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

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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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November 20, 2025

Mylez reads a Thanksgiving Story at Petersburg Public Library!

This Thanksgiving season, we are excited to feature one of our bright young readers, Mylez, as he brings the classic children’s book There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey! to life. Families enjoy this silly, rhyming tale, and Mylez delivers every line with personality, humor, and joy.

In the story, the old lady swallows a turkey, then a hat, then a balloon as big as the moon, and even a boat and wheels. Each rhyme builds on the last, which makes it a fun read-aloud for kids who enjoy rhythm, repetition, and plenty of imagination. The book ends with a festive Thanksgiving parade and a cheerful holiday message.

After finishing the story, Mylez shared his thoughts about rhyming books and why he enjoys them.

“I think it was a really great book. And if there are people that want to find out new rhymes out there, they can look at these book versions and figure out new rhymes, and maybe they can become better at rhyming. And if they want to be… a better rhymer, they can read these books and accomplish their dream.”

We enjoy seeing our young readers connect with stories in their own creative way, and we are proud to provide a space where children can explore books, build confidence, and share their voices.

Watch Mylez read the full Thanksgiving story below.


https://youtu.be/XciudF–rrw

Looking for more holiday reads? Visit the Petersburg Public Library to discover seasonal books for kids and families or ask our staff for suggestions.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Petersburg Public Library!

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October 3, 2025

The Colonial Heights Navy Federal Credit Union Donates Books to the Petersburg Public Library

The Colonial Heights Navy Federal Credit Union Donates Books to the Petersburg Public Library!

The Petersburg Public Library is grateful to the Colonial Heights Navy Federal Credit Union for their generous book donation on today. Their contribution adds to our growing collection and supports our mission of promoting literacy, learning, and community engagement.

Libraries thrive because of community partnerships, and this thoughtful gift demonstrates the power of local collaboration in strengthening the resources available to our patrons.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Colonial Heights Navy Federal Credit Union for supporting our library and helping us continue to serve as a hub for knowledge, creativity, and connection.

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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.

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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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September 3, 2025

Turn Reading Into Fresh Produce with Petersburg Public Library’s “Read & Eat” Program

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This summer, families across the country have been feeling the pinch at the grocery store. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of produce has increased nearly 40 percent. In Petersburg, the Public Library and the Healthy Communities Action Team (HCAT) are working together to ease the burden by connecting literacy and nutrition in a creative new way.

Starting September 15, 2025, families can earn tokens at the Petersburg Public Library that can be redeemed for fresh produce at the Petersburg Farmers Market. Here’s how it works:

Earn Tokens by Reading

  • Every time your child reads a book, or you read to them, you earn one token.

  • Each token is valued at one dollar and can be used to purchase produce at the Farmers Market.

  • Reading becomes more than just a way to learn — it becomes a way to save.

Earn Tokens by Cooking

HCAT’s “Pop-up Bite” Kitchens give families the chance to cook and learn together while earning more tokens.

  • Attend a Pop-up Bite Kitchen and receive five tokens per family.

  • Cook at home: Record your family making the featured recipe and send the video to [email protected] or call (804) 605-2567 to submit. You’ll earn ten tokens.

  • Get featured online: If your video is posted on the Library’s social media pages, your family earns an additional ten tokens, for a total of twenty tokens.

Upcoming HCAT Pop-up Bite Kitchen Dates

  • Saturday, November 22 | 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
    Greater A.M.E. Zion Church, 1301 Youngs Rd.

  • Tuesday, November 25 | 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
    Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St.

Building Stronger Readers and Healthier Families

This program is designed to meet two essential needs: helping children become stronger readers while supporting families with affordable access to healthy food.

“Our goal is to connect literacy and nutrition in a way that directly benefits families’ budgets,” said Ruth Frierson. “By earning tokens through reading and cooking, families can put healthy meals on the table while building lifelong skills.”

The Petersburg Public Library invites families to start earning tokens beginning September 15. Together, we can build stronger readers, healthier families, and a thriving community.

For more information, contact HCAT at [email protected] or (804) 605-2567, or call the Library at (804) 733-2387.

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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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