June 11, 2026

The Art of Black Sound by Jonae Archer

Celebrate National Black Music Month with The Art of Black Sound, a June 2026 art exhibit by local artist Jonae Archer at the Petersburg Public Library, inspired by the influence, expression, and cultural impact of Black music.

Visit the Art Gallery at the Petersburg Public Library and experience a collection that explores the connection between sound, creativity, identity, and visual storytelling.

The Art of Black Sound is a visual celebration of Black music and its influence on everyday life, culture, and artistic expression. Through vivid artwork inspired by 90s R&B, 90s Hip-Hop, and the sounds of the early 2000s, Jonae Archer explores how music became both a personal soundtrack and a source of creative inspiration.

The exhibit features urban artistic expressions inspired by influential artists including Pharrell Williams, Tyler, the Creator, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar. Visitors will also find two freestyle reinterpretations inspired by the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose groundbreaking artistic vision and cultural influence continue to inspire generations of artists and musicians. Jay-Z has openly referenced Basquiat in his music, most notably on Magna Carta Holy Grail, where he raps, “I’m the new Jean-Michel.” The reference reflects Basquiat’s enduring influence on contemporary music, art, and culture.

This exhibit celebrates the enduring relationship between Black music, storytelling, and visual art while honoring the lasting impact of Black culture on creativity and self-expression. Join us in celebrating local artistry, community, and the power of the arts in Petersburg.

Some expressions can only be experienced in person.

The rest, you’ll have to come and see.

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June 4, 2026

Summer Reading Program 2026

Come. Discover the wonder within you.

Summer is the perfect time to explore new stories, discover new interests, and develop lifelong reading habits. The Petersburg Public Library invites children and teens to participate in the 2026 Summer Reading Program, where reading can lead to exciting prizes while helping young readers maintain and strengthen their literacy skills.

How the Summer Reading Program Works

Participants are encouraged to read at least 30 minutes each day throughout the summer. Readers can track their progress using the Beanstack website or by using a paper reading log available through the Children’s Department.

In addition to logging reading time, participants will complete age-appropriate reading activities:

  • Ages 2–6: Illustration reviews
  • Ages 7–17: Book reviews

These activities encourage children and teens to engage more deeply with what they read while developing creativity, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.

Important Dates

Participants using paper reading logs should submit their completed logs to the Children’s Department by the following dates:

  • June 30, 2026 – Deadline for entry into the first prize drawing
  • July 30, 2026 – Deadline for entry into the final prize drawing

Grand Prize Drawing Dates

  • July 1, 2026
  • July 31, 2026

Prize Opportunities

Readers who participate in the Summer Reading Program will have opportunities to win a variety of prizes.

Ages 7–14

  • Busy Boards
  • Squishmallows
  • 3D-Printed Spheres
  • 3D-Printed Dragons

Ages 15–17

  • Travel Duffle Bags
  • 1 Billion Shape Magnetic Pyramid

Summer Events and Activities

The Summer Reading Program is about more than just reading—it’s about learning, creating, exploring, and having fun all summer long. In addition to reading and earning prizes, children, teens, and families are invited to participate in a variety of free programs and special events.

Movies on Mondays Series

Enjoy family-friendly films throughout the summer.

Dates:

  • June 8
  • June 15
  • June 22
  • July 6
  • July 13
  • July 20
  • July 27

Visit the Event Calendar for movie titles and showtimes.

Sharing a Harvest Event

  • June 10

Goalie Game Workshop

Test your skills and enjoy outdoor fun.

  • June 10
  • 12:00 PM
  • Small Parking Area

Pokémon Club

Meet fellow Pokémon fans, trade ideas, and enjoy themed activities.

Dates:

  • June 13
  • June 27
  • July 11
  • July 25

Story Time & Resource Session

Stories, learning, and resources for families.

Dates:

  • June 20
  • July 18

Kids Fit

Get active with outdoor fitness activities.

Date:

  • June 26
  • 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Parking Lot

TGICF – Thank Goodness It’s Craft Friday

Pick up free craft bags and enjoy creative activities throughout the summer while supplies last.

Teen Cuisine

Learn cooking skills and healthy food preparation in this six-class series.

Wednesdays:

  • 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
  • Six classes total

YA Round Table

Ages 15–18

Join discussions about books, pop culture, and topics important to teens while helping create content for the library’s YouTube Channel.

Dates:

  • June 18
  • June 25
  • July 9
  • July 16
  • July 23
  • July 30

Science Heroes

Experience interactive science demonstrations and hands-on learning.

Date:

  • July 15
  • 12:30 PM

Summer Reading JAM

Celebrate a summer of reading with games, activities, and community fun.

