January 21, 2026

Melba Moore Meet and Greet Recap | Petersburg Public Library

We kicked off 2026 with an unforgettable Meet and Greet featuring Melba Moore at the Petersburg Public Library.

Let’s Talk About the Book

Yes, we read it. Yes, we recommend it. And yes, we have a copy available for checkout.

This Is It… is more than a memoir. It is American history, world history, Black history, and women’s history, all woven through Melba Moore’s extraordinary life and career. The book offers a powerful look at Broadway, resilience, and faith. It invites readers to reflect on their own journey, their purpose, and a question we all eventually ask ourselves: Is this it?

The Petersburg Public Library encourages you to explore this impactful short read and answer that question for yourself.

The Meet and Greet Experience (January 14, 2026)

Petersburg showed up in full support. Guests arrived with CDs, albums, yearbooks, personal stories, and even talents of their own. One standout moment came from local artist Freedom Imani, who delivered a moving vocal tribute. His performance flowed from deep bass baritones to soaring falsettos as he thanked Melba Moore and gave her well-deserved flowers.

The evening opened with a Proclamation from the City of Petersburg, presented by Councilman Myers, former Mayor of Petersburg. Melba Moore was also presented with flowers from the Petersburg Library Foundation. Guests then heard remarks from a member of Melba Moore’s team, followed by an exclusive fireside chat hosted by Wayne Crocker, Director of the Petersburg Public Library.

Audience members were invited to the microphone for a lively Q and A session. Questions ranged from how Melba Moore maintains her physical health and vocal range to reflections on her groundbreaking role in the Broadway production Hair.

A Memorable Start to 2026

The evening concluded with book signings, photos, warm conversations, and plenty of smiles. It was an inspiring start to the new year and a true celebration of legacy, artistry, and community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to support the Petersburg Public Library and our programs.

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July 17, 2025

Join the Adult Book Challenge at Petersburg Public Library!

July to October 2025

Need some motivation to read more books? The Petersburg Public Library’s Adult Book Challenge invites readers 18 and older to check out books, explore new genres, and earn a chance to win exciting prizes.

Whether you prefer fiction, nonfiction, audiobooks, or graphic novels, every checkout brings you closer to winning.

Major Prizes Include

  • Gas gift cards

  • Dinner for two (valued at $75)

  • Massage gift cards

  • Cash gift cards

  • Tickets to Swaders Sports Park

How to Participate

  1. Get a library card.

  2. Pick up an official Adult Book Challenge punch card at the front desk.

  3. Check out three or more books to receive a stamp on your punch card.

  4. For every stamp you earn, your receipt goes into the prize drawing bag of your choice.

Challenge Rules

  • Participants must be 18 years of age or older

  • A valid Petersburg Public Library card is required

  • One stamp is awarded per checkout of three or more books

  • More checkouts mean more stamps and more chances to win

Eligible Reading Formats

This challenge includes a wide variety of materials:

  • Books on CD

  • Electronic reads through apps like Hoopla and Libby

  • Graphic novels

  • New arrivals

  • Fiction and nonfiction

  • Biographies

  • Financial literacy titles

The more you read, the more chances you have to win. Join the challenge, explore the collection, and reward yourself through the joy of reading.

Petersburg Public Library
201 W. Washington Street
Petersburg, Virginia 23803
804-733-2387

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May 2, 2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Food in our POP (Petersburg Offers Produce) Market Open Monday-Thursday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Sometimes when life feels overwhelming, the mind can get stuck in a loop—worry, stress, and even overthinking. It’s easy to become consumed by our own thoughts.

Reading helps us to break that cycle. Books introduce new ideas, different perspectives, and reminders that we’re not alone. They help us get out of our heads, tap into our imagination, inspire faith, and move us toward action and growth.

At Petersburg Public Library, we believe in the power of stories and information to support wellness from every angle. That’s why we’ve created a special book display in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. This curated collection includes titles that focus on:

  • Managing anxiety and stress

  • Building better habits

  • Improving financial well-being

  • Eating for mental health

  • Practicing mindfulness and self-care

We invite you to stop by and explore the shelf. You might find just the right book to spark a shift in perspective or guide you through a challenge.

Why a Physical Book?
There’s something deeply soothing about reading a physical book. The feel of the pages, the rhythm of turning them, the absence of screen-based distractions—it all helps you slow down and be present. That tactile experience can create a sense of calm, reduce digital fatigue, and improve focus, especially when the mind feels scattered.

Reading isn’t just a leisure activity—it’s an act of self-care. Whether you’re diving into fiction, exploring a self-help guide, or learning a new skill, books have a way of meeting us where we are and gently helping us grow.

Come Visit Us
The Petersburg Public Library is here for you. Whether you’re looking for resources to support your mental health or simply want to enjoy a quiet moment with a good book, our doors are open. Sometimes, the right book really is the first step toward change or simply mental health.

Hope to see you soon!

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