Shelf Life’s used fiction section is alphabetically organized, but check the tables in the center of the room for occasional staff picks. | Photo by RICtoday
The weather is cooling down, and the pages of heartwarming romances, moody classics, and gloomy horror novels are calling your name. Lean into the feeling, and show some love for Richmond’s independent bookstores.
Abi’s Books + Brews, VCU
Located near campus, this shop sets the perfect scene with books, coffee, comfy seating, and expansive storefront windows framing the falling leaves outside. Shelf Life Books, Carytown
If you’re a reader in Richmond, you’ve probably been to Shelf Life, but have you been there with a specific mission for the coziest fall read? Possibly.
Brian’s Books, Church Hill
Let your next read find you at Brian’s Books. Browse dozens of genres and special interests packed into an eclectic one-room shop, and leave with something unexpected.
Yesterday, Oct. 13, was Indigenous Peoples Day. Continue honoring the culture, traditions, and heritage of Indigenous people with “Our Land, Our Art,” a conversation exploring the landscape of Native art in Virginia. Free and open to the public, plan ahead for Thursday, Oct. 30, at VCU’s Cabell Library.
Announced
Mayor Danny Avula seeks to formalize ongoing work for a Freedom of Information (FOIA) library. Initiated last year, the project advocates for increased public accessibility to city records through online requests. Previous contributions have included a Water Crisis Reading Room.
Community
Want to do some autumn leaf peeping at Maymont? As of last weekend, Maymont has switched over to seasonal hours — 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. The grounds may be closing an hour earlier for the time being, but it makes way for the evening Garden Glow season.
Civic
Tonight’s City Council meeting begins at 6 p.m. Here’s a sneak peek at some hot topics on the docket: a Jackson Ward nightclub proposal, an outdoor event permit for Lavendar Hill Coworking Space + several leadership nominations. Keep in mind, you can always attend virtually.
Eat
Davvero Gelato in Lakeside is celebrating the season with some horror-ific specials, all inspired by the horror classic “Carrie.” Don’t worry, “They’re All Going To Laugh at You” is a shake flavor, not a warning. It’s vanilla gelato and oat milk, topped with whipped cream, and drenched in house-made strawberry syrup.
Learn
Ever wondered how something so deadly can also save lives? Find out at The Power of Poison, a new exhibition at the Science Museum of Virginia. You’ll encounter zombie-making creatures, venomous villains, and toxic plants — plus, discover how poison shapes nature, legend, and even human health.*
Community
This event brings together more than 1,000 volunteers, 150+ nonprofits, and four days of tournament action. Think you know what we’re talking about? See if you’re right — and get tickets to Richmond’s premier PGA Tour Champions event.*
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
It looks like I’ll be picking up speed this year. As a wonderful birthday surprise, my partner took me shopping for a bike, the first I’ve owned as an adult. Excitement is an understatement.
Any beginner-friendly bike trail recommendations? Steer ‘em my way. I’m eager to start pedaling.
}})
