Ashland Branch Library

Ages 12-18. "Friends, First!" will talk about how teens can effectively support a friend in an unhealthy space.&nbsp;This single-session workshop&nbsp; will be presented by Laney Haislop, Prevention Specialist from Hanover Safe Place.

Local Event: "Friends, First!" Workshop

Richmond city

Richmond

Virginia

"Friends, First!" Workshop

Ages 12-18. "Friends, First!" will talk about how teens can effectively support a friend in an unhealthy space. This...

Atlee Branch Library

It's an Escape Room with a Dinosaurs theme - work with family and friends to get away from these Jurassic creatures! Registration required.&nbsp; Additional spots open at 1:30, 3:00, and 5:00 p.m.

Local Event: Escape Room: Dinosaurs

Escape Room: Dinosaurs

It's an Escape Room with a  Dinosaurs theme - work with family and friends to get away from these Jurassic creatures!...

It's an Escape Room with a Dinosaurs theme - work with family and friends to get away from these Jurassic creatures! Registration required.&nbsp; Additional spots open at 4:00, 5:30, and 7:00 p.m.

AI isn’t here to replace your strategy... it is here to remove the friction between idea and execution. In this practical, demo-driven session, you’ll learn how to use tools like ChatGPT to save time, improve marketing, and streamline everyday business tasks without needing a technical background. We’ll walk through real examples, including creating content, evaluating vendors, drafting communications, and turning everyday conversations into usable business assets. At the same time, this session introduces an often-overlooked side of AI: risk. With decades of experience in cybersecurity and government systems, Kenneth McMahon will provide insight into common vulnerabilities, data considerations, and what small business owners should be paying attention to as they adopt these tools.
You’ll leave with actionable prompts, real outputs, and a clearer understanding of how to use AI effectively, while avoiding common mistakes and staying aware of potential risks. This session is designed to be practical, not theoretical, so you can immediately apply what you learn. * This session is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, compliance, or cybersecurity consulting advice.

Local Event: SCORE: AI for Small Business

SCORE: AI for Small Business

AI isn’t here to replace your strategy... it is here to remove the friction between idea and execution. In this practical,...

Mechanicsville Branch Library

All ages. Stop by and transcribe Revolutionary War pension documents through the National Archives.&nbsp;

Local Event: Revolutionary War Transcribe-a-thon

Revolutionary War Transcribe-a-thon

All ages. Stop by and transcribe Revolutionary War pension documents through the National Archives. 

All ages.&nbsp;&nbsp;Have you ever wondered how to harvest the fragrance of a flower, or been curious how to capture the irresistible aroma of sandalwood? Witness how people in Colonial America extracted, preserved and blended botanicals for cosmetic purposes. All attendees will gain an appreciation of the art and science of perfume making; learn why this was done for culinary, medicinal and cosmetic uses; experience a forgotten trade that was done in early Virginia; and enjoy a scent sampling of popular botanicals and blends that have endured the test of time.&nbsp; A VA250 program sponsored by the Ashland Friends of the Library.

Local Event: Common Scents: Perfume Distilling in Colonial America

Common Scents: Perfume Distilling in Colonial...

All ages.  Have you ever wondered how to harvest the fragrance of a flower, or been curious how to capture the irresistible...

Common Scents: Perfume Distilling in Colonial America

All Ages. Join us on Ashland's back porch for "Dinosaurs" and the beginning of Summer Reading!&nbsp; Find out about all of the great programs at the library this summer. Snacks, games and a craft activities will be available while you sign up for Summer Reading!

Local Event: "Unearth Your Story" Summer Reading Kick-off

"Unearth Your Story" Summer Reading Kick-off

All Ages. Join us on Ashland's back porch for "Dinosaurs" and the beginning of Summer Reading!  Find out about all of the great...

