Category: Community

  • As the Page Turns

    Snowstorms, Community Service, and the New Year

    January is named for the Roman god Janus, protector of gates and doorways. Janus is depicted with two faces, one looking into the past, the other into the future. January’s stone is the garnet, and the flower is the carnation.

    Staff, volunteers, and ACLA (Appomattox County Library Association) members want like to thank all our patrons who participated in our many outreach programs for December. Without your generosity, our Think Beyond the Can, Elves for Elders, St. Anne’s Community Christmas Tree, and local food bank donations would not be possible. These programs positively affected local families in need by providing much-needed meals and gifts for the Holiday Season. Without the support of our patrons, these programs would not have been possible.

    December has already brought a wintery mix and snow, with more winter weather on the way. Please follow us on Facebook for the latest Library Closings at: https://www.facebook.com/JamersonMemorialLibrary . The safety of our patrons come first, so please use caution when thinking about traveling in bad weather. Don’t forget that we offer online services like Libby, Kanopy, Just for Kids (videos), and lots more on our website: www.jrjml.org. If you need to renew your materials or have any other questions, call us at 434.352.5340.

    Your local public library, (That’s us!), serves the public in many ways. One them is our continuing “Think Beyond the Can” program. What is Think Beyond the Can? An outreach program to accept donations of Meal in a Bag Kits, which will be distributed to households throughout our community to help ensure that every family has access to a warm and nourishing meal during the winter. Donations may be dropped off at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library during regular business hours. If you would like to participate, the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library has a box of gallon-sized zipper bags with recipe cards in them, so all you have to do is fill the bag and return it to the library. For a list of suggested items and sample recipes, please visit our website at: https://www.jrjml.org/tbtc/ to view the Meal in a Bag recipe cards. If you know of anyone, or are interested in receiving a selection of Meal in a Bag Kits, residents can register online at: https://www.jrjml.org/finr or call us. The Library will contact you when the Meal in a Bag Kits are available for pickup. In addition, we will be distributing totes of meal kits to some area food banks. For a list of local area resources, please visit: https://www.jrjml.org/tbtc.

    On Wednesday, December 10th, the Library and our frosty Library Fairy hosted our Story & Craft Time, featuring the book “How to Catch a Gingerbread Man” by Adam Wallace. Do you have what it takes to catch the Gingerbread Man? The famous storybook character has magically come to life and leapt from the pages during story time! Follow along as the Gingerbread Man runs loose in a bookstore with the help of Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, Peter Rabbit, nursery rhyme characters, and more! If you set the right traps, you might…just might be able to catch this wily cookie and finish the fairy tale! The kids made 3D cardstock gingerbread houses with candy, frosting and snow sticker embellishments, while snacks. Our next Story & Craft Time will be on Wednesday, December 17th, starting at 11:00 am & 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    We would like to thank ACLA (Appomattox County Library Association) for hosting another “Wrapping for a Cause”. ACLA is this Library’s friends of the library-style group that recruited the services of staff, volunteers and ACLA members to wrap patron’s holiday gifts in exchange for a monetary donation. All donations will support the Library through special purchases, sponsorship of programs, needed supplies, books and other library-related needs.

    The winners of the Grinch Kisses & Christmas Candy Counting Contest are Julie Martin with the closets guess and winner of the candy and a t-shirt, runner ups were Katie Ritchie and Wendy Walker, winning a t-shirt each. We would like to thank everyone who took a chance and be sure to look out for future raffles and contests.

    In observation of the New Year Holiday the Library will be closing on Wednesday, December 31st at 5:00 pm, and closed all day on Thursday, January 1st. We will reopen for normal business on Friday, January 2nd, starting at 9:30 am. The book drop, located at the back of the building, will remain open.

    In observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day the Library will be closed on Monday, January 19th. We will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, January 20th, starting at 9:30 am. The book drop will remain open.

    If you have any questions or concerns about this article or other library-related topics, please feel free to call us during normal business hours.

    Article/Photo Submitted by
    Katharine G. Bloodworth
    J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library

    The Library receives a steady supply of new and donated items, we would like to highlight the following:

    DVDs
        Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning
        The Bad Guys 2  
        Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – Season 2
        The Long Walk
        The Roses

    Community Calendar

    January 1, Thursday – Library Closed for New Years

    January 5th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitchers to meet at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 10:00am. Anyone interested in sharing or learning a skill like crocheting, knitting, quilting, needlework, sewing or other related hobbies are encouraged to attend. Enjoy good company while sharing patterns, exchanging ideas, learning new projects or teaching others. This meeting is open to anyone willing to teach or learn, yes gentleman, this includes you too!

    January 6th, Tuesday – PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) to be at the Jamerson Library from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. PEATC provides tools and information to empower parents/guardians of students with disabilities (birth – 26 years of age) with services and support, research-based information and training, and opportunities for strategic partnerships and advocacy for systemic improvement. For more information on PEATC please visit their website at: https://peatc.org/.

