The Petersburg Public Library proudly announces the return of the Black Author Expo 2026, Virginia’s largest free Black author-centered literary event.

The Expo will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Petersburg Public Library.

---

Featured Authors: Carole Boston Weatherford & Jeffery Boston Weatherford

This year’s Expo highlights award-winning authors Carole Boston Weatherford and Jeffery Boston Weatherford, a celebrated mother and son duo. Their work centers on Black history, resilience, and imagination.

Their achievements include:

• 80+ published books

• 2 NAACP Image Awards

• 18 American Library Association Youth Media Awards

• Newbery Honor

• Coretta Scott King Award

• 4 Caldecott Honors

• The Claudia Lewis Award (Bank Street College of Education)

• The Boston Globe Horn Book Award

Their presence is a major highlight for the 2026 Expo and reinforces its growing statewide impact.

---

About the Expo

In addition to the Weatherfords, the Expo will feature 60+ Black authors, writers, and educators. Attendees will have the chance to:

• Discover new voices

• Engage in meaningful conversations

• Support Black literature during Black History Month

Following the success of the 2025 Expo, which drew hundreds of attendees and over 45 authors, the 2026 event promises to be even larger. It continues to strengthen its reputation as a cornerstone literary celebration in Virginia.

---

Event Features

Held in partnership with Resist Booksellers, a Black-owned independent bookstore in Petersburg, the Expo will include:

• Book signings

• Author meet-and-greets

• Books across every genre: children’s literature, poetry, faith, self-help, and fiction

“The Black Author Expo is more than a literary event,” said Wayne Crocker, Director of the Petersburg Public Library.
“It is a celebration of storytelling, legacy, and representation during Black History Month.”

“The goal has always been to make sure everyone, from a first-time reader to a seasoned writer, feels seen, valued, and inspired,” said Demetrius Frazier, owner of Resist Booksellers.
“We are proud to see this Expo grow into a cornerstone event for Black literature in Virginia.”

The event is completely free for both attendees and authors, reflecting the library’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

---

Event Details

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Petersburg Public Library, Conference & Event Center
201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803

Website: www.ppls.org
Phone: (804) 733-2387

Sponsorship Inquiries: Raleigh Desper – rdesper@ppls.org

---

Participating Authors

The 2026 Black Author Expo will feature the following distinguished authors, writers, and educators:

Adele Williams
Alfreda Gregory
Alvin Schexnider
Barry Beck, Jr.
Bradley Johnson
Bria Freitas
Bryan Garland
C. Rose Dahl
Calmfirmations
Cecil Avery
Christopher Green
Colleen Bray
Cutina Walker
Daniel Davis
Debra Johnson
Denise LaJuan Peters
Desmond Ross
Destiny Bryant
Doris Ryan
Dr. Barbara H. Smith
Dr. Bridgette Y. Williams
Dr. Kimberly Mitchell
Dr. Na’Shayla Nelson
Dr. Tia Palmer
Elizabeth Willis
Frances Crouch
Healing Angel
Iche Palms
J’ana Price
James Rollins
Jamare Bates
Jamica Whitaker
Jamie “Jai” Morrison
Jamila Romero
Jessieca Montgomery
JK Lynch
LaStar Vieira
Lakeisha Crawford
Lakeshia Crawford
Laymetha Guy
Mary Day Sims
Mary Gerald-Patterson
Maurice Brown
Mechelle Harris
Mccarthy Barnes, Jr.
Paula Banks
Patricia Moore
Rhonda Stanford
Ronald Robinson
S. LaTisha Branch-Morgan
Savannah Jackson
Sharon Matthews Fortune
Sharelle McNair-Jasper
Shirley Scarborough
Tamela Carrington
Theresa Caldwell
Tony Durham
Torria Burwell
Tracy Booker
Travis Simmons
Tywanda Parker
Valencia Martin
Wanda Miller
Yvonne J. Medley

The Petersburg Public Library was excited to welcome families with children for the Second Annual Winter Wonderland Culinary Workshop, transforming the library into a festive space filled with creativity, cooking, and holiday cheer. Designed for children of all ages, the event offered a hands-on experience that celebrated seasonal flavors and meaningful community connection.

Guests explored a variety of interactive edible activity stations that brought winter-themed treats to life. Participants created chocolate marshmallow reindeer, built a cupcake village, mixed Hershey marshmallow peppermint bark, shaped mozzarella snowmen with pretzel brooms, constructed graham cracker houses, molded candy-shaped Krispy treats, enjoyed warm apple cider fizz, and layered colorful winter parfaits. Each activity was simple to follow, engaging, and filled with holiday spirit.

