April 16, 2025

Black Author Book Signing Expo 2025- Recap

On April 5, 2025, the Petersburg Public Library was buzzing with energy as hundreds of book lovers, community members, and aspiring writers gathered for the Black Author’s Book Signing Expo — now recognized as Virginia’s largest free Black author-centered event.

“It was an awesome experience with a good vibe and good energy,” said Edward Goode.

“It felt really good to be in the presence of such empowered, successful, intelligent Black creativity in the room. So to be in that number was a privilege,” said Nekondeh McClain.

Held in partnership with Resist Booksellers, a Black-owned independent bookstore right here in Petersburg, Virginia, the Expo welcomed more than 40 Black authors from across the region. The genres were as diverse as the voices behind them — from children’s books, poetry, self-help, faith, and fiction — each table offered something unique, authentic, and inspiring.

The Flow of the Day

The day kicked off with a warm welcome from Library Director Wayne Crocker, who set the tone for what would become a celebration of literature, legacy, and Black excellence. One of the event’s most memorable moments followed: a powerful on-stage interview between Demetrius Frazier, owner of Resist Booksellers, and Tanya Batlle, co-author of Lipstick and Legacies.

Their conversation wasn’t just about books — it was about impact. Tanya encouraged attendees to think deeply about what it means to leave a legacy — urging everyone to consider creating a Will or Trust to protect and provide for loved ones. It was a reminder that storytelling takes many forms — written, spoken, and lived.

Authors Made Real Connections — and Sales!

Feedback from participating authors was overwhelmingly positive. Nearly all reported strong book sales and meaningful conversations. One author shared that they brought 35 books to the event and went home with only 4 or 5 left.

“This event exceeded my expectations,” another author said. “It wasn’t just about the sales — it was about connecting with readers who genuinely cared about my work.”

In a meaningful show of support, the Petersburg Public Library also purchased a book from every author in attendance, further demonstrating its commitment to uplifting diverse literary voices and building a collection that reflects the community it serves.

Providing a Platform to Share

A signature feature of the Expo was a segment where each author was invited to the microphone to share a brief introduction to their work and journey. While a few guests mentioned it took time away from browsing, most attendees chose to pause, listen, and lean into the stories being shared.

All of these moments helped build an unspoken sense of community — a shared space between authors, readers, and lovers of culture. It was one of those experiences where you just had to be there to fully understand the energy in the room.

“It really speaks to the power of storytelling,” said Raleigh Desper, Marketing Specialist at the Petersburg Public Library. “Even with the freedom to explore, people paused to listen as each author took the mic — that shows just how strong the connection was between the writers and the audience.

What Visitors Had to Say

The heart of the Expo was reflected not just in the books on display, but in the voices of those who wrote them. Here are just a few reflections from the day:

“This has been a great day. There are so many authors here. It’s been fun hearing where their books come from.” – Shirley Scarborough, Shattered, But Not Destroyed

“I sold a lot of books and got to speak about what I do. It was wonderful to be surrounded by amazing Black authors.” – Winifred Summer, first-time attendee

“The stories I heard today were so inspiring. I hope to stay in touch with a lot of the authors I met.” – Brianna Galloway, Inevitable Abortion: A Memoir

“Today was nothing less than stellar. Every story had its own DNA. The planning committee did an amazing job.” – Sharon Oliver, CEO Publishing

“It was a beautiful day. I hope people continue to support Black authors and let the next generation know there’s a place for them.” – Anonymous Attendee

A Free, Inclusive Celebration of Black Literature

What makes the Black Author Expo especially noteworthy is its commitment to being completely free — not just for attendees, but for authors, too. In a time when many literary events charge authors to participate, the Petersburg Public Library has created a space rooted in accessibility, equity, and celebration.

The event continues to build on the library’s long-standing mission to uplift diverse voices and promote literacy. As the Petersburg Public Library proudly celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2024, this year’s Expo was yet another shining example of that legacy in action.

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December 20, 2024

Petersburg Trees of Christmas Festival

The Petersburg Public Library is sparkling with holiday cheer as part of the inaugural Petersburg Trees of Christmas Festival, a community-wide celebration of creativity and holiday spirit. Sponsored by Main Street Petersburg Inc., this event invites businesses and organizations to decorate Christmas trees and participate in a friendly contest to spread festive joy.

This year, the library has joined the festivities with beautifully decorated trees that reflect the holiday magic and the spirit of literacy. While you visit, take a moment to explore these stunning creations and support your favorite trees by participating in the event’s social media scavenger hunt:

  1. Take a selfie with the library’s Christmas trees.
  2. Post the photo on your social media account.
  3. Tag the Petersburg Public Library and use the hashtag #Pburgxmastreefest2024 to cast your vote.

