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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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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December 20, 2024

Petersburg Trees of Christmas Festival

The Petersburg Public Library is sparkling with holiday cheer as part of the inaugural Petersburg Trees of Christmas Festival, a community-wide celebration of creativity and holiday spirit. Sponsored by Main Street Petersburg Inc., this event invites businesses and organizations to decorate Christmas trees and participate in a friendly contest to spread festive joy.

This year, the library has joined the festivities with beautifully decorated trees that reflect the holiday magic and the spirit of literacy. While you visit, take a moment to explore these stunning creations and support your favorite trees by participating in the event’s social media scavenger hunt:

  1. Take a selfie with the library’s Christmas trees.
  2. Post the photo on your social media account.
  3. Tag the Petersburg Public Library and use the hashtag #Pburgxmastreefest2024 to cast your vote.

Participants who snap selfies with all the trees across the city will win custom prizes, and winners in the “Best Business Christmas Tree” and “Best Nonprofit Christmas Tree” categories will be announced on December 27.

By visiting the Petersburg Public Library, you’re not only embracing the holiday spirit but also celebrating 100 years of community and literacy. Come see how the library is making the holidays brighter for everyone!

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August 9, 2024

A Successful S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy at Petersburg Public Library

This summer, the Petersburg Public Library was buzzing with excitement and discovery as we hosted the 2024 S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy. Designed for 7–9-year-old students recommended by Petersburg Public Schools, the program combined innovative lessons with the engaging atmosphere of a summer camp. The S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy was more than just a summer program; it was a hub of learning, creativity, and fun that left a lasting impact on our young participants.

What is the S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy?

The S.T.R.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Math) Academy is a unique literacy program that integrates the Virginia Standards of Learning in Reading and Math into daily activities. With the support of certified teachers and our Youth Services Librarian, the Academy focused on delivering an interactive and educational experience that fostered both academic and personal growth.

Highlights of the Summer Program

The 2024 S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy was packed with activities that not only stimulated the minds of our students but also equipped them with valuable life skills. Here are some of the key activities and events that took place:

  • Lunch and Learn Presentations: Students enjoyed engaging presentations during lunch, where professionals from various fields shared their experiences and insights into S.T.R.E.A.M.-related careers.
  • S.T.R.E.A.M Career Information Sessions: These sessions provided students with a glimpse into a wide range of careers, from veterinarians and engineers to artists and software developers.
  • Daily Living Skills: The Academy emphasized practical skills, teaching students essential daily living activities that they can carry forward into their lives.
  • Financial Literacy Sessions: Understanding money management is crucial, and our financial literacy sessions introduced students to basic concepts of saving, budgeting, and financial planning.
  • Daily Journal Writing: Encouraging creativity and reflection, students kept daily journals, allowing them to express their thoughts and track their learning progress throughout the program.
  • Book Writing and Publishing Project: One of the standout projects was our book writing and publishing initiative, where students collaborated to create and publish their own stories.
  • Field Trips: Fridays were dedicated to field trips, where students could explore the world outside the classroom and see real-world applications of what they learned during the week.
  • Vocabulary “Word of the Day” Activities: Every day, students expanded their vocabulary with fun and interactive “Word of the Day” activities, enhancing their language skills.

A Bright Future Ahead

The success of the 2024 S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy at Petersburg Public Library is a testament to the power of innovative education and community support. We are proud of the achievements of our young participants and look forward to seeing how they apply the knowledge and skills they’ve gained in the years to come.

Thank you to our certified teachers, the Youth Services Librarian, and everyone who contributed to making this summer one to remember. We also extend our gratitude to the parents and families for their support and to the students for their enthusiasm and dedication.

As we look ahead to next summer, we are excited to continue offering enriching programs like the S.T.R.E.A.M. Academy. Stay tuned for more information on our upcoming events and how you can get involved.

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