Sign up for a Richmond Library Card and get a free scoop of Gelati Celesti this September

This September, the Richmond Public Library System is celebrating Library Card Sign-up Month, encouraging residents to visit one of the nine neighborhood branches to obtain a library card. A library card provides access to a wide array of resources, from the latest books to programs tailored for all ages.

The Richmond Public Library System offers something for everyone, especially families with young children. A library card can serve as an essential back-to-school tool, opening the door to various programs for kids, teens, and adults. These include book clubs, creative arts & crafts sessions, LEGO clubs, storytimes, homework help, author talks, art exhibits, and many other enriching events.

Libraries serve as hubs for personal growth and community enrichment, offering resources and workshops for exploring new hobbies, learning languages, or even starting a small business. The library system also provides practical tools like blood pressure kits and museum passes for checkout, 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, featuring rich chocolate ice cream blended with Bing cherries and pie crust pieces, was taste-tested and named by library patrons. Starting September 1, it will be available at all Gelati Celesti locations. Additionally, anyone who signs up for a Richmond Public Library card during September will receive a bookmark with a coupon for a free scoop, redeemable at any Richmond Gelati Celesti shop through July 31, 2025 (while supplies last).

To make signing up for a library card more convenient, library staff will be present at various community locations, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, festivals, and beauty salons. Pop-up libraries will appear around the city, providing easy access to sign up. Residents are encouraged to snap a selfie with their new library card and share it on social media, tagging @RichmondPublicLibrary on Facebook and @rvalibrary on Instagram.

As part of the celebration, Ripple the River Otter, the library’s mascot, will host special storytimes at various library locations throughout September. Attendees will receive limited-edition Ripple bookmarks and activity books.

Here’s the schedule for Ripple’s storytime events:

• East End: Wednesday, 9/4, 10:00 AM
• Ginter Park: Thursday, 9/5, 11:00 AM
• Belmont: Tuesday, 9/10, 10:30 AM
• Broad Rock: Wednesday, 9/11, 4:00 PM
• North Avenue: Thursday, 9/12, 2:00 PM
• Hull Street: Wednesday, 9/18, 10:30 AM
• Westover Hills: Thursday, 9/19, 10:30 AM
• Main: Thursday, 9/26, 10:30 AM
• West End: Sunday, 9/29, 2:00 PM

For more information about obtaining a library card or learning about the Richmond Public Library System’s resources and programs, visit rvalibrary.org.

The Richmond Public Library System serves the city and surrounding communities through its nine library locations, with a mission to inform, enrich, and empower Richmond’s residents. This celebration is part of the 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.