May 1, 2025

Story Time Comes Alive with Music and Community at Petersburg Public Library

This past week at the Petersburg Public Library, our Youth Department Story Time was filled with excitement, learning, and the joy of shared experiences. We were honored to welcome author Theresa Caldwell, who engaged our young audience with a lively reading of her book, Safety Seal. But this wasn’t just any story time — it was an event made even more special by the power of community partnership.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, Theresa’s expressive storytelling was enhanced with live music, creating a unique and engaging experience for children and families alike.

 Music Meets Learning

The musicians went beyond performance — they introduced children to new instruments using a call-and-response teaching style that kept everyone involved and energized.

A standout moment came when the orchestra presented the kalimba, also known as a “finger piano,” with its distinctive, melodic tones. As the notes rang out, one child shouted, “That sounds like bubble gum!” — a wonderful reflection of the creativity and curiosity inspired throughout the event.

 A Lasting Gift

In a generous show of support for literacy, the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra purchased a copy of Safety Seal for each child participant, making it possible for every child to leave with a new book of their own.

Storytime Live was a clear demonstration of what community partnership looks like — local organizations coming together to educate, inspire, and connect with our youngest learners. We are truly grateful to Theresa Caldwell and the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra for their dedication and generosity.

Interested in hosting your own event? Our beautifully designed Petersburg Public Library Conference & Event Center is available to rent for meetings, performances, celebrations, and more. Let us help you bring your next event to life right here in the heart of Petersburg.

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March 3, 2025

Growing Future Gardeners: HCAT Teaches Young Learners at Petersburg Public Library

At the Petersburg Public Library, we believe in nurturing young minds—and what better way to do that than by introducing them to the joys of growing their own food? Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Head Start and Pre-K students from Petersburg Public City Westview Early Childhood Education Center for an engaging, hands-on gardening experience led by the Healthy Community Action Team (HCAT) in partnership with our Youth Department.

During this interactive session, children were introduced to the fundamentals of growing fruits and vegetables at home. HCAT provided them with the information, tools, and encouragement needed to start their own small gardens. Through hands-on activities, the young learners explored the textures of soil, received a bag to take home so that they can plant their own seeds, and learned about the process of nurturing plants from sprout to harvest.

Why Gardening Matters for Kids

Research shows that introducing children to gardening at an early age has numerous benefits, including:

  • Developing ecological literacy – Understanding the environment and the role of plants in our ecosystem.
  • Expanding knowledge of where food comes from – Encouraging a deeper connection between food and nature.
  • Supporting social and emotional health – Providing a calming and rewarding activity that fosters responsibility and patience.
  • Enhancing academic skills – Strengthening subjects like science, math, and literacy through practical, hands-on learning.
  • Encouraging nature-friendly attitudes – Instilling a lifelong appreciation for nature and sustainability.
  • Building confidence – Giving children a sense of accomplishment as they watch their plants grow.
  • Improving vegetable consumption and variety – Studies suggest that kids who grow their own food are more likely to eat and enjoy fresh produce.

Encouraging Lifelong Healthy Habits

This event was more than just a fun activity—it was a step toward building healthier habits for life. By fostering an early appreciation for growing food, we’re helping to create a future generation that values fresh, nutritious foods and understands the importance of sustainability.

We’re so proud of our young gardeners and can’t wait to see how their plants grow!

Have you introduced gardening to your little ones?

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