Warmer Days, Open Doors
  
The weather is getting hotter, and so are your reading opportunities at RPL! All library locations are now completely open for business, and titles are flying off the shelves. Every day feels a bit more like a homecoming, as more patrons come back into our buildings and we get to help recommend books, assist with computer questions, and consider bringing programs back to the library to augment our virtual events. 
 
As many of us start venturing back out in public and returning to familiar spaces, RPL has some great tips to make the transition even more seamless. Looking for an audiobook to listen to as you sit at a recently reopened coffee shop? Hoopla is offering "Bonus Borrows" throughout the month of May! Going for a walk in a lush nearby park? Before you nibble on what might be a wild strawberry, download a free eBook called Poisonous Plants in Virginia and double-check that berry. Or possibly you're looking to buy your first home now that the worst of the pandemic is over? We are offering a free three-part seminar on homebuying, in partnership with the Virginia Credit Union. Finally, if all of the sudden changes have you feeling a bit overwhelmed, we can help clear your mind with our upcoming program "Reducing Stress Through Meditation." 
 
No matter how you are enjoying the season, check us out and make the start of your summer adventures even more refreshing!  
 
Adult Programming
Financial Education Seminar with Virginia Credit Union
Thinking about buying a house? The Richmond market has gotten really hot, and sometimes a little extra help goes a long way! Mr. Chris Woodbury from the Virginia Credit Union will be on hand for three sessions of a homebuying seminar to answer many of the questions you might have about getting into your dream house. Whether you just want one focused session or want to be armed with as much information as possible, we're sure you'll be better prepared to navigate the homebuying process after this seminar. Dates, times, and topics covered are:
  • Monday, May 24th at 11am -- Building a Better Budget Get practical advice for creating and sticking to a budget with tools to track spending and establish saving goals.
  • Wednesday, May 26th at 11am -- The Psychology of Spending Take an in-depth look at how the media, advertising, family, and personality impact the way we spend our money.
  • Friday, May 28th at 11am -- Managing Your Credit  Learn how to access a free copy of your credit report and the importance of understanding each element. You will also learn special strategies on how to build, manage, and maintain a great credit score based on your goals. 
Make sure to register in advance, and start dreaming of your first home! 
 
Reducing Stress Through Meditation
On May 27th at 7pm, long-time meditator Arlene Samsel will discuss the extraordinary effects of meditation to reduce stress-related responses, improve concentration, and enhance clarity of thought and mental equilibrium. Sign up here to join us for this engaging lecture.
 
Shop and Support Your Library
Did you know you can support the library by shopping on Amazon? By using Amazon Smile, a percentage of anything you spend will be donated to RPL at no cost to you! Simply click here, set your account to support the City of Richmond Public Library Foundation, and buy the items you would normally get. Everyone wins!
 
Your donations support our programs and allow us to create new and engaging events. If you would prefer to skip Amazon and give directly to your favorite local library, please click here or contact Susan Revere at the Richmond Public Library Foundation.
 
First Chapters Book Discussion
New book club! The First Chapters Book Discussion is a group that reads the first chapter of a recent book together, out loud, then talks about it. This month, we will read the first chapter of Nomadland by Jessica Bruder and consider other "Reports from the Field & Stories of the Working Class." And since we understand juggling work and play, we are offering two sessions on Wednesday, May 26th: one at 12pm and one at 7pm. Both will include a presentation on related titles, read-alikes, and genre guidance. Click here to join.
 
Virginia Indie Author Contest
Attention Virginia Writers! Are you an indie-published author? Do you write adult or young adult fiction? The Virginia Author Project is looking for YOU!
 
This annual contest awards $500 to two authors, and it's an excellent opportunity to get word out about your excellent book. Click here for details, and remember to submit by Monday, May 31st!  
 
Programs for All Ages
Celebrate Paper Airplane Day
May 26th is National Paper Airplane Day! How far can your paper airplane fly? How many different shapes and colors can you use when making one? Let's find out at the Broad Rock Branch on May 26th at 3:30pm. Outdoor program. 
 
Painted Pots and Paper Pots
It's planting time! Come to the West End Branch patio on May 26th at 4pm and paint your own small terracotta pot. While it dries, try making your own pot from newspaper strips. All materials will be provided, including soil and seeds for planting. Space is limited so please sign up today! Safe distancing and mask use will be in effect. 
 
New StoryWalk® at West End Branch Library
Stop by the West End Branch Library for our latest StoryWalk®. Start on the patio and follow the pages in the windows until you reach the rear entrance to the library where you can pick up an activity packet full of fun things to make and do at home. Can't make it by the West End Branch?  Listen to the author sing and read the story online here.
 
