October 9, 2025

It’s Pink October! A.K.A. Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor those affected, raise awareness, and promote early detection and prevention. At the Petersburg Public Library, we are committed to supporting our community with reliable health information and resources.

Did you know that your library card opens the door to a wealth of resources about breast cancer prevention, treatment options, wellness, and survivorship? From books to online databases, our collection is designed to help you make informed decisions and support your loved ones.

Here are some ways the library can help you this month:

  • Books and eBooks: Explore titles on breast cancer awareness, nutrition, exercise, mental health, and survivor stories.

  • Workshops and Programs: Attend community sessions focused on health education and wellness strategies.

  • Online Resources: Access reputable databases and guides for research on treatment options and preventive care.

  • Support and Information: Connect with local health organizations and programs through our library network.

Empower yourself and your community by taking advantage of these free resources. Knowledge is one of the strongest tools in the fight against breast cancer, and the Petersburg Public Library is here to guide you every step of the way.

Visit us today to browse our collection, attend a program, or access trusted online resources. On your way out, don’t forget to stop by our Market to pick up fresh, nutrient-rich foods. Eating your breast cancer fighting foods as medicine is another way to take control of your health while supporting your wellness journey.

Together, we can raise awareness, educate, and support one another this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

 

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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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July 30, 2025

It’s Hot Outside! Come. Discover the Wonder Within You.

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With temperatures soaring into the 90s and a heatwave continuing across Central Virginia, the Petersburg Public Library is your go-to place to stay safe, cool, and engaged. From free classes and fitness programs to local art and air-conditioned reading rooms, the library gives you space to learn, recharge, and reconnect—all at no cost.

A Cool Community Space

The library is a fully air-conditioned space open to the public six days a week:

  • Monday through Thursday: 10 AM to 8 PM

  • Friday and Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Stop by to enjoy free Wi-Fi, access to over 20 public computers for every age group, comfortable seating, and spaces to read, work, or learn—all in a temperature-controlled environment.

Weekly Programs to Keep You Active and Inspired

The library offers a variety of free programs every week for all ages:

Yoga Classes
Offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, these gentle sessions help you stretch, breathe, and refocus in a calming environment.

Exercise Classes
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, join our group fitness class to stay active without having to brave the summer heat.

Computer Literacy and Digital Skills Training
Available throughout the week, these classes support patrons looking to improve their computer skills.

Special Collections Room
Dive into local history and genealogy resources in our dedicated research space—perfect for family historians, writers, or anyone interested in Petersburg’s rich past.

The Market at PPL

Located in the library’s front lobby, the Market at PPL offers fresh produce, snacks, and ready-to-eat items. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a few ingredients to take home, the Market is a convenient option that keeps you out of the heat and close to healthy food choices.

Art Exhibit:

Through July 31, visit the library gallery to view Horizon/tal, an exhibit by Virginia artist Dolly Holmes. Her panoramic, abstract paintings evoke a sense of open space and calm—ideal for a moment of reflection during a hot and hectic week.

Looking Ahead: Jazz in the Stacks Returns August 8

Mark your calendar for the next Jazz in the Stacks performance on Friday, August 8.

Join us on Friday, August 8, for a special evening as part of Friday for the Arts. From 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, experience a vibrant gallery display featuring Zimbabwean fashion designer Charlie Mub and visual artist Anesu Manautsi.

Then, head over to the Event Center for Jazz in the Stacks, featuring live music from the Sud’n Change Band and Show, hosted by comedic artist Micah “Bam Bam” White.

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Plan Your Visit

Whether you are looking to stay productive, cool off, or simply try something new, the Petersburg Public Library is here for you. This is your library—your space to learn, connect, and recharge. Take advantage of the free programs, air-conditioned comfort, technology access, and welcoming environment available to every member of our community.

For more information about programs and services, explore our website or call us at 804-733-2387.

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July 17, 2025

Join the Adult Book Challenge at Petersburg Public Library!

July to October 2025

Need some motivation to read more books? The Petersburg Public Library’s Adult Book Challenge invites readers 18 and older to check out books, explore new genres, and earn a chance to win exciting prizes.

Whether you prefer fiction, nonfiction, audiobooks, or graphic novels, every checkout brings you closer to winning.

Major Prizes Include

  • Gas gift cards

  • Dinner for two (valued at $75)

  • Massage gift cards

  • Cash gift cards

  • Tickets to Swaders Sports Park

How to Participate

  1. Get a library card.

  2. Pick up an official Adult Book Challenge punch card at the front desk.

  3. Check out three or more books to receive a stamp on your punch card.

  4. For every stamp you earn, your receipt goes into the prize drawing bag of your choice.

Challenge Rules

  • Participants must be 18 years of age or older

  • A valid Petersburg Public Library card is required

  • One stamp is awarded per checkout of three or more books

  • More checkouts mean more stamps and more chances to win

Eligible Reading Formats

This challenge includes a wide variety of materials:

  • Books on CD

  • Electronic reads through apps like Hoopla and Libby

  • Graphic novels

  • New arrivals

  • Fiction and nonfiction

  • Biographies

  • Financial literacy titles

The more you read, the more chances you have to win. Join the challenge, explore the collection, and reward yourself through the joy of reading.

