December 23, 2025

New Book Release during Friday for the Arts Features Local Author Laurel Charboneau

The Petersburg Public Library welcomed patrons for a special edition of Friday for the Arts, spotlighting local author and historian Laurel Charboneau. Attendees explored Petersburg’s rich history through literature, photography, and shared conversation, reinforcing the library’s role as a cultural and educational gathering space.

Charboneau is the author of Historic Petersburg (Images of America), a compelling visual history documenting the city’s past through carefully curated archival photographs and informative narrative. During the event, visitors engaged with the author, learned about her research process, and gained deeper insight into the stories that have shaped Petersburg over time.

An accompanying exhibit, displayed throughout the library, featured historical images of Petersburg alongside Charboneau’s original artwork, including a collage highlighting businesses that have influenced the city over the past 100-plus years. The display reflects her personal journey of discovery, inspired by questions she encountered while exploring Petersburg’s historic districts. This curiosity led her to conduct independent research and create Historic Petersburg, making the city’s history more accessible for others. Visitors were encouraged to reflect on Petersburg’s evolution and participate in conversations about preservation, identity, and community pride.

This event was proudly sponsored by local Grand Canyon University representative Sannia Hutchinson, who supports access to continuing education opportunities in the community. For more information about continuing education at Grand Canyon University, including Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs, contact Sannia Hutchinson at 804-840-3552 or email [email protected]

Exhibit Dates: December 1 – December 31, 2025
Location: Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, Virginia 23803

For more information or to contact the artist:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 804-712-2586
YouTube: Historic Petersburg Virginia
Instagram: @laurelspetersburgva

Friday for the Arts continues to be one of the library’s most popular monthly experiences, offering residents a chance to engage with local creators, celebrate the arts, and connect with the community. Mark your calendars and bring a friend for an evening of conversation, discovery, and local history.

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December 11, 2025

Save the Date: Black Author Expo 2026 Returns to Petersburg Public Library

The Petersburg Public Library is excited to announce the return of the Black Author Expo on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 1 PM to 4 PM in our Conference and Event Center. After a record-breaking year in 2025, the Expo is already shaping up to be one of Virginia’s most anticipated celebrations of Black literature.

Interest in this year’s event has been overwhelming. A total of 77 Black authors have already registered to participate, along with one featured award-winning author. Because of this strong response and limited space, author registration is now closed.

Held during Black History Month, the Black Author Expo brings together readers, writers, and community members to celebrate Black voices and storytelling. Families, book lovers, and literary enthusiasts gather for an afternoon filled with culture, creativity, and connection. The event continues to uplift Black authors while encouraging meaningful conversations around literature and representation.

Attendees can expect a vibrant experience featuring authors from many genres, including children’s books, poetry, self-help, faith-based writing, memoirs, and fiction. Guests will have the opportunity to browse author tables, purchase books, meet writers, and enjoy personal conversations about the creative process.

The Petersburg Public Library is proud to host the Black Author Expo in partnership with Resist Booksellers, a Black-owned independent bookstore in Petersburg known for championing diverse voices and community engagement.

With all author spots filled for 2026, submissions are now closed. Authors interested in future events are encouraged to follow the Petersburg Public Library for updates and upcoming opportunities.

The Black Author Expo is a free, public event. The Library remains committed to making literacy, culture, and diverse stories accessible to everyone. Over the years, the Expo has grown into a signature community event, drawing hundreds of attendees and spotlighting authors whose work informs, inspires, and empowers.

For more than 100 years, the Petersburg Public Library has served as a pillar of the community. From navigating segregation and desegregation to expanding inclusive programming today, the library continues to honor its past while building a stronger future. Events like the Black Author Expo reflect this ongoing commitment to literacy, creativity, and community connection.

Mark Your Calendar

  • Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026

  • Time: 1 PM to 4 PM

  • Location: Petersburg Public Library Conference and Event Center
    201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803

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December 10, 2025

Friday for the Arts to Feature Local Author Laurel Charboneau

Friday, December 12, 2025
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Petersburg Public Library

The Petersburg Public Library will welcome the community for a special Friday for the Arts event featuring local author and history enthusiast Laurel Charboneau. Known for her captivating book Historic Petersburg (Images of America), Charboneau brings the city’s rich history to life through carefully curated photographs and storytelling.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet the author, hear insights about her work, and explore the stories behind the images that shape Petersburg’s past. Charboneau’s passion for local history and her dedication to preserving the city’s heritage make this event a meaningful highlight of the month.

