Celebrate National Black Music Month with The Art of Black Sound, a June 2026 art exhibit by local artist Jonae Archer at the Petersburg Public Library, inspired by the influence, expression, and cultural impact of Black music.

Visit the Art Gallery at the Petersburg Public Library and experience a collection that explores the connection between sound, creativity, identity, and visual storytelling.

The Art of Black Sound is a visual celebration of Black music and its influence on everyday life, culture, and artistic expression. Through vivid artwork inspired by 90s R&B, 90s Hip-Hop, and the sounds of the early 2000s, Jonae Archer explores how music became both a personal soundtrack and a source of creative inspiration.

The exhibit features urban artistic expressions inspired by influential artists including Pharrell Williams, Tyler, the Creator, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar. Visitors will also find two freestyle reinterpretations inspired by the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose groundbreaking artistic vision and cultural influence continue to inspire generations of artists and musicians. Jay-Z has openly referenced Basquiat in his music, most notably on Magna Carta Holy Grail, where he raps, “I’m the new Jean-Michel.” The reference reflects Basquiat’s enduring influence on contemporary music, art, and culture.

This exhibit celebrates the enduring relationship between Black music, storytelling, and visual art while honoring the lasting impact of Black culture on creativity and self-expression. Join us in celebrating local artistry, community, and the power of the arts in Petersburg.

Some expressions can only be experienced in person.

The rest, you’ll have to come and see.

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Come. Discover the wonder within you.

Summer is the perfect time to explore new stories, discover new interests, and develop lifelong reading habits. The Petersburg Public Library invites children and teens to participate in the 2026 Summer Reading Program, where reading can lead to exciting prizes while helping young readers maintain and strengthen their literacy skills.

How the Summer Reading Program Works

Participants are encouraged to read at least 30 minutes each day throughout the summer. Readers can track their progress using the Beanstack website or by using a paper reading log available through the Children’s Department.

In addition to logging reading time, participants will complete age-appropriate reading activities:

• Ages 2–6: Illustration reviews
• Ages 7–17: Book reviews

These activities encourage children and teens to engage more deeply with what they read while developing creativity, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.

Important Dates

Participants using paper reading logs should submit their completed logs to the Children’s Department by the following dates:

• June 30, 2026 – Deadline for entry into the first prize drawing
• July 30, 2026 – Deadline for entry into the final prize drawing

Grand Prize Drawing Dates

• July 1, 2026
• July 31, 2026

Prize Opportunities

Readers who participate in the Summer Reading Program will have opportunities to win a variety of prizes.

Ages 7–14

• Busy Boards
• Squishmallows
• 3D-Printed Spheres
• 3D-Printed Dragons

Ages 15–17

• Travel Duffle Bags
• 1 Billion Shape Magnetic Pyramid

Summer Events and Activities

The Summer Reading Program is about more than just reading—it’s about learning, creating, exploring, and having fun all summer long. In addition to reading and earning prizes, children, teens, and families are invited to participate in a variety of free programs and special events.

Movies on Mondays Series

Enjoy family-friendly films throughout the summer.

Dates:

• June 8
• June 15
• June 22
• July 6
• July 13
• July 20
• July 27

Visit the Event Calendar for movie titles and showtimes.

Sharing a Harvest Event

• June 10

Goalie Game Workshop

Test your skills and enjoy outdoor fun.

• June 10
• 12:00 PM
• Small Parking Area

Pokémon Club

Meet fellow Pokémon fans, trade ideas, and enjoy themed activities.

Dates:

• June 13
• June 27
• July 11
• July 25

Story Time & Resource Session

Stories, learning, and resources for families.

Dates:

• June 20
• July 18

Kids Fit

Get active with outdoor fitness activities.

Date:

• June 26
• 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Parking Lot

TGICF – Thank Goodness It’s Craft Friday

Pick up free craft bags and enjoy creative activities throughout the summer while supplies last.

Teen Cuisine

Learn cooking skills and healthy food preparation in this six-class series.

Wednesdays:

• 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
• Six classes total

YA Round Table

Ages 15–18

Join discussions about books, pop culture, and topics important to teens while helping create content for the library’s YouTube Channel.

Dates:

• June 18
• June 25
• July 9
• July 16
• July 23
• July 30

Science Heroes

Experience interactive science demonstrations and hands-on learning.

Date:

• July 15
• 12:30 PM

Summer Reading JAM

Celebrate a summer of reading with games, activities, and community fun.

Date:

• July 30
• 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Car Show

Close out the summer with an exciting display of classic and unique vehicles.

