May 8, 2026

Peace from Anxiety with Jade Carter

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness around emotional wellness and encouraging honest conversations about mental health, stress, anxiety, and healing.

This month, the Petersburg Public Library is proud to feature Virginia-based contemporary abstract artist Jade Carter (Doing Business as Creating AS) and her exhibit, Peace from Anxiety.

The title alone speaks to something many people quietly experience every day.

Anxiety can often feel overwhelming, loud, unpredictable, and difficult to explain. For some, it appears as racing thoughts or emotional exhaustion. For others, it can feel like pressure to keep pushing forward while carrying invisible weight. In a world filled with constant noise, responsibilities, and uncertainty, finding moments of peace has become increasingly important.

Through texture, movement, and layered emotion, Creating AS transforms those feelings into visual expression.

Inspired by music, film, perseverance, vulnerability, and everyday life, her abstract works explore the tension between chaos and calm. Some paintings emerge intense and emotionally charged, while others offer softness, stillness, and reflection. Together, the collection creates a visual conversation about resilience, identity, emotional honesty, and the search for peace within difficult moments.

Working with acrylic paint, acrylic ink, spray paint, spackle, paint knives, and Sakura ink pens, Creating AS embraces experimentation and instinct as essential parts of the creative process. Rather than aiming for perfection, she allows emotion to guide each piece organically.

Influenced by Vincent van Gogh and Michelangelo, Creating AS views art as both expression and escape — a way to process emotion, block out the noise of the world, and create something honest from it.

Featured works in the exhibit include:

  • Pieces, a connected three-piece composition exploring individuality within unity
  • Backbone, a textured work symbolizing strength and resilience
  • Victorian, a matte black textured painting embracing emotional honesty and self-expression
  • The Best of Me, a piece created through emotional exhaustion and perseverance, inspired in part by Suga and themes of resilience

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Peace from Anxiety serves as a reminder that creativity can be more than art. It can become reflection, release, healing, and connection.

Sometimes peace does not arrive all at once. Sometimes it is found in quiet moments, honest expression, supportive spaces, music, books, conversation, or even standing in front of a painting that reflects something you have felt but never knew how to describe.

We invite the community to visit the exhibit, reflect, and take a moment for themselves inside the library’s gallery space.

Come. Discover the Wonder Within You.

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October 9, 2025

It’s Pink October! A.K.A. Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor those affected, raise awareness, and promote early detection and prevention. At the Petersburg Public Library, we are committed to supporting our community with reliable health information and resources.

Did you know that your library card opens the door to a wealth of resources about breast cancer prevention, treatment options, wellness, and survivorship? From books to online databases, our collection is designed to help you make informed decisions and support your loved ones.

Here are some ways the library can help you this month:

  • Books and eBooks: Explore titles on breast cancer awareness, nutrition, exercise, mental health, and survivor stories.

  • Workshops and Programs: Attend community sessions focused on health education and wellness strategies.

  • Online Resources: Access reputable databases and guides for research on treatment options and preventive care.

  • Support and Information: Connect with local health organizations and programs through our library network.

Empower yourself and your community by taking advantage of these free resources. Knowledge is one of the strongest tools in the fight against breast cancer, and the Petersburg Public Library is here to guide you every step of the way.

Visit us today to browse our collection, attend a program, or access trusted online resources. On your way out, don’t forget to stop by our Market to pick up fresh, nutrient-rich foods. Eating your breast cancer fighting foods as medicine is another way to take control of your health while supporting your wellness journey.

Together, we can raise awareness, educate, and support one another this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

 

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December 20, 2024

Finding Comfort During the Holidays: How Reading Can Help Ease Loneliness and Depression

The holiday season is often associated with joy, togetherness, and celebration. But for many, it can also bring feelings of loneliness, stress, or sadness. Whether you’re navigating a tough time or simply seeking a sense of comfort, books can be a powerful ally in lifting your spirits and helping you feel connected. Here at Petersburg Public Library, we’re here to support you through the season with resources and recommendations to brighten your days.

Why Do the Holidays Feel Difficult?