Montpelier Branch Library

All ages. Get ready to dig in—adventure awaits beneath the surface!
Join us at the library for the ultimate summer send-off as we kick off our Summer Reading Program, “Unearth a Story!” This high-energy celebration invites readers of all ages to become story explorers—discovering hidden tales, buried treasures, and epic adventures waiting to be uncovered between the pages.
At our kickoff party, you will have the opportunity to:
<ul><li>🎁 Sign up for SRP&nbsp;and score cool prizes just for joining</li><li>🍧 Enjoy a sweet and cool treat as you kick off a summer of reading adventures.</li><li>🗺️ Embark on a scavenger treasure hunt through the library stacks</li><li>📖 Enjoy fun and interactive games featuring "unearthed" creatures and treasure</li></ul>
Whether you love dinosaurs, archaeology, mysteries, or magical underground realms, there’s a story waiting for you to unearth. Bring your curiosity, invite your friends, and get ready to dig into a summer full of imagination, discovery, and fun.
The adventure starts here—let’s unearth a story together!
Please register if you'd like an email reminder for this event.

All ages. Get ready to dig in—adventure awaits beneath the surface!
Join us at the library for the ultimate summer send-off as...

Led by Hanover Safe Place, the "How to Help a Friend" workshop helps teens and adults to identify the signs of an unhealthy relationship, provides effective strategies to start a conversation with a friend in an unhealthy relationship (intervention techniques), explores how to establish personal boundaries when helping a friend, and utilizes an interactive group activity to apply the information.

Local Event: How to Help a Friend

How to Help a Friend

Led by Hanover Safe Place, the "How to Help a Friend" workshop helps teens and adults to identify the signs of an unhealthy...

Hanover Branch Library

For Storytime-age children. Join us for an extended Storytime with local author and former broadcast journalist, Angie Miles.&nbsp;

Local Event: Celebration of Gifts with Angie Miles

Celebration of Gifts with Angie Miles

For Storytime-age children. Join us for an extended Storytime with local author and former broadcast journalist, Angie Miles. 

All Ages. Celebrate the beginning of Summer with a sidewalk party at the library, including sidewalk crafts, dance performances, a dinosaur egg hunt, and other special guests!&nbsp;Don't forget to sign up for the Summer Reading Program! Register for a reminder!

All Ages. Celebrate the beginning of Summer with a sidewalk party at the library, including sidewalk crafts, dance...

All ages. Celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America with patriotic games, crafts, and ice cream. We will also be hosting an art show featuring artwork by students from several local elementary schools. Sign up for the Summer Reading Program and enjoy the party!&nbsp;

Local Event: USA Birthday Party & Art Show

USA Birthday Party & Art Show

All ages. Celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America with patriotic games, crafts, and ice cream. We will...

Goochland Branch Library

Best for ages 3-8. Our dinosaurs are ready to celebrate summer at the library! Just like at our other party this past November, we will have music, games, crafts, and more.&nbsp;Feel free to wear dino shirts or fun party attire. We'll definitely have a&nbsp;roaring&nbsp;good time -- again! Light refreshments provided by Friends of the Goochland Library.

Local Event: T-Rex Tea Party 2.0

T-Rex Tea Party 2.0

Best for ages 3-8. Our dinosaurs are ready to celebrate summer at the library! Just like at our other party this past November,...

For adults. Kick off summer with a splash!&nbsp; Drink in our Beginner’s Summer Mocktail Class where fresh flavors, bright colors,&nbsp;and good vibes come together in the most refreshing way. In this hands-on experience, you’ll learn how to craft beautiful alcohol-free drinks that taste as exciting as they look. Come thirsty, leave inspired! &nbsp;Registration required.

Local Event: Summer Mocktail Class

Summer Mocktail Class

For adults. Kick off summer with a splash!  Drink in our Beginner’s Summer Mocktail Class where fresh flavors, bright...

All ages. Summer is finally here! Join us for an afternoon of fun games, and take a moment to sign up for this year's summer reading program, Unearth A Story. In addition to programs that will celebrate summer, our branch also has some exciting events centered around dinosaurs, plants, gems, and so much more. Ms. Sheri will be at our kickoff again to make creations with balloons, and Kona Ice will help cool us down.

All ages. Summer is finally here! Join us for an afternoon of fun games, and take a moment to sign up for this year's summer...