    January 7th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    January 8th, Thursday – Girls Who Code at the Jamerson Library starting at 4:00 pm in the community room. Girls Who Code is a club designed to help young women learn about science, technology, engineering and math and how they integrate into their everyday lives. The Jamerson GWC club welcomes new members from 3rd grade to 12th grade. Please register at https://www.jrjml.org/girlswhocoderegistration/.

    January 8th, Thursday – Jamerson Library Adult Book Club to meet in the Library’s community room at 5:30 pm. This month the Library will feature the book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain. In Quiet, Susan Cain argues that we dramatically undervalue introverts and shows how much we lose in doing so. She charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal throughout the twentieth century and explores how deeply it has come to permeate our culture. She also introduces us to successful introverts—from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions. Passionately argued, impeccably researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet has the power to permanently change how you see yourself. You can pick up a copy of this book at the front desk.

    January 10th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Class for Adults. This month’s project will be to make an embossed tin plate design using a few simple tools and your imagination. You must be pre-registered to attend this class, you can register at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration.

    January 13th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Tween STEAM Program starting at 4:00 pm in the community room. It’s a marshmallow world as we make catapults to launch pom poms and marshmallows! Enjoy eating and launching these fluffy and soft missiles of sweetness at your friends and family. Don’t eat the pom poms! We will provide all needed supplies and snacks!

    January 14th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    January 14th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Book Club starting at 3:30 pm in the community room. This month’s book is Wendy’s Ever After by Julie Wright. Wendy Darling is drawn back to Neverland, torn between childhood memories of Peter Pan and the mysterious young man who now stirs her heart. Caught between the allure of her past and the promise of the future, Wendy must navigate a perilous new journey, rediscovering the courage and wonder that once defined her youth. As she battles old foes and forges allies with new friends, Wendy is torn between her memories of a boy she once loved and the man who has stolen her heart. We have several copies available at the front desk.

    January 15th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Retro Movie Night starting at 6:00 pm in the community room. Join us for free refreshments and a family-friendly movie classic adventure of a young boy as he leads his group of friends and his older brother on a quest for a legendary long-lost treasure to stop their homes from being demolished. This movie is rated PG.

    January 19th, Monday – Library Closed MLK jr. Day

    January 20th, Tuesday – Jamerson Memorial Library Board Meeting at 4:00 pm in the Library’s community room. We are located at 157 Main Street. This meeting is open to the public.

    January 21st, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    January 22nd, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s After School Crafts with MaKayla starting at 4:00 pm in the community room. Join MaKayla in making winter bird seed wreaths to feed our feathered friends, brought to you by the Flight Path Grant. Learn about winter native birds, and enjoy refreshments as we provide all materials needed to make several bird seed wreaths for you to take home.

    January 24th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Class for Adults – Bird Seed Wreaths starting at 10:00 am, brought to you by the Flight Path Grant. Adults 18+ are encouraged to learn how to make winter bird seed rings to take home, to feed native birds. All materials will be supplied. You must be per-register online at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration.

    January 27th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Crafts starting at 3:30 pm in the community room. Join us for assortment of winter crafts, hot chocolate and snacks.

    January 28th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    January 29th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Puzzle Pandemonium! Join us for puzzles of all types, hot chocolate, and snacks as we celebrate National Puzzle Day! Hosted in our community room from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Open to all ages!

  • J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library Launches “Think Beyond the Can” Holiday Food Drive

    APPOMATTOX, VA — The J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library is launching its “Think Beyond the Can” community support initiative, a Meal in a Bag donation drive to assist local families during the holiday season.

    As the holidays approach, the library is inviting community members to help ensure that every family in Appomattox has access to warm, nourishing meals. The initiative reflects the library’s ongoing commitment to serving as more than a repository of books—it is a vital community hub dedicated to supporting neighbors in need.

    How to Participate:
    The library will be providing gallon-sized zipper bags with recipe cards to make participation simple and accessible. Community members can pick up bags at the library, fill them with the suggested ingredients, and return them during regular operating hours. Completed Meal in a Bag kits will be distributed to households throughout the community.

    Sample recipes and suggested items are available on the library’s website at www.jrjml.org/tbtc.

    Why It Matters:
    In light of recent events and ongoing food insecurity challenges facing families in the region, the “Think Beyond the Can” initiative provides a meaningful opportunity for community members to make a direct impact on their neighbors’ lives during the holiday season.

    “Libraries have always been about more than just books,” said Cindy Scheu. “At JRJML, we believe in building community—supporting each other and creating opportunities for connection. With ‘Think Beyond the Can,’ we’re inviting everyone to join us in helping our neighbors and strengthening our community. Together, we’re stronger.”

