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.

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Winter Wonderland Culinary Workshop Brings Holiday Fun to Petersburg Public Library

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

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October at the Library: Honoring Creativity and Heritage

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.

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A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Gala Sponsors and Supporters!

As we prepare for an unforgettable evening to celebrate 100 years of service at the Petersburg Public Library, we want to express our gratitude to the incredible sponsors, table supporters, and individual ticket holders who’ve made this milestone event possible. Their dedication and generosity bring our library’s vision to life, ensuring a legacy that will continue for years to come.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

We also extend our appreciation to everyone who purchased tables and individual tickets to our sold out occasion. Your support truly reflects the spirit of our community and makes a direct impact on the programs and services we provide.

Thank you for being a part of this historical occasion with us!

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Planting Peace: The Dedication of Our New Peace Pole at Petersburg Public Library

A Symbol of Peace in Our Community

At Petersburg Public Library, we aim to build a community where knowledge and harmony flourish. To celebrate this, we recently dedicated a new Peace Pole in our Rotary Garden. This beautiful symbol reminds us of the importance of peace and unity in our daily lives.

The Event

On September 19, 2024, our community came together in the Rotary Garden for the Peace Pole dedication. It was an afternoon filled with excitement and a shared sense of purpose. The Petersburg Breakfast Rotary Club and library patrons were joined by community leaders and local residents.

The Message of the Peace Pole

The Peace Pole carries the message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” written in four languages. Each inscription reflects the diversity of our community and our shared commitment to peace. The pole stands as a reminder that peace begins with each of us.

A Special Moment with Joy Kline

One of the highlights of the event was when Joy Kline proudly received her new Petersburg Public Library card. This simple act emphasized the library’s dedication to being a welcoming place for all members of the community. It was a moment that symbolized the connection between literacy, learning, and peace.

A Lasting Legacy

The Peace Pole is now a permanent part of the Rotary Garden. It invites visitors to reflect on peace and unity every time they see it. We encourage everyone to stop by, enjoy the garden, and see this new addition for themselves.

Conclusion

The dedication of the Peace Pole was a reminder of the strength and unity within our community. We hope this symbol of peace continues to inspire everyone who visits.

Thank you to the Petersburg Breakfast Rotary Club and all who helped make this event a success. Together, we are creating a more peaceful and connected community.

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Celebrating a Special Book Donation from the Embassy of Mexico

We’re excited to share some wonderful news! The Petersburg Public Library recently received a special donation of books from the Embassy of Mexico in Washington, D.C. Maite Narvaez, the Head of Mobile Consulates, personally delivered the books with the support of the Host Organization Hispanic Cultural Consultants.

This donation is more than just a gift of books—it’s a celebration of cultural connections. The books cover a variety of topics about Mexican culture, history, and literature. They will be valuable for everyone in our community, especially those who want to learn more about Mexico’s rich heritage.

This event was a great example of how cultural exchange can bring people together. We’re grateful to Maite Narvaez and the Embassy of Mexico for their generosity, and we appreciate the Hispanic Cultural Consultants for helping make this event happen.

These books are now part of our library’s collection, ready for you to explore. We encourage everyone to come and discover the beauty and diversity of Mexican culture through these new resources.

Keep an eye out for more events and collaborations that celebrate and enrich our community!

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6th Annual Lena Whitt Lecture Series featuring S. A. Cosby

S.A. Cosby and an Unforgettable Evening: Recap of the 6th Annual Lena Whitt Lecture Series

The echoes of literary passion and inspiration still linger in the air following the remarkable 6th Annual Lena Whitt Lecture Series, hosted at the Petersburg Public Library. This year’s event was truly extraordinary, featuring the esteemed best-selling author S. A. Cosby. Let’s delve into the highlights and profound moments that made this event truly unforgettable.

Engaging with a Master Storyteller:
From the moment S. A. Cosby arrived, his passion for storytelling was tangible. Sharing personal anecdotes about his beloved 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass and his lifelong love affair with cars, it became clear that his creativity extended far beyond his novels. When he took the stage, Cosby’s down-to-earth demeanor and magnetic presence immediately captivated the audience. With eloquence and sincerity, he shared insights into his motivations, passions, and experiences that have shaped his journey as a storyteller.

Exploring the Depths of Crime Fiction:
Crime fiction enthusiasts and literary aficionados were treated to a thought-provoking exploration of the genre’s nuances and storytelling techniques. Cosby’s ability to weave gripping narratives, complex characters, and atmospheric settings was on full display, offering a glimpse into the artistry behind his acclaimed works. Each aspect of his storytelling, from thrilling plot twists to poignant introspection, resonated deeply with the audience.

Inspiring Dialogue and Connection:
The opportunity for attendees to engage directly with S. A. Cosby during the Q&A session was a highlight of the evening. From aspiring writers seeking advice to avid readers eager to delve deeper into the author’s creative process, the dialogue was rich with curiosity and insight. Cosby’s genuine warmth and generosity in sharing his experiences left a lasting impact, inspiring all present to embrace their creative journeys with passion and authenticity.

Celebrating Literature and Community:
The 6th Annual Lena Whitt Lecture Series served as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of literature in our lives and communities. Through events like these, we come together to celebrate the beauty of storytelling, the power of language, and the richness of cultural exchange. As we reflect on the evening’s festivities, we are reminded of the profound connections that literature fosters and its transformative impact on our shared human experience.

Conclusion:
As we bid farewell to another unforgettable installment of the Lena Whitt Lecture Series, we carry with us the lasting impressions left by S. A. Cosby’s remarkable presence and storytelling prowess. From his engaging anecdotes to his captivating dialogue, Cosby’s passion for storytelling shone brightly throughout the evening. Reflecting on the insights shared and connections forged, we are reminded of the enduring power of literature to inspire, unite, and enrich our lives. The Lena Whitt Lecture Series continues to be a beacon of literary excellence and community engagement, inviting us to celebrate the beauty of storytelling and the boundless possibilities of the human imagination. Here’s to many more moments of inspiration and discovery in the pages of the books we love and the stories we share.

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