About
Mission Statement
The mission of the Heritage Public Library is to promote the development of independent, self-confident, and literate citizens through the provision of open access to cultural, intellectual, and informational resources.
Background
The Heritage Public Library is a regional library serving New Kent County and Charles City County with two branches, one in New Kent, VA in Maidstone Village and the other in Charles City, VA in the Charles City Courthouse. Organized as a private not-for-profit corporation, it first opened its doors to the public on August 4, 1981. The library system holds over 53,000 materials including books, and audio books, DVDs, videos, newspapers, and magazines. Heritage Public Library offers e-books, e-Magazines, e-Audio books, and online databases as well. Services available include WiFi, high speed Internet, library public computers, fax, copier, and programs for all ages. Our mission is to promote the development of independent, self-confident, and literate citizens through the provision of open access to cultural, intellectual and informational resources.
HPL Board of Trustees
Heritage Public Library is governed by an 11-member Library Board of Trustees representing New Kent and Charles City counties. Each county in appoints members to represent the citizens of that county, and those members may then appoint up to three additional members. All Board members may serve two 4-year terms.
Email any comments, suggestions and questions to the HPL Board of Trustees.
Meeting Schedule
July 19, 2021 @ Charles City
October 18, 2021 @ New Kent
January 24, 2022 @ Charles City
April 25, 2022 @ New Kent
All Board meetings are open to the public and scheduled to alternate between our branches.
Holiday Closings
Heritage Public Library will be closed on dates observed by Commonwealth of Virginia. This Holiday Closing Schedule is revised annually. Observed dates may vary each year, so please refer to the Calendar for our up-to-date closures.
Holidays observed are: New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; President’s Day; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Election Day; Veteran’s Day; Thanksgiving; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve.
Computers, Internet & Wifi Available
Computers with Internet access are available for library cardholders in good standing. Public computers have MS Office software and are configured to use Chrome and IE browsers. USB data storage devices (such as thumbdrives) can be used. Public computers have printer access; there is no wireless printer access at this time. WiFi is available with open access, and is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. By using our computers and our Internet, you agree to use them appropriately. For more information, read the Computer and Internet Policy.
Library Cards
Register online for your card @ Request a Library Card or fill out an application at either library branch. NOTE: When registering online, you will be notified by email of your library card number. You then may begin using electronic resources through our website. New library cards will be mailed. When you come to either library location please present identification to receive full library privileges.
- A picture id with your address is required (for children without id, the guardian’s id will be used)
- For minors under 18, the guardian and child need to both be present to receive the child’s card
- The card is free (replacements are $2 each)
- If you live or work in Charles City or New Kent counties you are eligible for library cards
- If you don’t live or work in New Kent and Charles City, you may register for a card with a $5 fee
- HPL cards are good at both locations
- By registering for and using your library card, you are agreeing to be responsible for the materials borrowed on your card. You will be fined for late, lost, or damaged items.
Visit a library branch to learn more!