December 13, 2024

Honoring Nikki Giovanni: A Legacy of Poetry, Power, and Progress

At the Petersburg Public Library, we celebrate the voices that have shaped our understanding of the world and our place within it. This week, we honor the life and legacy of Nikki Giovanni, a literary giant whose work continues to inspire and challenge us.

A Poet Who Made History
Nikki Giovanni’s poetry was a reflection of her passion for justice, her love for community, and her unyielding hope for a better world. From her pivotal role in the Black Arts Movement to her works that explore love, loss, and resilience, Giovanni’s words have left an indelible mark on the literary and cultural landscape. She is more than a poet; she is a storyteller, a historian, and a truth-teller—a part of our collective history.

A Missed Opportunity to Celebrate Together
Nikki Giovanni was scheduled to join us at the Petersburg Public Library for the Second Triennial James Arthur Baldwin International Symposium on October 24–26, 2024. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend due to her courageous battle with cancer. Who knew this would be her last year, her last fight, but not the last time we hear her name. Her legacy will forever resonate in the halls of this library and beyond.

Explore Her Works at the Library
We invite you to explore Nikki Giovanni’s works at the Petersburg Public Library. Whether it’s her classic collections like Black Feeling, Black Talk, Black Judgment or her later works such as A Good Cry, her words continue to resonate with readers of all ages. Her books are a testament to the power of literature to provoke thought, ignite passion, and inspire change.

A Moment to Pay Tribute
For those wishing to pay their respects and honor her memory, public visitation is scheduled:

📍 McCoy Funeral Home
150 Country Club Dr. S.W.
Blacksburg, VA 24060
📞 (540) 552-3211
📧 mccoyfuneralhome@verizon.net

🗓 Saturday, December 14, 2024
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (ET)

For more details, visit the funeral home’s website here.

Let us honor Nikki Giovanni’s legacy by immersing ourselves in her words and sharing her vision of a more just and compassionate world. Visit the library to check out her books, discover her impact, and be inspired to write your own story.

“We write because we believe the human spirit cannot be tamed and should not be trained.” – Nikki Giovanni

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December 13, 2024

Celebrating 100 Years of the Petersburg Public Library: A Centennial Gallery Showcase

We are thrilled to invite you to an exclusive showcase celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Petersburg Public Library! From October through January, our Gallery Wall features a special exhibit of images and artifacts highlighting the Library’s rich history and impact on the community.

A Century of Community and Literacy

Founded in 1924, the Petersburg Public Library has been a cornerstone of knowledge, culture, and progress in our city. This centennial exhibit offers a unique glimpse into our journey over the decades, from our early beginnings to becoming the vibrant hub of learning and community engagement that we are today.

The Centennial Exhibit: A Treasure Trove of Memories

On display, you’ll find:

  • Photographs and Documents: Discover rare historical images and documents that tell the Library’s story and showcase its evolution.
  • Artifacts and Memorabilia: Explore items that highlight key moments in our history, including the Library’s integration on November 7, 1960, and other milestones that reflect our commitment to inclusivity and service.
  • Community Contributions: See the Library through the eyes of those it has touched, with stories and tributes from past and present patrons.

Why You Should Visit

  • Connect with History: Experience a century of Petersburg’s cultural and educational heritage.
  • Inspire the Future: Celebrate how the Library has shaped generations and continues to empower our community.
  • Engage with Artifacts Up Close: Witness the depth of our history in a tangible and impactful way.

Plan Your Visit

We invite you to experience this commemorative exhibit during our regular library hours:

  • Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • with the exception of Holiday Hours: Closed on Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 24, 2024) and Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25, 2024)

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

This special exhibit is free and open to the public, making it an unmissable opportunity to celebrate our shared history.

Looking Ahead

As we mark this milestone, we also look forward to a bright future. Your continued support and engagement help us remain a pillar of knowledge, culture, and inspiration in Petersburg.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Library to explore, reflect, and celebrate 100 years of community and literacy. See you soon!

Calling All Artists!

