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

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.

August 29, 2024

The Man Behind the Band: Interview with The Dap Mallory Band

In the heart of Petersburg, Virginia, where music and community blend seamlessly, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with the Dap Mallory Band for an exclusive interview. This engaging conversation, recorded live at the Petersburg Public Library’s Conference & Event Center, offers a unique glimpse into the world of one of today’s most compelling cover bands.

Our interview delves deep into the story of the Dap Mallory Band, focusing on the person who stands at the helm of this dynamic group. Known for their soulful sound and captivating performances, the band’s journey is as fascinating as their music. In this special feature, we explore the experiences, inspirations, and personal anecdotes that define the essence of the Dap Mallory Band.

The Petersburg Public Library’s Jazz in the Stacks event provided the perfect backdrop for this insightful conversation. The library, a cornerstone of the community, symbolizes the intersection of culture and accessibility, making it a fitting venue for our discussion with the Dap Mallory Band. We talk about how performing in such a venue influences their music and the band’s deep connection to the Petersburg community.

We invite you to watch this exclusive interview to fully appreciate the depth of the Dap Mallory Band. Their story is one of dedication and a profound connection to the community that supports them.

Raleigh Desper