April 3, 2026

Jazz in the Stacks 2026

The 2026 Jazz in the Stacks Concert Series returns with six exciting performances from talented regional musicians. This popular series takes place on the second Friday of each month from April through September.

Each live concert is hosted on stage inside of the Petersburg Public Library Conference & Event Center.

2026 Concert Lineup

Friday, April 10 – Jay Baxter & J.A.M.
Friday, May 8 – The Fam Band
Friday, June 12 – Sounds Funny Band
Friday, July 10 – Kozy Cats Band
Friday, August 14 – Soul Unlimited Band
Friday, September 11 – Rodney Stith

The series is hosted by Micah “Bam Bam” White, a comedian, actor, and speaker. He has appeared on platforms such as TEDx, All Star Comedy Show, and the movie Red Kool-Aid. His energy and personality help create a fun and engaging experience at every concert.

“Jazz in the Stacks is part of the Downtown Petersburg tradition of ‘Friday for the Arts,’ which we help keep alive,” said Wayne Crocker, Library Director.

What once focused on visual art and an artist of the month has evolved into a musical celebration that honors the performing arts and the literary arts, since someone had to compose and write each song. Each performance offers a safe, welcoming space for the community to connect, enjoy great music, and celebrate local talent. The series provides a free, engaging cultural experience while also encouraging reading and literacy throughout the year.

Event Details

Location:
Petersburg Public Library
201 W. Washington St.
Petersburg, VA 23803

Time:
Doors open at 6:00 PM

Admission:
Free and open to the public

Food and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase

Safety:
Security is present at each concert to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment.

What to Expect

Live Music
Fun
Jazz in the Stacks is one of Petersburg’s most popular live music events. Many concerts reach capacity, with standing-room-only crowds.
Arrive on time to secure your spot and enjoy an evening of great music in an intimate setting.
If our parking lot is full, you may park next door at the church beside us.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in supporting Jazz in the Stacks? Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations looking to connect with a strong and engaged audience.

Dominion Energy is already a sponsor of the September 11, 2026 concert.

For more information, please contact [email protected].

February 13, 2026

Black Author Expo 2026: Be There!

The Petersburg Public Library proudly announces the return of the Black Author Expo 2026, Virginia’s largest free Black author-centered literary event.

The Expo will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Petersburg Public Library.

Featured Authors: Carole Boston Weatherford & Jeffery Boston Weatherford

This year’s Expo highlights award-winning authors Carole Boston Weatherford and Jeffery Boston Weatherford, a celebrated mother and son duo. Their work centers on Black history, resilience, and imagination.

Their achievements include:

80+ published books
2 NAACP Image Awards
18 American Library Association Youth Media Awards
Newbery Honor
Coretta Scott King Award
4 Caldecott Honors
The Claudia Lewis Award (Bank Street College of Education)
The Boston Globe Horn Book Award

Their presence is a major highlight for the 2026 Expo and reinforces its growing statewide impact.

About the Expo

In addition to the Weatherfords, the Expo will feature 60+ Black authors, writers, and educators. Attendees will have the chance to:

Discover new voices
Engage in meaningful conversations
Support Black literature during Black History Month

Following the success of the 2025 Expo, which drew hundreds of attendees and over 45 authors, the 2026 event promises to be even larger. It continues to strengthen its reputation as a cornerstone literary celebration in Virginia.

Event Features

Held in partnership with Resist Booksellers, a Black-owned independent bookstore in Petersburg, the Expo will include:

Book signings
Author meet-and-greets
Books across every genre: children’s literature, poetry, faith, self-help, and fiction

“The Black Author Expo is more than a literary event,” said Wayne Crocker, Director of the Petersburg Public Library.
“It is a celebration of storytelling, legacy, and representation during Black History Month.”

“The goal has always been to make sure everyone, from a first-time reader to a seasoned writer, feels seen, valued, and inspired,” said Demetrius Frazier, owner of Resist Booksellers.
“We are proud to see this Expo grow into a cornerstone event for Black literature in Virginia.”

The event is completely free for both attendees and authors, reflecting the library’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Petersburg Public Library, Conference & Event Center
201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803

Website: www.ppls.org
Phone: (804) 733-2387

Sponsorship Inquiries: Raleigh Desper – [email protected]

Participating Authors

The 2026 Black Author Expo will feature the following distinguished authors, writers, and educators:

Adele Williams
Alfreda Gregory
Alvin Schexnider
Barry Beck, Jr.
Bradley Johnson
Bria Freitas
Bryan Garland
C. Rose Dahl
Calmfirmations
Cecil Avery
Christopher Green
Colleen Bray
Cutina Walker
Daniel Davis
Debra Johnson
Denise LaJuan Peters
Desmond Ross
Destiny Bryant
Doris Ryan
Dr. Barbara H. Smith
Dr. Bridgette Y. Williams
Dr. Kimberly Mitchell
Dr. Na’Shayla Nelson
Dr. Tia Palmer
Elizabeth Willis
Frances Crouch
Healing Angel
Iche Palms
J’ana Price
James Rollins
Jamare Bates
Jamica Whitaker
Jamie “Jai” Morrison
Jamila Romero
Jessieca Montgomery
JK Lynch
LaStar Vieira
Lakeisha Crawford
Lakeshia Crawford
Laymetha Guy
Mary Day Sims
Mary Gerald-Patterson
Maurice Brown
Mechelle Harris
Mccarthy Barnes, Jr.
Paula Banks
Patricia Moore
Rhonda Stanford
Ronald Robinson
S. LaTisha Branch-Morgan
Savannah Jackson
Sharon Matthews Fortune
Sharelle McNair-Jasper
Shirley Scarborough
Tamela Carrington
Theresa Caldwell
Tony Durham
Torria Burwell
Tracy Booker
Travis Simmons
Tywanda Parker
Valencia Martin
Wanda Miller
Yvonne J. Medley

December 24, 2025

Winter Wonderland at the Petersburg Public Library | Family Culinary Event

The Petersburg Public Library was excited to welcome families with children for the Second Annual Winter Wonderland Culinary Workshop, transforming the library into a festive space filled with creativity, cooking, and holiday cheer. Designed for children of all ages, the event offered a hands-on experience that celebrated seasonal flavors and meaningful community connection.

Guests explored a variety of interactive edible activity stations that brought winter-themed treats to life. Participants created chocolate marshmallow reindeer, built a cupcake village, mixed Hershey marshmallow peppermint bark, shaped mozzarella snowmen with pretzel brooms, constructed graham cracker houses, molded candy-shaped Krispy treats, enjoyed warm apple cider fizz, and layered colorful winter parfaits. Each activity was simple to follow, engaging, and filled with holiday spirit.

The event was made even more meaningful through the support of community partners and volunteers, including the Virginia Department of Health, Petersburg Department of Parks and Recreation, the YMCA, Read to Them featuring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, DentaQuest, a Sun Life Company, Aetna, the Community Cares Team, Sentara, the City of Petersburg, HCAT, and the Crater Health District. Their involvement helped promote healthy living, literacy, and family engagement throughout the event.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, dancers performed on stage, bringing energy and excitement to the celebration and delighting guests of all ages.

Winter Wonderland continues to reflect the Petersburg Public Library’s commitment to creativity, literacy, community engagement, and family-centered programming. The event offered families a joyful opportunity to connect, create, and celebrate the season together.

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

November 7, 2025

Election Recap: A New Chapter for Virginia

When it comes to politics, you are either deeply into it or it may not feel relevant at all. No matter where you stand, our goal at the Petersburg Public Library is to help you stay informed and aware of what is happening in our state.

This election is historic in many ways. For the first time, Virginia elected a woman as governor and a woman as lieutenant governor at the same time. Our Attorney General is the first Black person elected to that office, and in District 4, we have a Black woman representing our community in the State House.

Does this mean there are no white men in office? No, but it does signal a shift. Historic milestones are being reached, and new voices are taking leadership roles. It is a new day in Virginia politics, and it is worth paying attention.

A Historic Win for the Governor’s Office

According to the Washington Post in the article titled “Virginia governor election results 2025”, “Democrat Abigail Spanberger tops Republican Winsome Earle Sears to become Virginia’s first female governor.” This report was updated November 5, 2025.

The article explains that Abigail Spanberger was elected as Virginia’s first female governor, according to an AP projection. The Washington Post noted that the race was widely watched as a reflection of the political climate ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

Winner for Governor: Abigail A. Spanberger (D)

Statewide Election Results

Here in Petersburg, located in State Representative District 4, voters participated in several important statewide races. Below are the results.

Governor
Winner: Abigail A. Spanberger (D)
Opponent: Winsome E. Sears (R)

Lieutenant Governor
Winner: Ghazala F. Hashmi (D)
Opponent: John J. Reid II (R)

Attorney General
Winner: Jerrauld “Jay” C. Jones (D)
Opponent: Jason S. Miyares (R)

State Representative, District 4
Winner: Charniele L. Herring (D)

These offices play important roles in shaping public policy, state spending, tax decisions, and public programs and services that affect communities throughout Virginia.

What These Results Mean for Petersburg

Petersburg residents may see future changes or new initiatives related to:

• State support for libraries and literacy programs
• Education funding and local school resources
• Community and public safety initiatives
• Statewide economic and health priorities

Congratulations to all of our new state elected officials. The Petersburg Public Library is committed to helping community members stay informed as new policies and decisions take shape.

Use Your Library to Stay Informed

You can use the Petersburg Public Library as a resource for:

• Trusted information about state and local government
• Access to official election results and policy research
• Books and digital materials on civic literacy and public affairs
• Programs that support community engagement and lifelong learning

Thank you to every resident who participated in this year’s election. Informed participation strengthens our community and our state. The Petersburg Public Library is here to support your learning, your curiosity, and your civic engagement. Visit us anytime to explore, read, and stay connected.

Petersburg Public Library
201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 733-2387

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