The event was made even more meaningful through the support of community partners and volunteers, including the Virginia Department of Health, Petersburg Department of Parks and Recreation, the YMCA, Read to Them featuring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, DentaQuest, a Sun Life Company, Aetna, the Community Cares Team, Sentara, the City of Petersburg, HCAT, and the Crater Health District. Their involvement helped promote healthy living, literacy, and family engagement throughout the event.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, dancers performed on stage, bringing energy and excitement to the celebration and delighting guests of all ages.

Winter Wonderland continues to reflect the Petersburg Public Library’s commitment to creativity, literacy, community engagement, and family-centered programming. The event offered families a joyful opportunity to connect, create, and celebrate the season together.

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

When it comes to politics, you are either deeply into it or it may not feel relevant at all. No matter where you stand, our goal at the Petersburg Public Library is to help you stay informed and aware of what is happening in our state.

This election is historic in many ways. For the first time, Virginia elected a woman as governor and a woman as lieutenant governor at the same time. Our Attorney General is the first Black person elected to that office, and in District 4, we have a Black woman representing our community in the State House.

Does this mean there are no white men in office? No, but it does signal a shift. Historic milestones are being reached, and new voices are taking leadership roles. It is a new day in Virginia politics, and it is worth paying attention.

A Historic Win for the Governor’s Office

According to the Washington Post in the article titled “Virginia governor election results 2025”, “Democrat Abigail Spanberger tops Republican Winsome Earle Sears to become Virginia’s first female governor.” This report was updated November 5, 2025.

The article explains that Abigail Spanberger was elected as Virginia’s first female governor, according to an AP projection. The Washington Post noted that the race was widely watched as a reflection of the political climate ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

Winner for Governor: Abigail A. Spanberger (D)

Statewide Election Results

Here in Petersburg, located in State Representative District 4, voters participated in several important statewide races. Below are the results.

Governor
Winner: Abigail A. Spanberger (D)
Opponent: Winsome E. Sears (R)

Lieutenant Governor
Winner: Ghazala F. Hashmi (D)
Opponent: John J. Reid II (R)

Attorney General
Winner: Jerrauld “Jay” C. Jones (D)
Opponent: Jason S. Miyares (R)

State Representative, District 4
Winner: Charniele L. Herring (D)

These offices play important roles in shaping public policy, state spending, tax decisions, and public programs and services that affect communities throughout Virginia.

What These Results Mean for Petersburg

Petersburg residents may see future changes or new initiatives related to:

• State support for libraries and literacy programs
• Education funding and local school resources
• Community and public safety initiatives
• Statewide economic and health priorities

Congratulations to all of our new state elected officials. The Petersburg Public Library is committed to helping community members stay informed as new policies and decisions take shape.

Use Your Library to Stay Informed

You can use the Petersburg Public Library as a resource for:

• Trusted information about state and local government
• Access to official election results and policy research
• Books and digital materials on civic literacy and public affairs
• Programs that support community engagement and lifelong learning

Thank you to every resident who participated in this year’s election. Informed participation strengthens our community and our state. The Petersburg Public Library is here to support your learning, your curiosity, and your civic engagement. Visit us anytime to explore, read, and stay connected.

 

Petersburg Public Library
201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 733-2387

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.

This summer, families across the country have been feeling the pinch at the grocery store. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of produce has increased nearly 40 percent. In Petersburg, the Public Library and the Healthy Communities Action Team (HCAT) are working together to ease the burden by connecting literacy and nutrition in a creative new way.

Starting September 15, 2025, families can earn tokens at the Petersburg Public Library that can be redeemed for fresh produce at the Petersburg Farmers Market. Here’s how it works:

Earn Tokens by Reading

• Every time your child reads a book, or you read to them, you earn one token.

• Each token is valued at one dollar and can be used to purchase produce at the Farmers Market.

• Reading becomes more than just a way to learn — it becomes a way to save.

Earn Tokens by Cooking

HCAT’s “Pop-up Bite” Kitchens give families the chance to cook and learn together while earning more tokens.

• Attend a Pop-up Bite Kitchen and receive five tokens per family.

• Cook at home: Record your family making the featured recipe and send the video to HCATinfo@ppls.org or call (804) 605-2567 to submit. You’ll earn ten tokens.

• Get featured online: If your video is posted on the Library’s social media pages, your family earns an additional ten tokens, for a total of twenty tokens.

Upcoming HCAT Pop-up Bite Kitchen Dates

• Saturday, November 22 | 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
  Greater A.M.E. Zion Church, 1301 Youngs Rd.

• Tuesday, November 25 | 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
  Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St.

Building Stronger Readers and Healthier Families

This program is designed to meet two essential needs: helping children become stronger readers while supporting families with affordable access to healthy food.

“Our goal is to connect literacy and nutrition in a way that directly benefits families’ budgets,” said Ruth Frierson. “By earning tokens through reading and cooking, families can put healthy meals on the table while building lifelong skills.”