Date:

• July 31
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

For the latest information, event details, and schedule updates, visit the library’s Event Calendar or contact the Children’s Department.

Why Summer Reading Matters

Research shows that students who continue reading during the summer are better prepared for the next school year. Regular reading helps prevent the “summer slide,” a loss of academic skills that can occur when students are away from the classroom for extended periods.

Benefits of summer reading include:

• Developing a lifelong love of reading
• Strengthening reading comprehension skills
• Expanding vocabulary and language development
• Encouraging imagination and creativity
• Improving memory and concentration
• Building confidence and self-assurance
• Supporting academic success throughout the school year

Even just 30 minutes of reading each day can make a meaningful difference.

Get Started Today

Whether your child enjoys adventure stories, graphic novels, biographies, science books, or picture books, the Petersburg Public Library has resources for readers of all ages and interests.

Visit the Children’s Department to register, pick up a reading log, or learn more about participating through Beanstack.

Make reading part of your summer routine and discover where a good book can take you.

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One simple way to engage your brain is through reading.

Reading is more than entertainment. When we read, our brains process language, create mental images, make connections, and exercise memory. Whether you’re reading a novel, exploring a new subject, or listening to an audiobook, you’re engaging your mind in meaningful ways.

Many people say they don’t have time to read. Between work, family responsibilities, and busy schedules, finding extra time can be difficult. The good news is that reading doesn’t have to mean sitting down with a 300-page book for hours at a time.

A few minutes of reading during a lunch break, before bed, or while waiting for an appointment can add up over time. Audiobooks offer another convenient option, allowing you to enjoy books while commuting, exercising, or completing everyday tasks.

Keeping your mind active can fit into your daily routine. Reading, listening to audiobooks, learning a new skill, or exploring a topic that interests you are all great ways to engage your brain and support lifelong learning.

The Petersburg Public Library offers a wide variety of resources to help you get started, including:

• Books on brain health, memory, and healthy aging
• Resources for caregivers and families
• Fiction and nonfiction titles for all interests
• eBooks and audiobooks available through Libby
• Educational materials on health, wellness, history, and lifelong learning

Whether you have 10 minutes or an hour, there’s a story or new skill waiting for you.

This June, visit the Petersburg Public Library and discover books, audiobooks, and digital resources that can help you stay informed, inspired, and engaged.

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This month, the Petersburg Public Library is proud to feature Virginia-based contemporary abstract artist Jade Carter (Doing Business as Creating AS) and her exhibit, Peace from Anxiety.

The title alone speaks to something many people quietly experience every day.

Anxiety can often feel overwhelming, loud, unpredictable, and difficult to explain. For some, it appears as racing thoughts or emotional exhaustion. For others, it can feel like pressure to keep pushing forward while carrying invisible weight. In a world filled with constant noise, responsibilities, and uncertainty, finding moments of peace has become increasingly important.

Through texture, movement, and layered emotion, Creating AS transforms those feelings into visual expression.

Inspired by music, film, perseverance, vulnerability, and everyday life, her abstract works explore the tension between chaos and calm. Some paintings emerge intense and emotionally charged, while others offer softness, stillness, and reflection. Together, the collection creates a visual conversation about resilience, identity, emotional honesty, and the search for peace within difficult moments.

Working with acrylic paint, acrylic ink, spray paint, spackle, paint knives, and Sakura ink pens, Creating AS embraces experimentation and instinct as essential parts of the creative process. Rather than aiming for perfection, she allows emotion to guide each piece organically.

Influenced by Vincent van Gogh and Michelangelo, Creating AS views art as both expression and escape — a way to process emotion, block out the noise of the world, and create something honest from it.

Featured works in the exhibit include:

• Pieces, a connected three-piece composition exploring individuality within unity
• Backbone, a textured work symbolizing strength and resilience
• Victorian, a matte black textured painting embracing emotional honesty and self-expression
• The Best of Me, a piece created through emotional exhaustion and perseverance, inspired in part by Suga and themes of resilience

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Peace from Anxiety serves as a reminder that creativity can be more than art. It can become reflection, release, healing, and connection.

Sometimes peace does not arrive all at once. Sometimes it is found in quiet moments, honest expression, supportive spaces, music, books, conversation, or even standing in front of a painting that reflects something you have felt but never knew how to describe.

We invite the community to visit the exhibit, reflect, and take a moment for themselves inside the library’s gallery space.

Come. Discover the Wonder Within You.

