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Introducing: Library speed dating
We’re rooting for your perfect library meet-cute. | Photo by Chris Cunningham Photography
As the saying goes, there’s someone out there for everyone. We happen to feel the same way about public libraries. They listen to your requests, support your niche interests, and always give you quiet time when you need it.
If you don’t consider yourself a regular library patron, maybe you just haven’t found the right match yet. That’s where we step in. Start the timer...
Your first speed dating match: Varina Area Library ( ~15 minutes east of downtown Richmond).
Three words to describe:
Serene
Woodsy
Bright
A little background:
This 43,000-sqft building replaced the original branch in 2016. Rural-inspired design elements “are reminiscent of the agrarian structures that once populated the area, borrowing on the form of a tobacco barn.”
Library or rural vacation lodge?
Photo by Chris Cunningham Photography
Special characteristics:
Nature-lover | Follow the surrounding scenery along a walking route that connects to the Virginia Capital Trail.
Award-winner | Accolades don’t determine worth, of course, but we can’t not mention the haul of design and sustainability awards.
Grown-ups, it’s your turn to play — and save with code 6AM
Presented by Children's Museum of Richmond
Richmond’s most playful night out is back — don’t miss it. | Photos provided by Children’s Museum of Richmond
The Children’s Museum of Richmond is inviting adults to Pretend Again, its annual grown-up night and biggest fundraiser of the year — and this is one night you don’t want to miss.
Guests can expect:
A diamond bracelet raffle from Diamonds Direct
Dino egg trivia by the 40-foot T-Rex
A custom CMoR Monopoly game with hotel stays up for grabs
Live art auctions + immersive exhibits
Incredible bites and drinks from top local partners
What do you do with a retired mall food court? Turn it into an indoor golf facility, apparently. Tee Box is on par to transform Regency Mall’s former food hub into hitting bays, a putting green, and a “golf-focused” gym. The biz plans to open in June. (BizSense)
Open
Reel in the breakfast tacos and po-boy sandwiches. There’s a new take-out spot in Scott’s Addition. “Inspired by beach-town fish shacks,” Fish Camp joins the Ballast business hub via fast-casual window service. Check out the menu. (Times-Dispatch)
Civic
The City of Richmond will host two Budget Town Halls this Saturday, Feb. 28, to help explain the budgeting process and facilitate feedback. Register to attend a morning or afternoon session. Can’t make it? You can always access the city’s Budget 101 video.
Richmonder
A local seven-year-old is making waves in the publishing world. Destiny Bryant wrote and published her first book, “Destiny’s After School Adventure,” at age six. Coming up next: She’ll attend the Black Author Expo in Petersburg later this month. (WTVR)
Holiday
The Church Hill Irish Festival and Shamrock the Block are locked-in festivities every St. Patrick’s Day. Headstrong in its first year, new biz Conex RVA is eager to join the scene. Get Lucked promises $1 green beer, food + live music, and free T-shirts for the first 500 guests.
Number
$42,122. That’s how much money the Muttminster/Meowminster Pet Show helped raise for Richmond Animal Care and Control. Nearly 1,000 Richmonders showed up to see local pets and former shelter friends strut their stuff. See some of the prize-winning pups.
Transit
GRTC leadership voted to temporarily cut back on bus services, resulting in 10+ route adjustments across Richmond and Henrico. Why? Workforce shortages. According to GRTC officials, additional trips will be added back as new operators are hired and trained.
Featured Deal
Spend $50 on woman-owned cannabis brand TribeTokes and get a free pack of THC Libido Lift Gummies with purchase. Think: Stock up on top-reviewed CBD sleep gummies or enjoy a clean buzz from pineapple Delta 9 gummies. Use code VDAYGUMMY before the deal ends.†*
Try This
Level up your play with Virginia Lottery Rewards. It’s simple: Log in or sign up and start earning points you can redeem for free Lottery games — online or in-store. That’s play that pays back.*
The Buy
Products we think every pet lover should have:
👕 Whether you’re the proud pet parent of a dog, cat, lizard, or hamster, show them off on a custom t-shirt.
🧹 Easily remove pet hair from carpets + upholstery thanks to the No. 1 best-selling Chom Chom hair and lint remover.
📷 Keep an eye on your four-legged friend with an indoor pet camera that’s under $30.
🧼 Make bath time a breeze with these pet bathing gloves that have soft bristles for easy grooming.
I hope you had fun with today’s first installment of library speed dating. I know I had fun writing it. Not to boast, but I do consider myself a bit of a library superfan.
Fun fact: I try to visit one public library on every vacation I take. So far, my all-time (non-Richmond) favorite is the Altadena Library in Los Angeles, pictured below.
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