The Petersburg Public Library invites families to start earning tokens beginning September 15. Together, we can build stronger readers, healthier families, and a thriving community.

For more information, contact HCAT at HCATinfo@ppls.org or (804) 605-2567, or call the Library at (804) 733-2387.

How to Get a Petersburg Public Library Card

A Petersburg Public Library card is free and available to anyone living in Virginia. Your card gives you access to books, eBooks, audiobooks, streaming services, databases, and so much more. Here’s how to apply and start using your card today.

Who Can Get a Card

• Virginia Residents – Any person living in the Commonwealth of Virginia can get a free Petersburg Public Library card.

• Military Families – Armed services personnel and their dependents living in Virginia are eligible at no charge.

• Regional Residents – Residents of Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, and areas served by the Appomattox Regional Library System (Dinwiddie, Prince George, Hopewell, and Disputanta) may also apply for a free card.

• Children & Teens – Residents under 18 can receive a card with parental permission.

What You’ll Need

When applying in person, bring:

• A valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID).

• Proof of your current address if it’s not shown on your ID (examples: utility bill, lease, or recent mail).

Card Details & Requirements

• Library cards are valid for one year and can be renewed.

• Children under 18 need a parent’s signature to receive full borrowing privileges.

• Ages 13–17 can apply for a limited-use card (1 book + 1 DVD checkout, plus computer access).

• Ages 12 and under require a parent’s signature for full privileges, but cannot check out adult DVDs.

How to Apply

1. Apply in Person – Visit the Petersburg Public Library at 201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803 to complete an application and receive your card on the spot.

2. Apply Online – Start the process by registering online. You’ll receive a temporary card valid for 14 days. To upgrade to a full card with full borrowing and electronic resource access, stop by the library with your ID and proof of address.

Replacement Cards

Lost your card? Replacement cards are available at the circulation desk.

Start Using Your Card

With your Petersburg Public Library card, you can:

• Borrow books, DVDs, and audiobooks

• Download eBooks and audiobooks

• Stream movies and music

• Access online databases and research tools

• Use public computers and free Wi-Fi

Apply Today

Signing up for a library card is quick, easy, and free. Apply online or visit us in person to unlock everything the Petersburg Public Library has to offer.

Petersburg Public Library
201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 733-2387

With temperatures soaring into the 90s and a heatwave continuing across Central Virginia, the Petersburg Public Library is your go-to place to stay safe, cool, and engaged. From free classes and fitness programs to local art and air-conditioned reading rooms, the library gives you space to learn, recharge, and reconnect—all at no cost.

A Cool Community Space

The library is a fully air-conditioned space open to the public six days a week:

• Monday through Thursday: 10 AM to 8 PM

• Friday and Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Stop by to enjoy free Wi-Fi, access to over 20 public computers for every age group, comfortable seating, and spaces to read, work, or learn—all in a temperature-controlled environment.

Weekly Programs to Keep You Active and Inspired

The library offers a variety of free programs every week for all ages:

Yoga Classes
Offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, these gentle sessions help you stretch, breathe, and refocus in a calming environment.

Exercise Classes
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, join our group fitness class to stay active without having to brave the summer heat.

Computer Literacy and Digital Skills Training
Available throughout the week, these classes support patrons looking to improve their computer skills.

Special Collections Room
Dive into local history and genealogy resources in our dedicated research space—perfect for family historians, writers, or anyone interested in Petersburg’s rich past.

The Market at PPL

Located in the library’s front lobby, the Market at PPL offers fresh produce, snacks, and ready-to-eat items. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a few ingredients to take home, the Market is a convenient option that keeps you out of the heat and close to healthy food choices.

Art Exhibit:

Through July 31, visit the library gallery to view Horizon/tal, an exhibit by Virginia artist Dolly Holmes. Her panoramic, abstract paintings evoke a sense of open space and calm—ideal for a moment of reflection during a hot and hectic week.

Looking Ahead: Jazz in the Stacks Returns August 8

Mark your calendar for the next Jazz in the Stacks performance on Friday, August 8.

Join us on Friday, August 8, for a special evening as part of Friday for the Arts. From 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, experience a vibrant gallery display featuring Zimbabwean fashion designer Charlie Mub and visual artist Anesu Manautsi.

Then, head over to the Event Center for Jazz in the Stacks, featuring live music from the Sud’n Change Band and Show, hosted by comedic artist Micah “Bam Bam” White.

.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you are looking to stay productive, cool off, or simply try something new, the Petersburg Public Library is here for you. This is your library—your space to learn, connect, and recharge. Take advantage of the free programs, air-conditioned comfort, technology access, and welcoming environment available to every member of our community.

For more information about programs and services, explore our website or call us at 804-733-2387.