Date:

  • July 30
  • 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Car Show

Close out the summer with an exciting display of classic and unique vehicles.

Date:

  • July 31
  • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

For the latest information, event details, and schedule updates, visit the library’s Event Calendar or contact the Children’s Department.

Why Summer Reading Matters

Research shows that students who continue reading during the summer are better prepared for the next school year. Regular reading helps prevent the “summer slide,” a loss of academic skills that can occur when students are away from the classroom for extended periods.

Benefits of summer reading include:

  • Developing a lifelong love of reading
  • Strengthening reading comprehension skills
  • Expanding vocabulary and language development
  • Encouraging imagination and creativity
  • Improving memory and concentration
  • Building confidence and self-assurance
  • Supporting academic success throughout the school year

Even just 30 minutes of reading each day can make a meaningful difference.

Get Started Today

Whether your child enjoys adventure stories, graphic novels, biographies, science books, or picture books, the Petersburg Public Library has resources for readers of all ages and interests.

Visit the Children’s Department to register, pick up a reading log, or learn more about participating through Beanstack.

Make reading part of your summer routine and discover where a good book can take you.

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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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February 13, 2026

Artist of the Month: Wendell Jones

In honor of Black History Month, the Petersburg Public Library proudly recognizes Wendell Jones as our Artist of the Month. A native son of Petersburg, Virginia, Jones represents the power of self-taught creativity, lived experience, and lifelong artistic exploration.

Born in 1957 in Petersburg, Virginia, Wendell Jones discovered his artistic talent at an early age. While attending Blandford Elementary School, a teacher noticed his gift for drawing and entrusted him with designing classroom and hallway bulletin boards. What began as simple doodles soon evolved into expressive compositions filled with movement, color, and emotion.

Jones continued his education through the Petersburg School System, attending Peabody Junior High School and Petersburg High School. Though his formal education provided structure, it was his life experiences that ultimately shaped his artistic voice.

Over the years, Jones lived in several regions across the United States, each leaving a lasting impression on his work. The vast deserts of Nevada introduced him to bold contrasts and expansive space. The moody, atmospheric landscapes of the Pacific Northwest deepened his appreciation for tone and texture. Meanwhile, the familiar and grounding scenery of Virginia continues to anchor his creative perspective. These varied environments come together in his paintings, reflected through vibrant color palettes, layered abstraction, and emotionally resonant landscapes.

Working primarily in abstract and landscape styles, Jones explores themes of place, memory, and personal connection. His work balances provocation with beauty, encouraging viewers to reflect not only on the physical landscapes before them but also on their own inner terrain. Each piece becomes both a journey and a conversation.

Jones’ creativity extends far beyond the canvas. He is an accomplished cook, skier, sign artist, singer, and master barber and hairstylist. These diverse talents reveal a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and artistry in everyday life. Whether through a painting, a hairstyle, or a shared meal, Jones expresses his belief that creativity is woven into every aspect of human experience.

Above all, he credits his family and friends as his greatest source of inspiration. Their presence grounds his work in authenticity and human connection, reminding us that art is not created in isolation but through lived experience.

During this Black History Month, we celebrate Wendell Jones not only for his artistic achievements but also for his lifelong commitment to creative expression. His journey reminds us that art can be self-discovered, self-defined, and deeply rooted in community.

Visit the Petersburg Public Library to experience Wendell Jones’ work and join us in honoring a local artist whose story reflects both personal resilience and universal beauty.

TO CONTACT WENDELL JONES, CALL: 804-295-3298 OR EMAIL: [email protected]

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December 23, 2025

New Book Release during Friday for the Arts Features Local Author Laurel Charboneau

The Petersburg Public Library welcomed patrons for a special edition of Friday for the Arts, spotlighting local author and historian Laurel Charboneau. Attendees explored Petersburg’s rich history through literature, photography, and shared conversation, reinforcing the library’s role as a cultural and educational gathering space.

Charboneau is the author of Historic Petersburg (Images of America), a compelling visual history documenting the city’s past through carefully curated archival photographs and informative narrative. During the event, visitors engaged with the author, learned about her research process, and gained deeper insight into the stories that have shaped Petersburg over time.

An accompanying exhibit, displayed throughout the library, featured historical images of Petersburg alongside Charboneau’s original artwork, including a collage highlighting businesses that have influenced the city over the past 100-plus years. The display reflects her personal journey of discovery, inspired by questions she encountered while exploring Petersburg’s historic districts. This curiosity led her to conduct independent research and create Historic Petersburg, making the city’s history more accessible for others. Visitors were encouraged to reflect on Petersburg’s evolution and participate in conversations about preservation, identity, and community pride.