Participants who snap selfies with all the trees across the city will win custom prizes, and winners in the “Best Business Christmas Tree” and “Best Nonprofit Christmas Tree” categories will be announced on December 27.

By visiting the Petersburg Public Library, you’re not only embracing the holiday spirit but also celebrating 100 years of community and literacy. Come see how the library is making the holidays brighter for everyone!

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August 9, 2024

A Successful S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy at Petersburg Public Library

This summer, the Petersburg Public Library was buzzing with excitement and discovery as we hosted the 2024 S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy. Designed for 7–9-year-old students recommended by Petersburg Public Schools, the program combined innovative lessons with the engaging atmosphere of a summer camp. The S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy was more than just a summer program; it was a hub of learning, creativity, and fun that left a lasting impact on our young participants.

What is the S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy?

The S.T.R.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Math) Academy is a unique literacy program that integrates the Virginia Standards of Learning in Reading and Math into daily activities. With the support of certified teachers and our Youth Services Librarian, the Academy focused on delivering an interactive and educational experience that fostered both academic and personal growth.

Highlights of the Summer Program

The 2024 S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy was packed with activities that not only stimulated the minds of our students but also equipped them with valuable life skills. Here are some of the key activities and events that took place:

  • Lunch and Learn Presentations: Students enjoyed engaging presentations during lunch, where professionals from various fields shared their experiences and insights into S.T.R.E.A.M.-related careers.
  • S.T.R.E.A.M Career Information Sessions: These sessions provided students with a glimpse into a wide range of careers, from veterinarians and engineers to artists and software developers.
  • Daily Living Skills: The Academy emphasized practical skills, teaching students essential daily living activities that they can carry forward into their lives.
  • Financial Literacy Sessions: Understanding money management is crucial, and our financial literacy sessions introduced students to basic concepts of saving, budgeting, and financial planning.
  • Daily Journal Writing: Encouraging creativity and reflection, students kept daily journals, allowing them to express their thoughts and track their learning progress throughout the program.
  • Book Writing and Publishing Project: One of the standout projects was our book writing and publishing initiative, where students collaborated to create and publish their own stories.
  • Field Trips: Fridays were dedicated to field trips, where students could explore the world outside the classroom and see real-world applications of what they learned during the week.
  • Vocabulary “Word of the Day” Activities: Every day, students expanded their vocabulary with fun and interactive “Word of the Day” activities, enhancing their language skills.

A Bright Future Ahead

The success of the 2024 S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy at Petersburg Public Library is a testament to the power of innovative education and community support. We are proud of the achievements of our young participants and look forward to seeing how they apply the knowledge and skills they’ve gained in the years to come.

Thank you to our certified teachers, the Youth Services Librarian, and everyone who contributed to making this summer one to remember. We also extend our gratitude to the parents and families for their support and to the students for their enthusiasm and dedication.

As we look ahead to next summer, we are excited to continue offering enriching programs like the S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy. Stay tuned for more information on our upcoming events and how you can get involved.

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December 4, 2023

Show up and Get Fit for Free!

Stay Active at the Petersburg Public Library and Join Our Free Fitness Classes!

Staying active is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and the Petersburg Public Library is here to help you achieve your fitness goals! We’re excited to offer a variety of free fitness classes each week, right here at the library. Whether you’re looking to enhance your flexibility, build strength, or simply stay active, we have something for everyone.

Weekly Fitness Schedule:

  • Yoga with Belinda Todd
    • Every Tuesday at 4 PM
    • Every Thursday at 4 PM
    • Yoga is a fantastic way to improve flexibility, balance, and mindfulness. Join Belinda Todd for a relaxing and rejuvenating session designed for all levels.
  • Toning with Toya
    • Every Wednesday at 6 PM
    • Strengthen your body with Toya’s fun and engaging toning classes. Perfect for those looking to build muscle and increase endurance.
  • Chair Fitness with Tiffany
    • Every Thursday at 12 PM
    • Looking for a low-impact workout? Chair Fitness with Tiffany is a great way to stay active, especially for those with mobility challenges. This class focuses on flexibility and strength, all while staying seated.

Why Join?

Our fitness classes are not just about working out; they are about building a community. You’ll have the opportunity to meet new people, stay motivated, and most importantly, have fun! Plus, with the guidance of our experienced instructors, you can be sure that you’re exercising safely and effectively.

All Classes are FREE!

Thanks to our partnership with Sports Backers’ Fitness Warriors program and the Healthy Living Learning Center, all these classes are completely free of charge. There’s no better time to start or continue your fitness journey.

See you Soon!

No registration is needed. Just come as you are and get ready to move! Classes are held at the Petersburg Public Library, located at 201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA in our Healthy Living and Learning Center on the Second Floor.

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