Petersburg Public Library
201 W. Washington Street
Petersburg, Virginia 23803
804-733-2387

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May 2, 2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Food in our POP (Petersburg Offers Produce) Market Open Monday-Thursday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Sometimes when life feels overwhelming, the mind can get stuck in a loop—worry, stress, and even overthinking. It’s easy to become consumed by our own thoughts.

Reading helps us to break that cycle. Books introduce new ideas, different perspectives, and reminders that we’re not alone. They help us get out of our heads, tap into our imagination, inspire faith, and move us toward action and growth.

At Petersburg Public Library, we believe in the power of stories and information to support wellness from every angle. That’s why we’ve created a special book display in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. This curated collection includes titles that focus on:

  • Managing anxiety and stress

  • Building better habits

  • Improving financial well-being

  • Eating for mental health

  • Practicing mindfulness and self-care

We invite you to stop by and explore the shelf. You might find just the right book to spark a shift in perspective or guide you through a challenge.

Why a Physical Book?
There’s something deeply soothing about reading a physical book. The feel of the pages, the rhythm of turning them, the absence of screen-based distractions—it all helps you slow down and be present. That tactile experience can create a sense of calm, reduce digital fatigue, and improve focus, especially when the mind feels scattered.

Reading isn’t just a leisure activity—it’s an act of self-care. Whether you’re diving into fiction, exploring a self-help guide, or learning a new skill, books have a way of meeting us where we are and gently helping us grow.

Come Visit Us
The Petersburg Public Library is here for you. Whether you’re looking for resources to support your mental health or simply want to enjoy a quiet moment with a good book, our doors are open. Sometimes, the right book really is the first step toward change or simply mental health.

Hope to see you soon!

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December 20, 2024

Finding Comfort During the Holidays: How Reading Can Help Ease Loneliness and Depression

The holiday season is often associated with joy, togetherness, and celebration. But for many, it can also bring feelings of loneliness, stress, or sadness. Whether you’re navigating a tough time or simply seeking a sense of comfort, books can be a powerful ally in lifting your spirits and helping you feel connected. Here at Petersburg Public Library, we’re here to support you through the season with resources and recommendations to brighten your days.

Why Do the Holidays Feel Difficult?

The holidays can amplify emotions, especially if you’re missing loved ones, dealing with financial stress, or feeling disconnected from the hustle and bustle around you. It’s okay to acknowledge these feelings and seek healthy ways to cope. One such way is by turning to the pages of a good book. Reading offers more than just entertainment; it provides an escape, inspiration, and sometimes the connection you didn’t realize you needed.

How Reading Can Help

Books have a unique ability to transport us to other worlds, introduce us to inspiring characters, and provide insights that resonate deeply with our own experiences. Here are some ways reading can help ease loneliness and depression:

  • Escape from Stress: A captivating novel can whisk you away from daily worries, giving your mind a break and helping you recharge.
  • Find Connection: Memoirs and personal stories can remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles and that others have faced and overcome similar challenges.
  • Boost Your Mood: Uplifting genres like humor, romance, or adventure can bring moments of joy and laughter.
  • Learn Coping Strategies: Self-help books and guides offer practical tips for managing emotions and building resilience.

Tips for Finding the Right Book

Not sure where to start? Here are some suggestions:

  • Seek Comfort Reads: Revisit a favorite book from your past or choose something lighthearted and heartwarming.
  • Try Something New: Explore a genre you haven’t read before. Fantasy, mystery, or historical fiction might surprise you.
  • Connect Through Characters: Look for stories with relatable characters or themes that speak to your current feelings.
  • Ask for Recommendations: Our library staff is here to help you find the perfect book for your mood and interests.

Additional Resources at the Library

Beyond books, the library offers a variety of resources to help you navigate the season:

  • Community Events: Join us for workshops, book clubs, or holiday programs to connect with others in a welcoming space.
  • Quiet Spaces: Spend time in a peaceful corner of the library to read, reflect, or simply take a break from the holiday rush.
  • Digital Resources: Access eBooks, audiobooks, and more from the comfort of your home through our digital library services. Whether you’re cozy at home or on the go, apps like Libby and Hoopla give you easy access to a vast collection of digital books and audiobooks, providing a seamless reading experience. With these apps, you can borrow books from our digital collection at any time, making it easy to find comfort wherever you are.

Take Care of Yourself This Holiday Season

Remember, it’s okay to take things one day at a time. Whether you’re spending the holidays with others or on your own, finding comfort in a good book can make all the difference. Let the library be your companion during this season and beyond.

Stop by Petersburg Public Library or visit us online to discover books and resources that can brighten your holidays. We’re here to support you every step of the way. From all of us, we wish you a season of peace, warmth, and new beginnings.

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