The holidays can amplify emotions, especially if you’re missing loved ones, dealing with financial stress, or feeling disconnected from the hustle and bustle around you. It’s okay to acknowledge these feelings and seek healthy ways to cope. One such way is by turning to the pages of a good book. Reading offers more than just entertainment; it provides an escape, inspiration, and sometimes the connection you didn’t realize you needed.

How Reading Can Help

Books have a unique ability to transport us to other worlds, introduce us to inspiring characters, and provide insights that resonate deeply with our own experiences. Here are some ways reading can help ease loneliness and depression:

  • Escape from Stress: A captivating novel can whisk you away from daily worries, giving your mind a break and helping you recharge.
  • Find Connection: Memoirs and personal stories can remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles and that others have faced and overcome similar challenges.
  • Boost Your Mood: Uplifting genres like humor, romance, or adventure can bring moments of joy and laughter.
  • Learn Coping Strategies: Self-help books and guides offer practical tips for managing emotions and building resilience.

Tips for Finding the Right Book

Not sure where to start? Here are some suggestions:

  • Seek Comfort Reads: Revisit a favorite book from your past or choose something lighthearted and heartwarming.
  • Try Something New: Explore a genre you haven’t read before. Fantasy, mystery, or historical fiction might surprise you.
  • Connect Through Characters: Look for stories with relatable characters or themes that speak to your current feelings.
  • Ask for Recommendations: Our library staff is here to help you find the perfect book for your mood and interests.

Additional Resources at the Library

Beyond books, the library offers a variety of resources to help you navigate the season:

  • Community Events: Join us for workshops, book clubs, or holiday programs to connect with others in a welcoming space.
  • Quiet Spaces: Spend time in a peaceful corner of the library to read, reflect, or simply take a break from the holiday rush.
  • Digital Resources: Access eBooks, audiobooks, and more from the comfort of your home through our digital library services. Whether you’re cozy at home or on the go, apps like Libby and Hoopla give you easy access to a vast collection of digital books and audiobooks, providing a seamless reading experience. With these apps, you can borrow books from our digital collection at any time, making it easy to find comfort wherever you are.

Take Care of Yourself This Holiday Season

Remember, it’s okay to take things one day at a time. Whether you’re spending the holidays with others or on your own, finding comfort in a good book can make all the difference. Let the library be your companion during this season and beyond.

Stop by Petersburg Public Library or visit us online to discover books and resources that can brighten your holidays. We’re here to support you every step of the way. From all of us, we wish you a season of peace, warmth, and new beginnings.

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December 4, 2024

Bringing FREE Books to Central Virginia: The Dolly Parton Imagination Library

 

Imagine a world where every child, regardless of circumstances, grows up with a library of books of their own. Thanks to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, that dream is becoming a reality here in Central Virginia. Through Imagination Library RVA, families in our community now have the opportunity to access this remarkable program that fosters literacy and nurtures the joy of reading.

How Does It Work?
If you have a child aged 0 to 5, you can enroll them in the Imagination Library program. Once enrolled, your child will receive a free book every month, delivered directly to your mailbox, until their fifth birthday. Each book arrives with your child’s name on it, making the experience extra special.

Why It Matters
Dolly Parton started this initiative inspired by her father, who couldn’t read. She promised to help ensure future generations have access to books, regardless of their financial situation. Starting in Tennessee, this program has now expanded across the United States and even to three other countries. It’s more than just books—it’s an investment in a child’s future, helping them build vocabulary, emotional understanding, and a love for stories.

Start Reading Today
Reading to your child doesn’t have to be a grand production. Whether it’s during a car ride or while waiting at the doctor’s office, books can bring magical moments into everyday life. Early exposure to reading helps build brain pathways that prepare children for academic success and a lifetime of learning.

Join the Movement
At the Petersburg Public Library, we’re thrilled to support this incredible initiative. We invite you to enroll your child, visit our children’s section full of fantastic books, and begin creating lasting memories. Let’s give every child the chance to explore new worlds and build a strong foundation for their future.

Learn more and enroll today by visiting imaginationlibraryrva.org.

Together, we can spark a lifelong love of reading in Central Virginia’s youngest learners.

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