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Each live concert is hosted on stage inside of the Petersburg Public Library Conference & Event Center.

2026 Concert Lineup

• Friday, April 10 – Jay Baxter & J.A.M.
• Friday, May 8 – The Fam Band
• Friday, June 12 – Sounds Funny Band
• Friday, July 10 – Kozy Cats Band
• Friday, August 14 – Soul Unlimited Band
• Friday, September 11 – Rodney Stith

The series is hosted by Micah “Bam Bam” White, a comedian, actor, and speaker. He has appeared on platforms such as TEDx, All Star Comedy Show, and the movie Red Kool-Aid. His energy and personality help create a fun and engaging experience at every concert.

“Jazz in the Stacks is part of the Downtown Petersburg tradition of ‘Friday for the Arts,’ which we help keep alive,” said Wayne Crocker, Library Director.

What once focused on visual art and an artist of the month has evolved into a musical celebration that honors the performing arts and the literary arts, since someone had to compose and write each song. Each performance offers a safe, welcoming space for the community to connect, enjoy great music, and celebrate local talent. The series provides a free, engaging cultural experience while also encouraging reading and literacy throughout the year.

Event Details

Location:
Petersburg Public Library
201 W. Washington St.
Petersburg, VA 23803

Time:
Doors open at 6:00 PM

Admission:
Free and open to the public

Food and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase

Safety:
Security is present at each concert to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment.

What to Expect

• Live Music
• Fun
• Jazz in the Stacks is one of Petersburg’s most popular live music events. Many concerts reach capacity, with standing-room-only crowds.
• Arrive on time to secure your spot and enjoy an evening of great music in an intimate setting.
• If our parking lot is full, you may park next door at the church beside us.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in supporting Jazz in the Stacks? Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations looking to connect with a strong and engaged audience.

Dominion Energy is already a sponsor of the September 11, 2026 concert.

For more information, please contact rdesper@ppls.org.

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How Interlibrary Loans Work

1. Request Your Item: Ask a librarian at the Petersburg Public Library
2. We Find It: Our staff searches partner libraries nationwide to locate the item.
3. Pick It Up: When it arrives (within 1-2 weeks), you’ll be notified and can pick it up at the library.
4. Read & Return: Enjoy the item and return it by the due date, just like any other library material.

Why you should Try Interlibrary Loans?

• Expand Your Options: Get books, articles, and media not available in our collection.
• Save Money: Borrow instead of buying costly or hard-to-find materials.
• Support Your Learning: Perfect for students, researchers, or anyone pursuing a personal project.

Ready to Request Your First Item?

Stop by the Petersburg Public Library (Come inside or Use our Drive Through Service) to submit your request today!

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Experience the vibrant world of jazz through art! The Petersburg Public Library is proud to present Jazzology, the April 2026 Artist of the Month exhibit by local talent Joshua “Ray” Branch-Howell. The exhibit will be on display throughout the month of April 2026, offering visitors a chance to explore artwork inspired by Jazz Appreciation Month.

Artist Talk & Meet-and-Greet

Join us on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for an artist talk and meet-and-greet with Joshua “Ray” Branch-Howell. Ray will share insights into his creative process, discuss the inspiration behind Jazzology, and answer questions from attendees. This is a unique opportunity for students, art enthusiasts, and the community to connect directly with one of our region’s rising artists.

About Joshua “Ray” Branch-Howell

Born in Hopewell in 2003 and raised in the Petersburg/Chesterfield tri-county area, Ray began making art at just two years old after being diagnosed with autism. Influenced by music, he has developed a style rooted in experimentation and rhythm, often using oil pastels and printmaking as his signature mediums. Many of his works pay tribute to musicians and cultural figures, blending African diasporic traditions with contemporary expression.

Ray’s work has earned recognition nationally and regionally, including exhibitions such as The Space Between Notes: Thelonious Monk Tribute Exhibition at Paper Mill Playhouse, the National Conference of Artists MLK Jr. Commemorative Exhibition at Ashé Cultural Arts Center, and The EMERGE IX Exhibition at the Bond Millen Gallery. His triptych The Path of Monk is part of the official Thelonious Monk Estate collection.

Currently living in Colonial Heights, Ray is completing his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts at Virginia State University. His recent projects explore themes of music, cultural identity, and social commentary, making Jazzology a celebration of rhythm, creativity, and local culture.

Visit the Exhibit

Stop by the Petersburg Public Library throughout April 2026 to experience Jazzology in person. Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month, explore the intersection of music and visual art, and support a talented young artist from our community.