All ages. Dinosaurs are roaring their excitement about our Summer Reading Program! Join us as we kick off this prehistoric adventure.&nbsp; Refreshments provided by Friends of the Atlee Branch Library

All ages. Dinosaurs are roaring their excitement about our Summer Reading Program! Join us as we kick off this prehistoric...

Cochrane Rockville Branch Library

Best for ages 6-12 and families welcome! Enjoy a fun and informative afternoon tea with family and friends. Learn about what a tea party would have looked like in 1776. Explore colonial children's games, talk about the historical and cultural importance of tea, and even churn some butter! We will provide tea and treats. Costumes encouraged but not required!&nbsp;Registration required.

Local Event: Kids' Historical Tea Party

Kids' Historical Tea Party

Best for ages 6-12 and families welcome! Enjoy a fun and informative afternoon tea with family and friends. Learn about what a...

Travel back in time for a dino-sized afternoon of brainpower at our Prehistoric Puzzle Palooza! Join us at the library for a roaring good time filled with dinosaur-themed and hands-on puzzle fun.
Work together to assemble giant dino jigsaw puzzle, get down on the floor with the littles for a large dinosaur creation, and build in 3D dino skeleton puzzles. Whether you’re a speedy solver or a careful puzzle piecer, there’s a challenge for every level of puzzler.
Perfect for families, friends, and dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages, this collaborative event encourages teamwork, creativity, and a little Jurassic imagination.
Refreshments provided by our Friends of the Montpelier Library.

Local Event: Prehistoric Puzzle Palooza

Prehistoric Puzzle Palooza

Travel back in time for a dino-sized afternoon of brainpower at our Prehistoric Puzzle Palooza! Join us at the library for a...

All ages. Stomp into the world of paper dinosaurs! In this all-ages origami workshop, Japanese Ambassador Koki Yamamoto from Randolph-Macon College will guide participants step-by-step in folding their own prehistoric creations. Koki will also offer a short, engaging introduction to the history of origami. Perfect for families, beginners, and anyone who loves to make something with their hands.

Local Event: Origami Dinosaurs!

Origami Dinosaurs!

All ages. Stomp into the world of paper dinosaurs! In this all-ages origami workshop, Japanese Ambassador Koki Yamamoto from...

For ages 8 and up. Do you have what it takes? Test your knowledge of dinosaurs!

Local Event: Dinosaur Trivia

Dinosaur Trivia

For ages 8 and up. Do you have what it takes? Test your knowledge of dinosaurs!  