Are you an artist looking for a place to showcase your work? We’re excited to announce that the Gallery Wall will be open for new displays starting next month! This is a wonderful opportunity to share your creativity with the community and connect with art enthusiasts in Petersburg.

How to Participate:
Contact us at 804-733-2387 ext. 6104 or email [email protected] for details on how to feature your artwork at the Petersburg Public Library. Spaces fill quickly, so don’t wait to reserve your spot in 2025.

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July 10, 2024

Community Spotlight with Lee A. Dugger

Watch this Video!

We are thrilled to invite you to an exclusive showcase of the extraordinary work of Lee A. Dugger, a renowned photographer whose captivating images are now on display at the Petersburg Public Library. Lee’s journey from the Blandford neighborhood of Petersburg, Virginia, to becoming a celebrated photographer is as inspiring as his artwork.

A Journey Rooted in Passion
Lee A. Dugger’s story begins in the heart of Petersburg, where he attended Blandford Elementary School (now Blandford Academy) and Henry Williams Middle School, graduating from Peabody High School in 1961. Shortly after, Lee enlisted in the United States Navy, driven by a desire to see the world. During his 9 ½ years of service, Lee discovered his passion for photography, which would shape the rest of his life.

Pursuing the Art of Photography
Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1970, Lee pursued his newfound passion by enrolling in the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland. There, he refined his skills and developed an artistic vision that has since captivated audiences worldwide.

Iconic Moments Captured
Lee’s photography often took him to music festivals and shows, where he immortalized performances by legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, and Art Blakey. His portfolio is a rich tapestry of landscapes, portraits, and dynamic live performances, each image telling a unique story and reflecting his dedication to the craft.

Visit the Exhibit
Now, you have the opportunity to experience Lee A. Dugger’s stunning work in person at the Petersburg Public Library. This exhibit offers a glimpse into Lee’s extensive body of work, showcasing a diverse range of subjects and styles. From breathtaking landscapes to intimate portraits, each photograph is a testament to Lee’s talent and artistic vision.

Why You Should Visit
Immerse Yourself in Art: There’s nothing like experiencing art in person. Lee’s photographs offer a depth and detail that can only be truly appreciated up close.
Inspire Your Creativity: Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or simply an art enthusiast, Lee’s work is sure to inspire and ignite your creative spirit.
Support Local Artists: By visiting the exhibit, you are supporting not only Lee A. Dugger but also the vibrant arts community in Petersburg.
Plan Your Visit
Don’t miss this opportunity to see the world through the lens of Lee A. Dugger. Visit the Petersburg Public Library today and immerse yourself in a world of stunning imagery and artistic brilliance.

Exhibit Details:

Location: Here at the Petersburg Public Library, 201 W Washington St, Petersburg, VA 23803
This Month: July 2024
During our Normal Library Hours: Mon – Thurs: 10.00am – 8.00pm Fri – Sat: 10.00am – 5.00pm

For more information on booking Mr. Dugger or purchasing his art, email him directly at [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you at the exhibit!

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March 15, 2024

Exploring Art & Community: Julian Greene and Nikkea Shareè

Watch this Video!

At Petersburg Public Library, we take pride in celebrating the rich tapestry of talent within our community. One way we do this is by showcasing the work of a local artist each month. As you walk through our library, heading towards the Conference and Event Center, you’ll be greeted by the vibrant colors, intricate designs, and compelling narratives brought to life by our featured artist.

This month, we invite you to immerse yourself in the world of Julian Greene and Nikkea Shareè, our talented spotlight artist. Through a brief video, we delve into the inspiration behind their work, their creative process, and the stories embedded within each piece.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a curious passerby, or simply someone looking to appreciate the beauty of local talent, we encourage you to take a moment to watch the video. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with the artist on a deeper level, gaining insight into their vision and the stories they share through their art.

Join us in celebrating the diverse creativity that enriches our community.

Thank you for supporting local talent and making our library a vibrant hub of creativity. We look forward to sharing more inspiring stories with you in the months to come.

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