community events Petersburg VA

April 3, 2026

Jazz in the Stacks 2026

The 2026 Jazz in the Stacks Concert Series returns with six exciting performances from talented regional musicians. This popular series takes place on the second Friday of each month from April through September.

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 [email protected].

February 13, 2026

Black Author Expo 2026: Be There!

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 – [email protected]

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

December 24, 2025

Winter Wonderland at the Petersburg Public Library | Family Culinary Event

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.