PRL Librarian

Richmond Metropolitan Area

Henrico County

Henrico

Montrose

Patch AM Team

East Highland Park

Lakeside

Highland Springs

Dumbarton

Sandston

Hanover County

Mechanicsville

Chesterfield County

Bon Air

Laurel

Chesterfield

Meadowbrook

Reveler

Justin Golden brings the blues to the Reveler (3108 W. Cary St.) Wednesday May 20 at 6:00 pm. Quirky folk popster (and native Virginian) Shanna in a Dress opens the show.Justin GoldenJustin Golden's origins are deeply vested in the blues, with roots in the Mississippi Delta, Chicago and the Piedmont of Virginia. Golden has carefully studied country blues, with influences ranging from Blind Boy Fuller to Taj Mahal to indie guitar. And as a traditional roots music stalwart, he’s passing the inspiration to youth by teaching them to play as well. His training as an archaeologist has taught him to view music through a historical lens. Studying historic cemetery sites throughout Virginia, he noted that old burial grounds could be lost within a generation, which made him realize that the historic memory of music should also be preserved. Since 2016, Justin has been an instructor of Piedmont Blues Guitar at Augusta Heritage Center's Blues and Swing Week at Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia. While he is keenly versed in traditional styles, he has an extremely diverse musical palette and brings new ideas to traditional blues forms.
Justin performs with his Virginia supergroup DEVIL'S COATTAILS, featuring Trey Burnart Hall (mandolin, tenor banjo, electric guitar), Chris Gatens (upright bass, clawhammer banjo) and Drew Barnocky (drums and washboard). Golden has created a sound where country, blues and bluegrass converge. Together the group has just released Golden Country: Volume 1 to rave reviews.
In early 2025, Justin received a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis, which significantly limited his ability to tour full-time or maintain a consistent out-of-town performance schedule. Rather than stepping away from music, Justin redirected his energy into building this concert series — creating space for collaboration, bringing musical peers to RVA, and continuing to serve the community through live performance.For more information about Justin see www.justingolden music.com
Shanna in a DressShanna in a Dress is your quirky best friend who refuses to wear pants. She says what everyone has felt but no one else will say&nbsp;and you'll get an uncensored journey of clever humor and heartbreak, extreme candor, and a hefty side of entertainment at her shows. This witty wordsmith is known for taking you on an emotional roller coaster, sometimes within the same song. Think John Prine mixed with Ingrid&nbsp;Michaelson&nbsp;with a twist of Phoebe&nbsp;Buffay&nbsp;from Friends all wrapped up in a sweet voice accented by guitar, piano, and ukulele.
Originally launching her career at the University of Virginia and later finding inspiration in Boulder, Colorado, Shanna now calls St.Louis home when she’s not touring across the U.S. and Europe. Known for her spontaneous banter and playful stage presence, no two shows are ever the same. Her accolades include wins at the Kerrville New Folk Competition, Rocky Mountain Folks Fest Songwriting Contest, and Great River Folk Fest Song Competition, along with recognition at Falcon Ridge and Songwriter Serenade&nbsp;More info on Shanna and her music at www.shannainadress.com.

Local Event: Justin Golden w/Shanna in a Dress - Wednesday May 20th @ The Reveler

Justin Golden w/Shanna in a Dress - Wednesday...

Justin Golden brings the blues to the Reveler (3108 W. Cary St.) Wednesday May 20 at 6:00 pm. Quirky folk popster (and native...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Posting Activity

"Friends, First!" Workshop

MAY

19

4:00 PM

Ashland Branch Library, 201 S Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA

Escape Room: Dinosaurs

MAY

20

11:00 AM

Atlee Branch Library, 9212 Rutlandshire Dr, Mechanicsville, VA

Escape Room: Dinosaurs

MAY

21

2:30 PM

Atlee Branch Library, 9212 Rutlandshire Dr, Mechanicsville, VA

SCORE: AI for Small Business

MAY

26

6:00 PM

Atlee Branch Library, 9212 Rutlandshire Dr, Mechanicsville, VA

Revolutionary War Transcribe-a-thon

MAY

27

11:30 AM

Richmond, VA

Common Scents: Perfume Distilling in Colonial America

MAY

27

6:30 PM

Ashland Branch Library, 201 S Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA

"Unearth Your Story" Summer Reading Kick-off

JUN

3

2:00 PM

Richmond, VA

"Unearth Your Story" Summer Reading Kick-off

JUN

4

12:00 PM

Montpelier Branch Library, 15302 Clazemont Rd, Montpelier, VA

How to Help a Friend

JUN

4

2:00 PM

Atlee Branch Library, 9212 Rutlandshire Dr, Mechanicsville, VA

Celebration of Gifts with Angie Miles

JUN

5

11:00 AM

Hanover Branch Library, 7527 Library Dr, Hanover, VA

"Unearth Your Story" Summer Reading Kick-off

JUN

5

5:00 PM

Mechanicsville Branch Library, 7461 Sherwood Crossing Pl, Mechanicsville, VA

USA Birthday Party & Art Show

JUN

6

10:00 AM

Hanover Branch Library, 7527 Library Dr, Hanover, VA

T-Rex Tea Party 2.0

JUN

6

10:30 AM

Goochland Branch Library, 3075 River Rd W, Goochland, VA

Summer Mocktail Class

JUN

8

6:30 PM

Ashland Branch Library, 201 S Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA

"Unearth Your Story" Summer Reading Kick-off

JUN

9

3:00 PM

Goochland Branch Library, 3075 River Rd W, Goochland, VA

"Unearth Your Story" Summer Reading Kick-off