This event was proudly sponsored by local Grand Canyon University representative Sannia Hutchinson, who supports access to continuing education opportunities in the community. For more information about continuing education at Grand Canyon University, including Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs, contact Sannia Hutchinson at 804-840-3552 or email [email protected]

Exhibit Dates: December 1 – December 31, 2025
Location: Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, Virginia 23803

For more information or to contact the artist:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 804-712-2586
YouTube: Historic Petersburg Virginia
Instagram: @laurelspetersburgva

Friday for the Arts continues to be one of the library’s most popular monthly experiences, offering residents a chance to engage with local creators, celebrate the arts, and connect with the community. Mark your calendars and bring a friend for an evening of conversation, discovery, and local history.

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December 11, 2025

Save the Date: Black Author Expo 2026 Returns to Petersburg Public Library

The Petersburg Public Library is excited to announce the return of the Black Author Expo on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 1 PM to 4 PM in our Conference and Event Center. After a record-breaking year in 2025, the Expo is already shaping up to be one of Virginia’s most anticipated celebrations of Black literature.

Interest in this year’s event has been overwhelming. A total of 77 Black authors have already registered to participate, along with one featured award-winning author. Because of this strong response and limited space, author registration is now closed.

Held during Black History Month, the Black Author Expo brings together readers, writers, and community members to celebrate Black voices and storytelling. Families, book lovers, and literary enthusiasts gather for an afternoon filled with culture, creativity, and connection. The event continues to uplift Black authors while encouraging meaningful conversations around literature and representation.

Attendees can expect a vibrant experience featuring authors from many genres, including children’s books, poetry, self-help, faith-based writing, memoirs, and fiction. Guests will have the opportunity to browse author tables, purchase books, meet writers, and enjoy personal conversations about the creative process.

The Petersburg Public Library is proud to host the Black Author Expo in partnership with Resist Booksellers, a Black-owned independent bookstore in Petersburg known for championing diverse voices and community engagement.

With all author spots filled for 2026, submissions are now closed. Authors interested in future events are encouraged to follow the Petersburg Public Library for updates and upcoming opportunities.

The Black Author Expo is a free, public event. The Library remains committed to making literacy, culture, and diverse stories accessible to everyone. Over the years, the Expo has grown into a signature community event, drawing hundreds of attendees and spotlighting authors whose work informs, inspires, and empowers.

For more than 100 years, the Petersburg Public Library has served as a pillar of the community. From navigating segregation and desegregation to expanding inclusive programming today, the library continues to honor its past while building a stronger future. Events like the Black Author Expo reflect this ongoing commitment to literacy, creativity, and community connection.

Mark Your Calendar

  • Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026

  • Time: 1 PM to 4 PM

  • Location: Petersburg Public Library Conference and Event Center
    201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803

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December 10, 2025

Friday for the Arts to Feature Local Author Laurel Charboneau

Friday, December 12, 2025
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Petersburg Public Library

The Petersburg Public Library will welcome the community for a special Friday for the Arts event featuring local author and history enthusiast Laurel Charboneau. Known for her captivating book Historic Petersburg (Images of America), Charboneau brings the city’s rich history to life through carefully curated photographs and storytelling.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet the author, hear insights about her work, and explore the stories behind the images that shape Petersburg’s past. Charboneau’s passion for local history and her dedication to preserving the city’s heritage make this event a meaningful highlight of the month.

Visitors can also purchase a signed copy of Historic Petersburg, perfect for personal collections or holiday gifts for history enthusiasts.

The event coincides with Laurel Charboneau’s month-long exhibit at the library:


Exhibit Dates: December 1 – December 31, 2025
Location: Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, Virginia 23803

For more information or to contact the artist:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 804-712-2586
YouTube: Historic Petersburg Virginia
Instagram: @laurelspetersburgva

Friday for the Arts continues to be one of the library’s most popular monthly experiences, offering residents a chance to engage with local creators, celebrate the arts, and connect with the community. Mark your calendars and bring a friend for an evening of conversation, discovery, and local history.

image
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November 21, 2025

Celebrating the Artist Within: A Recap of Friday for the Arts with Christopher C. Alexander IV

The Petersburg Public Library was filled with creativity and connection during our November Friday for the Arts celebration featuring our Artist of the Month, Christopher C. Alexander IV. His realistic work, rich in color and emotion, set the stage for an evening dedicated not only to art, but to the spark of creativity that lives within all of us.

The evening was hosted by fellow artist and author Theresa Caldwell. Theresa guided the audience through a thought-provoking conversation that invited everyone in the room to reflect on their own creative journeys. Her warm and encouraging style opened doors for honest dialogue about expression, confidence, and the role that art can play in our lives.

