrick — who are recently-retired professors at VCU and UR, respectively — have decided to shut down the festival. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Development
Scott’s Addition could be getting a new mixed-use building at the former site of Dairy Bar and Tang & Biscuit. A Henrico-based developer has filed plans for a multi-story development which would include commercial space, a parking deck, and either apartment units or a hotel. (Richmond BizSense)
Theater
Richmond Shakespeare’s production of “Born with Teeth” opens tomorrow at the Dominion Energy Center Gottwald Playhouse. This will be the first time the play is performed on the East Coast. Tickets start at $20 and performances continue through Sunday, Feb. 11.
Arts
The Richmond Symphony will be joined by violinist Keila Wakao, winner of the Junior Level Menuhin Richmond Competition, for three shows this weekend. Tickets are available for concerts at the Perkinson Center for the Arts, St. Christopher’s School, and Randolph-Macon.
Plan Ahead
Happy birthday, Chesterfield. The county is ringing in 275 years on May 25, but the celebration starts next week. Register to attend a presentation at Central Library on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. that will honor historic moments and get a sneak peek at upcoming events.
Home
Perfect for a cleaner, healthier home: this extra-large maple cutting board, which is BPA and phthalate-free and conditioned with beeswax, flaxseed, and lemon oil.*
History
“Sculpting History” at The Valentine
“Sculpting History” exhibit opens at The Valentine
Get an up-close look at how Valentine’s artwork influenced historic and contemporary beliefs about the Lost Cause myth. | Photo courtesy of The Valentine
A new exhibit opens today at The Valentine. “Sculpting History at the Valentine Studio: Art, Power, and the ‘Lost Cause’ American Myth” examines the role Edward Valentine and other local leaders played in perpetuating racial oppression after the Civil War.
Edward Valentine designed the Jefferson Davis Memorial, among many other Lost Cause works. The new exhibit prompts visitors to think about big questions concerning power and public art from inside Valentine’s sculpture studio.
“Sculpting History” is several years in the making. The museum closed the studio in 2020 and began working to recontextualize the historic space.
Admission to the museum is free this Saturday, Jan. 27 and Sunday, Jan. 28 in honor of the opening. The exhibit is ongoing.
The Buy
The Buy 1.25.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Your new favorite water bottle: the Owala Travel Tumbler. It combines the best of Stanley’s viral tumbler with Owala’s smart design. We’re liking colors “Bunny Hop” and “Foggy Tide.”
I enjoyed this VPM piece trying to track down the roots of Richmond’s flourishing tattoo scene. If you’ve ever wondered why it seems like half the city has some ink, give it a read.
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