Visitors can also purchase a signed copy of Historic Petersburg, perfect for personal collections or holiday gifts for history enthusiasts.

The event coincides with Laurel Charboneau’s month-long exhibit at the library:


Exhibit Dates: December 1 – December 31, 2025
Location: Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, Virginia 23803

For more information or to contact the artist:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 804-712-2586
YouTube: Historic Petersburg Virginia
Instagram: @laurelspetersburgva

Friday for the Arts continues to be one of the library’s most popular monthly experiences, offering residents a chance to engage with local creators, celebrate the arts, and connect with the community. Mark your calendars and bring a friend for an evening of conversation, discovery, and local history.

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December 10, 2025

Winter Wonderland Culinary Workshop Brings Holiday Fun to Petersburg Public Library

The Petersburg Public Library is excited to welcome families for the Second Annual Winter Wonderland Culinary Workshop. This festive event will transform the library into a cheerful space filled with creativity, cooking, and holiday magic.

Designed for children, caregivers, and holiday lovers of all ages, the workshop will offer a hands-on experience that celebrates seasonal flavors and the joy of being together. Guests will be invited to explore a series of edible activity stations that encourage imagination and bring winter themed treats to life.

Participants will have the chance to create chocolate marshmallow reindeer, build a cupcake village, and mix up Hershey marshmallow peppermint bark. Additional stations will guide guests as they shape mozzarella snowmen with pretzel brooms, construct graham cracker houses, mold candy shaped krispy treats, enjoy warm apple cider fizz, and layer colorful winter parfaits. Each activity will be simple to follow, engaging, and filled with holiday cheer.

Beyond the culinary fun, Winter Wonderland will include refreshments, lively music, and a cozy storytime read aloud that enhances the seasonal atmosphere. Families can expect smiles, laughter, and memorable moments throughout the entire workshop.

This annual celebration continues to highlight the library’s commitment to creativity, community, and the joy of making something special together. Bring your family, your imagination, and your holiday spirit to this wonderful December event.

Early Admission for Daycares at 1:30 PM
Open to Everyone from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Takes place December 15, 2025

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November 21, 2025

Celebrating the Artist Within: A Recap of Friday for the Arts with Christopher C. Alexander IV

The Petersburg Public Library was filled with creativity and connection during our November Friday for the Arts celebration featuring our Artist of the Month, Christopher C. Alexander IV. His realistic work, rich in color and emotion, set the stage for an evening dedicated not only to art, but to the spark of creativity that lives within all of us.

The evening was hosted by fellow artist and author Theresa Caldwell. Theresa guided the audience through a thought-provoking conversation that invited everyone in the room to reflect on their own creative journeys. Her warm and encouraging style opened doors for honest dialogue about expression, confidence, and the role that art can play in our lives.

One of the most powerful moments of the night came when Theresa spoke directly to an audience member who shared that their inner artist had been quiet for many years. Theresa gently facilitated a meaningful exchange between this community member and Christopher C. Alexander IV, building a bridge between past passion and renewed possibility. Together they explored what it means to reconnect with creativity, to pick up a pencil again, and to simply begin. Christopher encouraged them to buy a sketchbook and take the first small step. The entire room felt the energy of that moment. It reminded us that creativity is always within reach.

The evening also brought joy to one of our youngest attendees. A young art collector, no more than ten years old, carefully selected a Mini Print Painting Replica to take home. Christopher signed it for her, creating a meaningful memory and planting a seed that may inspire her own artistic path. Her excitement reminded us that the arts belong to every generation.

Friday for the Arts once again showed how art brings people together and uplifts our community. Christopher C. Alexander IV continues to inspire with the depth of his artistry and his generosity in sharing his creative process. Theresa Caldwell’s guidance made the evening one to remember and invited every person present to honor the artist inside themselves.

 

It is never too late to begin again. Whether you paint, write, dance, create in the kitchen, or design your next big idea, the arts offer healing, joy, reflection, and connection.

 

We invite you to visit the Petersburg Public Library to view Christopher C. Alexander IV’s artwork during the month of November and to join us for future Friday for the Arts events as well.

Come. Discover the Wonder Within You.

Artist Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 804-943-3915

Exhibit Dates: November 01 – November 29, 2025
Location: Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, Virginia 23803

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November 20, 2025

Mylez reads a Thanksgiving Story at Petersburg Public Library!

This Thanksgiving season, we are excited to feature one of our bright young readers, Mylez, as he brings the classic children’s book There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey! to life. Families enjoy this silly, rhyming tale, and Mylez delivers every line with personality, humor, and joy.