Middle Grade Monday
Join us on Facebook Live every Monday afternoon at 4pm when we'll introduce you to some of our favorite middle grade books. Each week, one of the RPL youth services team will read to you a few chapters from one of their favorite middle grade reads, then share why they think YOU should finish the book. Come give it a try and share your thoughts with us on social media with the hashtags #rplmgm and #middlegrademonday. Get ready, readers, because your TBR list is going to grow!
 
Teen Spotlight Issue Number 1!
Teen Spotlight is a zine produced by the Richmond Public Library Teen Advisory Group (TAG). The zine was created to highlight the creative work of youth living in the City of Richmond and its surrounding counties. In its pages, you will find a variety of works, including poetry, short fiction, drawings, photography, essays, and more! Inspired by mythology, favorite movies and TV shows, great figures in history, nature, first loves, and their own experiences, these teens have put their talent in the spotlight. Click here to see what they have to say! 
 
Important Library Updates
  • All locations are open for limited access. Some locations will continue to offer curbside service by request. Learn more here.
  • Our East End, Hull Street, and North Avenue libraries are closed on Saturdays until further notice.
  • Computer access and browsing are available at all locations. 
  • Limited notary services are being offered at most locations; please call for details.
  • All book drops are open for returns.
  • All meeting and study rooms are closed until further notice.
  • The Friends of RPL are now accepting book donations by appointment only.
Please visit our website at rvalibrary.org for up-to-date information on RPL.
 
eBooks, eMagazines, and eAudiobooks
Our Online Services Are Always Open!
Now is the time to charge that tablet or Kindle like never before.

We're always updating our digital collection. Now is no different! But with so many choices out there, how do you decide what to try? Let's take a look at our three main e-reading services:
eBooks, eAudiobooks, Streaming Content and More!
Hoopla is one of our most exciting and diverse digital collections. Find eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, TV shows, and music. And this resource has more up-to-date children's and young adult items, too! If you haven't checked out hoopla, click here to give it a try. 
The Standard for New eBooks

If you're looking for eBooks, OverDrive (or its app, Libby) is the first place you should go! With its impressive selection of new titles, OverDrive is an excellent choice for avid readers of contemporary bestsellers. Following the merger of RBDigital and OverDrive, Overdrive is now loaded with over 40,000 eAudiobooks, and it will soon include streaming channels like Acorn TV and The Great Courses. Click here to sign in or browse our collection.
Find It at Find It Virginia

Through our partnership with the Library of Virginia (LVA), patrons can now access MasterFile articles and eMagazines through Find It Virginia. Click here to sign in or to browse eMagazines and about 1,500 eBooks and eAudiobooks.
 
How to Access Materials
Your Library at Your Fingertips: Always Open Online!

With your library card, you can check out tens of thousands of digital books, audiobooks, magazines, movies and TV shows and explore the more than 30 databases RPL subscribes to. But what if you don't have a card? Don't worry, the e-card is here to save the day! 
 
Click this link or the images to the right for more information. Answer a few questions and you'll instantly be given access to a treasure trove of materials, enough to keep you busy, entertained, and enlightened. 
 
Information for Those in Need
The pandemic has caused enormous hardship for many of our neighbors. We recognize that our residents need help during these trying times. 
 
Fortunately, there are a growing number of organizations dedicated to helping those who need assistance. We've highlighted two local services below, but you can also reach out to us directly for more information by going to our website rvalibrary.org or our jobseeker assistance page here.  
City of Richmond
  • Limited services are being offered at City offices.
  • More guidance on opening procedures can be found here and here.
 For up-to-date information on the City of Richmond and its response to COVID-19, please visit the City's website at http://www.richmondgov.com/covid19/ 
Help1RVA is a resource created by the YMCA of Greater Richmond that provides information about free or reduced-cost services in the Richmond area. An incredible, holistic service, Help1RVA allows you to search by either zip code or program type (transportation, education, job seeking, etc.). 
 
Launched last year by the City of Richmond, RVA Strong is a website dedicated to helping residents get connected with groups and individuals who are providing aid during this crisis. Housing, food, healthcare, and other topics are listed, as well as resources for small businesses. You can also find opportunities to donate or volunteer.
 
Moment of Calm
 
"Hive"
by Kevin Young
 

The honey bees’ exile
     is almost complete.
You can carry
 
them from hive
     to hive, the child thought
& that is what
 
he tried, walking
     with them thronging
between his pressed palms.
 
Let him be right.
     Let the gods look away
as always. Let this boy
 
who carries the entire
     actual, whirring
world in his calm
 
unwashed hands,
     barely walking, bear
us all there
 
buzzing, unstung.
 
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Click below to make a donation.
 
Donations made to the Richmond Public Library Foundation are tax-deductible and help support a wide variety of public programs and initiatives.
 
Richmond Public Library
101 East Franklin Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 646-7223
https://rvalibrary.org/
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