One of the most powerful moments of the night came when Theresa spoke directly to an audience member who shared that their inner artist had been quiet for many years. Theresa gently facilitated a meaningful exchange between this community member and Christopher C. Alexander IV, building a bridge between past passion and renewed possibility. Together they explored what it means to reconnect with creativity, to pick up a pencil again, and to simply begin. Christopher encouraged them to buy a sketchbook and take the first small step. The entire room felt the energy of that moment. It reminded us that creativity is always within reach.

The evening also brought joy to one of our youngest attendees. A young art collector, no more than ten years old, carefully selected a Mini Print Painting Replica to take home. Christopher signed it for her, creating a meaningful memory and planting a seed that may inspire her own artistic path. Her excitement reminded us that the arts belong to every generation.

Friday for the Arts once again showed how art brings people together and uplifts our community. Christopher C. Alexander IV continues to inspire with the depth of his artistry and his generosity in sharing his creative process. Theresa Caldwell’s guidance made the evening one to remember and invited every person present to honor the artist inside themselves.

 

It is never too late to begin again. Whether you paint, write, dance, create in the kitchen, or design your next big idea, the arts offer healing, joy, reflection, and connection.

 

We invite you to visit the Petersburg Public Library to view Christopher C. Alexander IV’s artwork during the month of November and to join us for future Friday for the Arts events as well.

Come. Discover the Wonder Within You.

Artist Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 804-943-3915

Exhibit Dates: November 01 – November 29, 2025
Location: Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, Virginia 23803

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September 25, 2025

Elevate Petersburg by Kyle Witten

This September, the Petersburg Public Library is proud to showcase the work of Kyle Witten, a talented photographer and drone pilot whose passion for storytelling shines through every frame.

A transplant from Kentucky, Kyle and his family made Petersburg their home in 2024. Since then, they have been inspired by the city’s welcoming spirit, vibrant culture, and the exciting momentum of growth and change happening all around.

With over 20 years of experience in photography and videography, Kyle launched Modern Man Photography to provide high-quality media at reasonable prices. His work spans portraits, community events, small business branding, and stunning drone photography that captures Petersburg from above in ways few have seen before.

When he is not behind the camera, Kyle enjoys playing tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons and cooking comfort foods from around the world. His creative energy extends beyond his art. It is part of how he connects with others, building bridges across community, culture, and shared experiences.

Kyle’s belief is simple: if you are a person, family, community organization, or small business doing big things in Petersburg, you deserve to be seen and celebrated. Through his lens, he helps elevate those stories, capturing the beauty and strength of our city.

If you see him around town with his camera or drone, do not be shy. Wave and say hello.

Artist Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 804-966-0887

Exhibit Dates: September 1 – September 30, 2025
Location: Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, Virginia 23803

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August 13, 2025

Authentic African Art on Display

This August, the Petersburg Public Library invites you to explore an extraordinary exhibition of authentic African art. The featured artists are Charlie Mub, a fashion designer and mixed-media artist, and Anesu Gara, a mixed-media artist. Both were born in Zimbabwe.

Their work will be on display through the end of the month. This is a rare chance to experience the rich creativity, cultural depth, and vibrant storytelling of Zimbabwean artistry.

A Special Artist Visit
During Friday for the Arts, both artists visited the Library to speak about their work. They shared the stories behind their pieces, from fashion-inspired canvases to textures drawn from nature. Visitors were able to connect with the meaning and process behind the art.

One moving example is Charlie Mub’s piece Domboshava. It is inspired by a sacred mountain in Zimbabwe where people gather to pray and connect with God. The painting shows two African women with hands raised toward the heavens, capturing the deep spiritual meaning the mountain holds for the community.

About the Artists
Charlie Mub began her creative journey at age 10, sketching dresses and hand-stitching garments from fabric scraps. Her designs have appeared in fashion shows in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the United States. Today, she brings her talent to the canvas, combining fabric, paint, flowers, and 3D elements to create striking mixed-media works. Her art blends beauty, identity, and heritage, reimagined from her African roots and global experiences.

Anesu Gara’s work focuses on form, texture, and the relationship between materials. She draws inspiration from the colors, patterns, and rhythms of nature. Her creations combine paint, natural materials, and sculptural elements, producing tactile works that invite viewers to engage with multiple layers of meaning. Her art reflects adaptability, curiosity, and the expressive possibilities of her materials.

Visit Before the Month Ends
This exhibition offers more than beautiful artwork. It is a journey into Zimbabwean culture, told through color, texture, and story. Whether you enjoy art, fashion, or simply new perspectives, you will not want to miss this display of authentic African artistry.

The artwork is on view until August 30, 2025, at the Petersburg Public Library. Come see the beauty, heritage, and creativity of these talented artists before the month ends.

Artist Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-209-1233

Exhibit Dates: August 1 – August 30, 2025
Location: Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, Virginia 23803

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