Crater Health District

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.

July 31, 2024

Exclusive Food Demo with Dr. Auntie (Dr. Christin D. Haynes, MSW)

Our Food Demonstrations take place on Tuesdays at the Petersburg Public Library!!

We are thrilled to share the recipe and inspiration behind our latest YouTube video with Dr. Christin D. Haynes, MSW, where we demonstrate how to create a fresh and vibrant Nectarine Salad. This dish is not only bursting with flavors but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your summer meals. Let’s dive into the details and explore how you can easily recreate this delightful salad at home.

The Recipe: Nectarine Salad with Curly Kale, Avocado, and Chickpeas

Ingredients

Dressing:

1 Nectarine
2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tbsp Water
1 tbsp Honey
1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Salad:

1 bunch of Curly Kale
1 ripe Nectarine
1/2 Avocado
1/4 cup Sliced Red Onion
1/4 cup Zucchini
1/4 cup Cooked Low Sodium Chickpeas (canned is okay)
1/4 cup Sliced Almonds

Preparation

For the Dressing:

Slice the nectarine and remove the pit.
Add all ingredients (except water) into a blender and blend for 30 seconds.
If the dressing is too thick, gradually add water until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For the Salad:

Rinse the kale and remove the stems.
Open and drain the chickpeas, then set them aside.
Slice the avocado, red onion, zucchini, and nectarine.
Toss all the ingredients together with the chickpeas and dressing. Top with sliced almonds.

Nutritional Highlights

This Nectarine Salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrition. With 859 calories, it offers a good balance of 20g of protein, 22g of fiber, and a healthy mix of fats, including 33g of monounsaturated fats. The salad is also rich in potassium and relatively low in sodium, making it a heart-healthy choice.

Health Benefits

As highlighted in the video, incorporating non-starchy vegetables, fruits, and fiber into your diet can significantly lower your risk for colorectal cancer. The combination of kale, avocado, nectarines, and chickpeas provides a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promoting overall well-being.

Bringing the Recipe to Life

In our food demo with Dr. Auntie, we walk you through each step of the process, offering tips and tricks to make this recipe even more delightful. Watching the video, you can see how the fresh ingredients come together to create a visually appealing and delicious dish. It’s a simple yet elegant salad perfect for a light lunch or a side dish for your next dinner party.

Final Thoughts

We hope this recipe inspires you to try something new in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this Nectarine Salad is easy to make and full of fresh flavors that will brighten up your day. Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!

Stay connected with us at our Health Living and Learning Center for more updates and delicious recipes!