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Author J.K. Lynch might say, “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up.” All of this Black support, all of this positive energy, all this Black fellowship, all this Black love, and all of these brilliant, creative, and educated authors right here at the Petersburg Public Library. This was the Black Author Expo 2026 like you’ve never seen it or maybe you have if you were here in 2025.

An Event for the Books: The Black History Books

The Black Author Expo 2026 featured a wide range of voices, from first-time children’s authors like Destiny Bryant to award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford. Whether attendees were looking for children’s books, inspirational writing, poetry, memoirs, or fiction, there was something in the room for everyone.

Held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Expo brought together more than 60 authors along with readers, families, and community members for an afternoon focused on literacy, storytelling, and uplifting Black voices in literature.

Growth, Energy, and Returning Authors

The event continues to grow each year, and returning authors made that very clear. Dr. Tia Palmer, attending for the third year in a row, shared:

“This was my third year attending, and I just have to say every single year it grows and becomes even more amazing. The energy, organization, and overall experience continue to level up each year. Most importantly, I always feel the love, and that means everything. I’m already looking forward to the next one.”

Connecting Authors and Readers

Throughout the day, authors connected with readers, sold books, met new audiences, and built relationships with fellow writers. Many said the most meaningful part of the Expo was simply being in a room filled with other Black authors and a community that supports them.

When asked about their favorite parts of the event, authors highlighted:

• Meeting other authors
• Talking with readers and the community
• Networking and building relationships
• Seeing the strong turnout of families and young readers
• Being part of an event that celebrates Black voices in literature

Author Yvonne J. Medley shared that her favorite moments included the featured author presentation by mother-son duo Carole Boston Weatherford and Jefferey Boston Weatherford, meeting readers who purchased her books (she sold at least 20), and connecting with other authors. Other authors highlighted interacting with patrons, sharing their stories, meeting new writers, and experiencing the positive energy of the event.

More Than Just a Book Event

The Black Author Expo 2026 once again proved to be more than just a book event. It was a celebration of culture, literacy, creativity, and community. From first-time authors to seasoned literary voices, the Expo continues to grow into one of the most meaningful literary gatherings in the region.

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In honor of Black History Month, the Petersburg Public Library proudly recognizes Wendell Jones as our Artist of the Month. A native son of Petersburg, Virginia, Jones represents the power of self-taught creativity, lived experience, and lifelong artistic exploration.

Born in 1957 in Petersburg, Virginia, Wendell Jones discovered his artistic talent at an early age. While attending Blandford Elementary School, a teacher noticed his gift for drawing and entrusted him with designing classroom and hallway bulletin boards. What began as simple doodles soon evolved into expressive compositions filled with movement, color, and emotion.

Jones continued his education through the Petersburg School System, attending Peabody Junior High School and Petersburg High School. Though his formal education provided structure, it was his life experiences that ultimately shaped his artistic voice.

Over the years, Jones lived in several regions across the United States, each leaving a lasting impression on his work. The vast deserts of Nevada introduced him to bold contrasts and expansive space. The moody, atmospheric landscapes of the Pacific Northwest deepened his appreciation for tone and texture. Meanwhile, the familiar and grounding scenery of Virginia continues to anchor his creative perspective. These varied environments come together in his paintings, reflected through vibrant color palettes, layered abstraction, and emotionally resonant landscapes.

Working primarily in abstract and landscape styles, Jones explores themes of place, memory, and personal connection. His work balances provocation with beauty, encouraging viewers to reflect not only on the physical landscapes before them but also on their own inner terrain. Each piece becomes both a journey and a conversation.

Jones’ creativity extends far beyond the canvas. He is an accomplished cook, skier, sign artist, singer, and master barber and hairstylist. These diverse talents reveal a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and artistry in everyday life. Whether through a painting, a hairstyle, or a shared meal, Jones expresses his belief that creativity is woven into every aspect of human experience.

Above all, he credits his family and friends as his greatest source of inspiration. Their presence grounds his work in authenticity and human connection, reminding us that art is not created in isolation but through lived experience.

During this Black History Month, we celebrate Wendell Jones not only for his artistic achievements but also for his lifelong commitment to creative expression. His journey reminds us that art can be self-discovered, self-defined, and deeply rooted in community.

Visit the Petersburg Public Library to experience Wendell Jones’ work and join us in honoring a local artist whose story reflects both personal resilience and universal beauty.

TO CONTACT WENDELL JONES, CALL: 804-295-3298 OR EMAIL: WOLFBLEND67@GMAIL.COM

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