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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November 26, 2024

Sharing a Harvest: HCAT’s Food Demonstration and Giveaway at Petersburg Public Library

Yesterday (11-25-2024), the Petersburg Public Library hosted Sharing a Harvest, an event led by our new Healthy Community Action Team (HCAT) Coordinator Ruth Frierson. The event was a wonderful blend of community engagement, education, and support, offering a food demonstration, taste testing, and a fresh produce giveaway.

A Look at HCAT’s Mission and Vision

HCAT is a local initiative dedicated to advancing children’s health by ensuring consistent access to fruits and vegetables. Through interactive activities, HCAT engages children, youth, and families to inspire healthier choices. Their programs include:

  • Food demonstrations and taste testing.
  • Promoting Farm-2-School activities.
  • Establishing Learning Gardens to teach sustainable practices.
  • Increasing access to fresh produce in the community.

HCAT’s ultimate goal is to cultivate a coalition of partners to create a thriving, healthy Petersburg.

Event Highlights

At Sharing a Harvest, attendees explored new ways to prepare seasonal produce with recipes highlighting sweet potatoes, carrots, and collard greens. On the menu were these fresh ingredients, creatively prepared for everyone to sample.

The first 50 children who participated in the taste testing received a bag of ingredients to take home, including everything needed to practice the recipes at home. This hands-on opportunity allowed families to extend the lessons learned during the demonstration into their own kitchens.

Get Involved with HCAT

HCAT holds quarterly partnership meetings on the third Tuesday. These gatherings are an excellent opportunity for community members and organizations to collaborate and further their shared mission. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or community leader, HCAT welcomes your partnership.

Together, we can continue building a healthier Petersburg, one fresh meal at a time.

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October 4, 2024

Petersburg, VA: A Growing Hub for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

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Petersburg, Virginia, is fast becoming a major player in the world of pharmaceutical manufacturing, thanks to strategic partnerships and dedicated efforts to spur growth and innovation. This transformation is powered by the collaborative work of organizations such as the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity and the Partnership for Petersburg, as well as the Alliance for Building Better Medicine. Together, they are helping to reshape the city’s future, creating opportunities for both small businesses and large-scale pharmaceutical ventures.

In our latest video, we explore how Petersburg is taking strides in this exciting field. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how the city is positioning itself as a leader in the pharmaceutical sector and learn about the resources available for local entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive.

Small Businesses, Big Dreams

Through partnerships like these, Petersburg is not just fostering innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing, but also supporting the growth of small businesses. As part of the #SmallBusinessBigDreams initiative, the city offers valuable resources and guidance to help local entrepreneurs succeed in this rapidly expanding field. This aligns with the overall mission of the Partnership for Petersburg, which aims to enhance the city’s economic development and create lasting opportunities for its residents.

Join the Movement

The exciting developments happening in Petersburg are just the beginning. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to grow, or someone interested in the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing, there are countless ways to get involved. Explore these initiatives and see how you can contribute to this growing movement that’s reshaping Petersburg’s economy and future.

Stay Connected

For more updates on this and other exciting developments in Petersburg, follow us on social media and stay tuned for future content

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August 29, 2024

We were on the news! (WRIC ABC 8 Richmond)

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We’re excited to announce that the Petersburg Public Library was recently featured on Channel 8 WRIC ABC Richmond! As we celebrate our 100th anniversary this August, this news segment takes a look back at our rich history, highlighting key moments that shaped our journey toward integration.

The feature was thoughtfully covered by reporter Victoria Lucas, who captured the essence of our library’s legacy in the community. In the segment, Victoria explores how we’ve worked tirelessly to promote literacy and ensure that everyone in our community has access to the resources they need. From our modest beginnings to our current role as a vital community cornerstone, the story of our library is one of resilience and growth.

Looking back on 100 years of service, we remember the challenges we’ve overcome and the successes we’ve achieved. Our journey toward integration is a powerful reminder of the strength and determination within our community, and we’re proud to have been a part of this important history.

You can read and watch the full news segment by Victoria Lucas on Channel 8 WRIC ABC Richmond here.

We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone. Visit the library, explore our special exhibits, and participate in our upcoming events. Here’s to 100 more years of serving the Petersburg community!

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July 10, 2024

Community Spotlight with Lee A. Dugger

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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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