In the story, the old lady swallows a turkey, then a hat, then a balloon as big as the moon, and even a boat and wheels. Each rhyme builds on the last, which makes it a fun read-aloud for kids who enjoy rhythm, repetition, and plenty of imagination. The book ends with a festive Thanksgiving parade and a cheerful holiday message.

After finishing the story, Mylez shared his thoughts about rhyming books and why he enjoys them.

“I think it was a really great book. And if there are people that want to find out new rhymes out there, they can look at these book versions and figure out new rhymes, and maybe they can become better at rhyming. And if they want to be… a better rhymer, they can read these books and accomplish their dream.”

We enjoy seeing our young readers connect with stories in their own creative way, and we are proud to provide a space where children can explore books, build confidence, and share their voices.

Watch Mylez read the full Thanksgiving story below.


https://youtu.be/XciudF–rrw

Looking for more holiday reads? Visit the Petersburg Public Library to discover seasonal books for kids and families or ask our staff for suggestions.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Petersburg Public Library!

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October 9, 2025

It’s Pink October! A.K.A. Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor those affected, raise awareness, and promote early detection and prevention. At the Petersburg Public Library, we are committed to supporting our community with reliable health information and resources.

Did you know that your library card opens the door to a wealth of resources about breast cancer prevention, treatment options, wellness, and survivorship? From books to online databases, our collection is designed to help you make informed decisions and support your loved ones.

Here are some ways the library can help you this month:

  • Books and eBooks: Explore titles on breast cancer awareness, nutrition, exercise, mental health, and survivor stories.

  • Workshops and Programs: Attend community sessions focused on health education and wellness strategies.

  • Online Resources: Access reputable databases and guides for research on treatment options and preventive care.

  • Support and Information: Connect with local health organizations and programs through our library network.

Empower yourself and your community by taking advantage of these free resources. Knowledge is one of the strongest tools in the fight against breast cancer, and the Petersburg Public Library is here to guide you every step of the way.

Visit us today to browse our collection, attend a program, or access trusted online resources. On your way out, don’t forget to stop by our Market to pick up fresh, nutrient-rich foods. Eating your breast cancer fighting foods as medicine is another way to take control of your health while supporting your wellness journey.

Together, we can raise awareness, educate, and support one another this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

 

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October 3, 2025

The Colonial Heights Navy Federal Credit Union Donates Books to the Petersburg Public Library

The Colonial Heights Navy Federal Credit Union Donates Books to the Petersburg Public Library!

The Petersburg Public Library is grateful to the Colonial Heights Navy Federal Credit Union for their generous book donation on today. Their contribution adds to our growing collection and supports our mission of promoting literacy, learning, and community engagement.

Libraries thrive because of community partnerships, and this thoughtful gift demonstrates the power of local collaboration in strengthening the resources available to our patrons.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Colonial Heights Navy Federal Credit Union for supporting our library and helping us continue to serve as a hub for knowledge, creativity, and connection.

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October 1, 2025

October at the Library: Honoring Creativity and Heritage

October brings cooler days, new beginnings, and opportunities to celebrate what unites us. In Petersburg, this month is especially bright because it marks the 10th anniversary of artoberVA. For a decade, artoberVA has highlighted the artists, organizations, and communities that make our region thrive.

For ten years, artoberVA has shown that creativity is more than self-expression. It is a way to connect with others. Whether you are exploring a new gallery, attending a live performance, or enjoying a community event, artoberVA reminds us that art can inspire hope, spark conversation, and strengthen our communities.

This October also invites us to reflect on Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, October 14. It is a day to honor the resilience, history, and contributions of Native peoples. By learning, listening, and engaging with these stories, we gain a deeper understanding of the past and a stronger commitment to an inclusive future.

The Petersburg Public Library is not just a place for books. We are a community resource, a space to preserve culture and history, and, like art, a place where knowledge and imagination help us grow, build resilience, and feel empowered.

Celebrate with us this October:

  • Join us during Friday for the Arts and meet the artist Tahanie Medina, our October Artist of the Month. Her work explores themes of unity and connection. This event will take place on October 10, 2025, from 5 PM – 7 PM.

  • Attend the 4th Annual Artoberfest at the Petersburg Harbor on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 3 PM – 7 PM. This free community event features music, art, and local talent.

This October, let us honor the stories that shaped us and celebrate the creativity that carries us forward. Together, we can make this season one of reflection, inspiration, and connection.

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