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.

December 10, 2025

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

October 1, 2025

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.

Tahanie - Official Flyer-Friday for the Arts

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

May 1, 2024

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.