March 19, 2025

Petersburg Public Library Reschedules Black Author’s Book Signing Expo to April 5, 2025

A Celebration of Black Literary Excellence and Storytelling

The Petersburg Public Library is excited to announce the Black Author’s Book Signing Expo, now rescheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 1 PM to 4 PM. Originally set for February, the new date ensures an even better experience for authors and attendees alike, making space for an even greater literary celebration!

Despite the change in schedule, enthusiasm for the event has only grown, with 43 authors confirmed to participate this year. This overwhelming response highlights the importance of the Expo as a platform for Black literary excellence, community engagement, and powerful storytelling.

Partnering with Resist Booksellers

The Petersburg Public Library is proud to partner with Resist Booksellers, a Black-owned independent bookstore dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices. Their expertise and passion for diverse literature will enhance the Expo, ensuring a dynamic and enriching experience for all attendees.

Why You Should Attend

Join us for an afternoon dedicated to celebrating Black literature and culture! The Black Author’s Book Signing Expo is your opportunity to:

Meet and support over 30 talented Black authors from various genres
Get your favorite books signed and discover new must-reads
Hear powerful stories and insights directly from the authors
Engage in a vibrant literary experience with fellow book lovers, storytellers, and the community

Whether you’re an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or simply someone who loves a good story, this event promises to be a celebration of culture, creativity, and connection.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
Time: 1 PM – 4 PM
Location: Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803

About Petersburg Public Library

Celebrating 100 years of service, the Petersburg Public Library is committed to fostering literacy, creativity, and community engagement through innovative programs and resources. The Black Author’s Book Signing Expo reflects our mission to support diverse voices and create platforms for meaningful storytelling.

About Resist Booksellers

Resist Booksellers is a Black-owned independent bookstore dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices and fostering important conversations around literature and culture. Learn more at Resist Booksellers.

We look forward to celebrating Black literary excellence with you!

For More Information

For media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

Raleigh Desper
[email protected]
804-733-2387 Ext. 6104

January 23, 2025

Literacy Matters: Together, We Can Close the Gap

Did you know? In the 2023–2024 school year, 73% of students across Virginia passed the state reading test. However, in the city of Petersburg, only 43% of students met this benchmark.

This means more than half of our students in Petersburg are struggling with reading proficiency—a fundamental skill that impacts every area of life. Literacy isn’t just about books; it’s about creating opportunities, fostering critical thinking, and empowering individuals to succeed in school, their careers, and the community.

These numbers highlight the urgent need for action. But together, we can bridge this gap. Here’s how we can make a difference:

Commit to reading: Pledge to check out at least one new book from the library this year. Whether it’s for personal growth, entertainment, or sharing with a child, every book makes an impact.
Support young readers: Encourage children to read regularly by bringing them to the library, attending storytimes, or exploring books tailored to their interests.
Join the movement: Participate in literacy events and programs designed to uplift our community.

Every page we turn brings us closer to building a more literate Petersburg. Let’s make reading a cornerstone of our community’s success.

What’s Happening at the Library

The Petersburg Public Library is more than books—it’s a hub for growth, learning, and connection. Here are just a few of the exciting programs and events we have planned:

New Technology: Discover upgraded tools and resources available to our library visitors.
Basic Computer Classes: Learn Microsoft 365 Office and enhance your digital skills.
Weekly Exercise Classes: Stay active while staying informed.
Community Events: Don’t miss our Black Author Book Signing Expo on April 05, 2025.

Reflecting on Dr. King’s Legacy

This month, as we honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, we’re reminded of his profound insights into education and its role in shaping society. In his 1947 essay The Purpose of Education, Dr. King wrote:

“The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society. … Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”

These words resonate deeply as we strive to empower our community through literacy. Reading is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about developing empathy, wisdom, and the moral character needed to build a better future.

Join Us in 2025

This year, let’s work together to strengthen our reading culture and close the literacy gap in Petersburg. Visit the library, explore our new books, and get involved in programs that inspire growth and connection. Every small step—every book borrowed, every story shared—brings us closer to a brighter future for everyone in our community.

Stop by the library today or explore all we have to offer online. Let’s turn the page toward a stronger Petersburg!

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:

Take a selfie with the library’s Christmas trees.
Post the photo on your social media account.
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!

Gingerbread House Tree by PHS Art Students

November 26, 2024

Sharing a Harvest: HCAT’s Food Demonstration and Giveaway at Petersburg Public Library

Yesterday (11-25-2024), the Petersburg Public Library hosted Sharing a Harvest, an event led by our new Healthy Community Action Team (HCAT) Coordinator Ruth Frierson. The event was a wonderful blend of community engagement, education, and support, offering a food demonstration, taste testing, and a fresh produce giveaway.

A Look at HCAT’s Mission and Vision

HCAT is a local initiative dedicated to advancing children’s health by ensuring consistent access to fruits and vegetables. Through interactive activities, HCAT engages children, youth, and families to inspire healthier choices. Their programs include:

Food demonstrations and taste testing.
Promoting Farm-2-School activities.
Establishing Learning Gardens to teach sustainable practices.
Increasing access to fresh produce in the community.

HCAT’s ultimate goal is to cultivate a coalition of partners to create a thriving, healthy Petersburg.

Event Highlights

At Sharing a Harvest, attendees explored new ways to prepare seasonal produce with recipes highlighting sweet potatoes, carrots, and collard greens. On the menu were these fresh ingredients, creatively prepared for everyone to sample.

The first 50 children who participated in the taste testing received a bag of ingredients to take home, including everything needed to practice the recipes at home. This hands-on opportunity allowed families to extend the lessons learned during the demonstration into their own kitchens.

Get Involved with HCAT

HCAT holds quarterly partnership meetings on the third Tuesday. These gatherings are an excellent opportunity for community members and organizations to collaborate and further their shared mission. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or community leader, HCAT welcomes your partnership.

Together, we can continue building a healthier Petersburg, one fresh meal at a time.

October 4, 2024

Petersburg, VA: A Growing Hub for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Watch this Video!

Petersburg, Virginia, is fast becoming a major player in the world of pharmaceutical manufacturing, thanks to strategic partnerships and dedicated efforts to spur growth and innovation. This transformation is powered by the collaborative work of organizations such as the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity and the Partnership for Petersburg, as well as the Alliance for Building Better Medicine. Together, they are helping to reshape the city’s future, creating opportunities for both small businesses and large-scale pharmaceutical ventures.

In our latest video, we explore how Petersburg is taking strides in this exciting field. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how the city is positioning itself as a leader in the pharmaceutical sector and learn about the resources available for local entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive.

Small Businesses, Big Dreams

Through partnerships like these, Petersburg is not just fostering innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing, but also supporting the growth of small businesses. As part of the #SmallBusinessBigDreams initiative, the city offers valuable resources and guidance to help local entrepreneurs succeed in this rapidly expanding field. This aligns with the overall mission of the Partnership for Petersburg, which aims to enhance the city’s economic development and create lasting opportunities for its residents.

Join the Movement

The exciting developments happening in Petersburg are just the beginning. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to grow, or someone interested in the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing, there are countless ways to get involved. Explore these initiatives and see how you can contribute to this growing movement that’s reshaping Petersburg’s economy and future.

Stay Connected

For more updates on this and other exciting developments in Petersburg, follow us on social media and stay tuned for future content

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.