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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September 3, 2024

Ann Vargo makes Sweet Potato Fries!

Our Food Demonstrations take place on Tuesdays at the Petersburg Public Library!!

Food is Medicine – Funded by the Cameron Foundation

The Food is Medicine program is a Produce Rx initiative. Dr. Clifford Morris of the Morris Cardiovascular and Risk Reduction Clinic refers his patients who are Petersburg residents and may be at risk of developing cardiovascular disease to participate in this program.

Our second cohort of 25 participants, started on August 6 and will run through October 22. For 12 weeks, participants receive a free bag of fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables from local farmers’ markets.

At the beginning of the program, participants receive a free blood pressure cuff and scale. For the remaining 11 weeks, they receive various kitchen utensils such as cutting boards, peelers, spices, and recently, a blender.

When participants come to pick up their produce bags, they can also enjoy free healthy food demonstrations, get free blood pressure screenings, and receive assistance from the Department of Social Services, which is available to answer questions and provide support for their programs.

For more information, reach out to Lenice Sudds, BHS, LPN,QMHP-A

Program Coordinator

Healthy Living and Learning Center

Petersburg Public Library

201 W. Washington Street

Petersburg, VA 23804

Phone: 804.733.2387 ext. 6302

Email: [email protected]

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July 31, 2024

Exclusive Food Demo with Dr. Auntie (Dr. Christin D. Haynes, MSW)

Our Food Demonstrations take place on Tuesdays at the Petersburg Public Library!!

We are thrilled to share the recipe and inspiration behind our latest YouTube video with Dr. Christin D. Haynes, MSW, where we demonstrate how to create a fresh and vibrant Nectarine Salad. This dish is not only bursting with flavors but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your summer meals. Let’s dive into the details and explore how you can easily recreate this delightful salad at home.

The Recipe: Nectarine Salad with Curly Kale, Avocado, and Chickpeas

Ingredients

Dressing:

  • 1 Nectarine
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Water
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Salad:

  • 1 bunch of Curly Kale
  • 1 ripe Nectarine
  • 1/2 Avocado
  • 1/4 cup Sliced Red Onion
  • 1/4 cup Zucchini
  • 1/4 cup Cooked Low Sodium Chickpeas (canned is okay)
  • 1/4 cup Sliced Almonds

Preparation

For the Dressing:

  1. Slice the nectarine and remove the pit.
  2. Add all ingredients (except water) into a blender and blend for 30 seconds.
  3. If the dressing is too thick, gradually add water until the desired consistency is reached.
  4. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For the Salad:

  1. Rinse the kale and remove the stems.
  2. Open and drain the chickpeas, then set them aside.
  3. Slice the avocado, red onion, zucchini, and nectarine.
  4. Toss all the ingredients together with the chickpeas and dressing. Top with sliced almonds.

Nutritional Highlights

This Nectarine Salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrition. With 859 calories, it offers a good balance of 20g of protein, 22g of fiber, and a healthy mix of fats, including 33g of monounsaturated fats. The salad is also rich in potassium and relatively low in sodium, making it a heart-healthy choice.

Health Benefits

As highlighted in the video, incorporating non-starchy vegetables, fruits, and fiber into your diet can significantly lower your risk for colorectal cancer. The combination of kale, avocado, nectarines, and chickpeas provides a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promoting overall well-being.

Bringing the Recipe to Life

In our food demo with Dr. Auntie, we walk you through each step of the process, offering tips and tricks to make this recipe even more delightful. Watching the video, you can see how the fresh ingredients come together to create a visually appealing and delicious dish. It’s a simple yet elegant salad perfect for a light lunch or a side dish for your next dinner party.

Final Thoughts

We hope this recipe inspires you to try something new in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this Nectarine Salad is easy to make and full of fresh flavors that will brighten up your day. Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!

Stay connected with us at our Health Living and Learning Center for more updates and delicious recipes!

 

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