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Richmond bookstores and libraries enrich with literary resources and events

POSTED BY
Dina Weinstein

Some area libraries are back open and all area library systems are offering curbside service along with online programming. Richmond is lucky to be home to numerous bookstores, literary events and literary institutions. Authors are still presenting their work through area book shops, library systems, festivals and writers’ groups, giving book lovers a chance to hear from storytellers, learn about their subject matter and get a window to their craft. All of these resources give residents a chance to escape and just lose themselves in literature and stories. Check websites for updated hours and happy reading.

As part of the all-virtual 2021 Virginia Festival of the Book, this event is FREE to attend and open to the public. The video recording from this event will also be available to watch after the event concludes, on VaBook.org/Watch. The Virginia Festival of the Book is a program of Virginia Humanities. COMMUNITY PARTNER: James River Writers. 

Library Systems Access and Events:

  • Richmond Public Library 9 library branches located throughout the city. All Richmond Public Library locations provide curbside services. Computer access is suspended until further notice. Visit RPL’s Reopening Page to learn more about the many services available.
  • Henrico County Public Library 10 HCPL locations, including 5 area (larger) libraries, and 4 branch (smaller) libraries, plus the Mobile Library Service. Fairfield, Libbie Mill, Tuckahoe, Twin Hickory, and Varina Area Libraries will open to the public on Monday, March 29. Curbside pickup will continue to be available from other locations. Learn more about this change.
  • Chesterfield County Public Library 10 CCPL locations are open to the public with curbside service as well
  • Pamunkey Regional Library system is a 10-branch public library system serving the counties of Goochland, Hanover, King & Queen, and King William. Pamunkey Regional Library is now open to the public with limited hours and occupancy. Most services including browsing collections and computer facilities at all library locations are available.

Want to make a fun morning or afternoon follow our series on fun things to do around Chesterfield County Public Libraries:

⭐️North Courthouse Library, a Chesterfield Treasure…with Nearby Treats

⭐️Family Adventures Around the Midlothian Library, A Novel Idea

Be sure to subscribe to email updates, follow @rvacheap on Twitter or like RVA (Richmond) on the Cheap on Facebook to stay in the know about the latest freebies & deals.

Richmond Public School’s new bookmobile, Lit Limo, is almost ready to hit the streets! During the summer months and school closures, the Lit Limo will be visiting neighborhoods throughout the city delivering books, conducting outdoor Read Alouds, and providing applications for Richmond Public Library cards. Be sure to follow @LitLimo on twitter to join in the fun. ⭐Delivery Monday – Thursday ⭐Available for children 0 to 18 ⭐Students choose a book with every visit for their home library ⭐Literacy Tip sheets will be available for all guardians

 

Listen to a fun recorded story over the phone to connect with your little ones and build literacy skills offline, anytime with Storyline! Learn more: https: //bit.ly/3m0VBuZ

 

BOOKSTORES AROUND THE RICHMOND AREA:

 

 

•Chop Suey Books, 2913 W Cary St, Richmond, Virginia 23221 – (804) 422-8066 

 

 

 

 

•Book People, 536 Granite Ave, Richmond, Virginia 23226 – (804) 288-4346 –

 

 

 

 

 

•Fountain Bookstore, 1312 E Cary St., Richmond, Virginia 23219 – (804) 788-1594

 

 

 

•Richmond Book Shop, 808 W. Broad St. Richmond, VA

Richmond Book Shop is still temporarily closed. If you are looking for a book(s) send an email to: richmondbookshop@gmail.com please put looking for a book in subject line. They will see if they have it, send photos and a price. They can mail it, or maybe make appointment for you to pick it up.

 

 

 

•Little Book Shop, 1318 Sycamore Square, Midlothian, Virginia 23113

 

Richmond Comic Book Stores

•ALPHA COMICS & GAMES, 1601 WILLOW LAWN DRIVE, SUITE 300-B, RICHMOND, VA, 23230, 804) 282-5532
 
•RICHMOND COMIX, 14255 MIDLOTHIAN TURNPIKE, MIDLOTHIAN, VA, 23113, (804) 594-2845
 
•THE TIME CAPSULE, 205 EAST BROADWAY AVENUE, HOPEWELL, VA, 23860, (804) 458-4002

Be sure to subscribe to email updates, follow @rvacheap on Twitter or like RVA (Richmond) on the Cheap on Facebook to stay in the know about the latest freebies & deals.

 

Literary events at area universities and other institutions

•University of Richmond

University of Richmond Writer’s Series – The Writers Series is designed to expose Richmond students, the greater university community, and city residents to some of today’s most celebrated writers.  Readings are free and open to the public, though seating is on a first come, first served basis.  Each reading will be followed by a Q&A session and book-signing.  The Writers Series is sponsored by the Department of English and the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.  Campus partners this year include the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, the Robins School of Business, the university Cultural Affairs Committee, WGSS, and the WILL* Program. For more information about the series, please contact the English Department at (804) 289-8287 or dstevens@richmond.edu.

•Virginia Commonwealth University

Check VCU’s calendar and social media for public author and book events. VCU James Branch Cabell Library events.

 

•The Poe Museum, 1914 E Main Street, Richmond, VA 23223

•Weekly readings of Edgar Allen Poe’s work on Sundays at 12:30 pm (lots posted online)

•“UnHappy Hour” ironically celebrating the author (Monthly)

 

•Library of Virginia, 800 East Broad St. Richmond, VA 23219

 

The Library of Virginia’s current exhibition, We Demand: Women’s Suffrage in Virginia commemorates the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing women the right to vote.
The Library’s gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 10:00−4:00, and We Demand has been extended through May 28, 2021.
Exhibition Gallery and Lobby are located at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA.
Parking is available under the building.

•James River Writers

JRW is a multi-faceted non-profit organization based in Richmond, Virginia, that serves as central Virginia’s literary hub and a welcoming home for anyone who loves the written word. Aspiring and professional writers and passionate readers in all genres benefit from a variety of programs, services, and events, often presented in partnership with other cultural organizations. We are supported by government grants, foundations, corporate partners, and the generosity of our members. Check for virtual events: https://jamesriverwriters.org

Don’t forget to check the list of the Top FREE Things to Do in Richmond for more great ideas for learning and expanding your mind and engaging in hands-on activities.

Be sure to subscribe to email updates, follow @rvacheap on Twitter or like RVA (Richmond) on the Cheap on Facebook to stay in the know about the latest freebies & deals.

More things to do in and around Richmond:

About Dina Weinstein

Dina Weinstein is a Richmond, Virginia based award-winning journalist who reports for numerous local and national outlets. Weinstein moved north from Miami, Florida where she worked mentoring young journalists as an advisor at the Miami Dade College student newspaper The Reporter. She is a Boston native and a proud graduate of Boston University School for the Arts and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

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