This September, the Richmond Public Library System is celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month and encouraging residents to visit one of its nine neighborhood branches to obtain a library card. A library card provides access to a wide range of resources, from the latest books to programs for all ages.
The Richmond Public Library System has something for everyone, especially families with young children. A library card can be an essential back-to-school tool and opens the door to various programs for children, teens, and adults. These include book clubs, creative arts and crafts classes, LEGO clubs, storytimes, homework help, author talks, art exhibits, and many other enriching events.
Libraries serve as centers for personal growth and community development, offering resources and workshops for trying new hobbies, learning languages, or even starting a small business. The library system also offers practical tools like blood pressure monitors and museum passes for borrowing, making a library card a valuable asset for all residents.
In a unique partnership, the Richmond Public Library System has collaborated with Gelati Celesti to create a special ice cream flavor called “Ripple’s Choco-lit Cherry Pie.” This limited-edition flavor, which features rich chocolate ice cream with Bing cherries and pie crust pieces, was taste-tested and named by library patrons and will be available at all Gelati Celesti locations starting September 1. Additionally, anyone who signs up for a Richmond Public Library card in September will receive a bookmark with a coupon for a free scoop, redeemable at any Gelati Celesti location in Richmond through July 31, 2025 (while supplies last).
To make applying for a library card more convenient, library staff will be present at various locations in the community, including restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, festivals and beauty salons. Pop-up libraries will appear throughout the city where signing up is easy. Residents are encouraged to take a selfie with their new library card and share it on social media by tagging @RichmondPublicLibrary on Facebook and @rvalibrary on Instagram.
As part of the celebration, Ripple the River Otter, the library’s mascot, will host special story times at various library locations throughout September. Participants will receive limited edition Ripple bookmarks and activity books.
Here is the schedule for Ripple’s Storytime events:
- East End: Wednesday, 4.9., 10:00 a.m.
- Ginter Park: Thursday, September 5, 11:00 a.m.
- Belmont: Tuesday, 10.9., 10:30 a.m.
- Broad Rock: Wednesday, September 11, 4:00 p.m.
- North Avenue: Thursday, September 12, 2:00 p.m.
- Hull Street: Wednesday, 18.9., 10:30 a.m.
- Westover Hills: Thursday, September 19, 10:30 a.m.
- Main event: Thursday, 26.9., 10:30 a.m.
- West End: Sunday, 29.9., 14:00
For more information about obtaining a library card or about the resources and programs of the Richmond Public Library System, visit rvalibrary.org.
The Richmond Public Library System serves the city and surrounding communities through its nine library locations with the goal of informing, enriching and empowering Richmond residents. This celebration is part of National Library Card Sign-Up Month, a campaign by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country to promote literacy and support children’s education.