    About J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library:
    Located at 157 Main Street in Appomattox, Virginia, the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library serves as a vibrant community center offering free public access to collections, digital resources, programs, and meeting spaces. The library provides programming for all ages, including story times, teen activities, adult creative classes, and STEAM programs. JRJML is committed to lifelong learning, civic engagement, and community wellbeing.

    Donation Information:
    Donations may be delivered to the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library at 157 Main Street, Appomattox, VA 24522 during regular operating hours. For more information, call (434) 352-5340 or visit www.jrjml.org/tbtc.

  • As the Page Turns

    November comes from the Latin word novem, “nine,” because this had been the ninth month in the early Roman calendar. Although it is our eleventh month, the name has never changed. November’s birthstone is the yellow topaz, and the flower is the chrysanthemum. Some observances in November are: Adopt A Senior Pet Month, American Indian Heritage Month, Banana Pudding Lovers Month, National Diabetes Month, National Family Literacy Month, and World Vegan Month just to name a few.

    With the current circumstances across the country, the Library is asking patrons to “Think Beyond the Can.” The Library is asking patrons to consider putting together Dollar Tree Pantry Meals, and provide shelf-stable items like milk, bags of beans and rice, boxed meals, potato and rice mixes, peanut butter, jelly, just add water mixes, canned and pouch meats, birthday cake boxes, and other creative ideas to ensure that local families in need are taken care of during these economically challenging times. We will be listing resources, creative ideas, website links, and other information in the upcoming weeks on our own website, and other social media accounts. You can visit 211 Virginia at: https://211virginia.org/ to get connected for extra help. Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is at https://foodfinder.brafb.org/ to seek more help. Dollar Tree Pantry Meals are at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26y9Jyy2xQc for some creative ways to cook or donate at the Library. The Library will be printing recipes from the Dollar Tree Pantry Meals for patrons to pick up so that they can shop, pack, add the recipe card, and donate directly to us for redistribution.

    It was BIGFOOT week at the Library! Patrons had the opportunity to get their photo taken at the Bigfoot photo booth and pick up craft projects and activity sheets. Bigfoot’s footprints were found throughout the Library, including the large print section.

    Craig York, voice actor and Library employee, presented a reading of the classic tale “The Cask of Amontillado,” a short story by Edgar Allen Poe on Tuesday, October 21st. This was the last of a three-part series to introduce haunting tales by this famous American writer, poet, editor and literary critic.

    Getting into the spirit of Halloween! For Wednesday, October 22nd’s Family Story & Craft Time an employee read the book “My Monsterpiece” by Amalia Hoffman. What’s the SCARIEST, MEANEST, most TERRIBLE monster you can imagine? The kids enjoyed making their own artistic interpretation of a monster using precut monster parts, googly eyes, glue, glitter and other embellishments while enjoying snacks. Everyone family who showed up received a hardback copy of the book to take home! Our next Story & Craft Time will be on Wednesday, October 29th, starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    Also, on Wednesday, the Library hosted their Cookbook Book Club featuring the theme almost homemade. Library employee Katharine Bloodworth introduced her copy of the book “Almost Homemade” by Gooseberry Patch. Her recipes including green bean salad and crescent chive rolls. Patrons were given the opportunity to talk about their own cookbooks, sample each other’s dishes, and exchange recipes. Due to holiday observances and closings, the staff will be taking a break from Cookbook Book Club until next spring. If you are interested in being emailed reminders about upcoming Cookbook Book Club meetings please email Katharine at [email protected] .

    October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and on Thursday, October 23rd, a witness advocate from the County office was at the Jamerson Library to offer information and resources on domestic violence and advocacy information.

    On Thursday, Library Fairy MaKayla traded in her fairy wings for bat wings for the After School Crafts with MaKayla. This month’s Bad Art theme was “Haunted House,” the kids enjoyed snacks while creating spooky houses using a variety of craft supplies.

    Again, on Thursday, ACLA (Appomattox County Library Association) held their first meeting, this was a casual gathering to see if there was any interest in re-establishing volunteers and fundraising on behalf of the Library. ACLA was established in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) friends of the library style group with a mission statement of fundraising, providing volunteers, applying for grants and making special purchases for this Library. ACLA is a separate entity from Library Board. ACLA is its own organization, with its own board, for the purpose of supporting the Library under their own mission statement. If you are interested in joining ACLA please email Jenny at [email protected] .

    On Saturday, October 25th the Library Director and an employee were guest vendors at the American Museum of the Civil War’s Fall Festival. They had fun passing out free books, bubbles, coloring sheets, craft projects, the latest Library newsletter, and other library-related information.

    Don’t fear the reader raffle, or the Library staff! For the past several weeks you may have noticed Library staff walking around with “Don’t Fear The Reader” t-shirts. We love these t-shirts so much that we are hosting a free raffle to win one of these shirts. We will announce the winners on Thursday, October 30th. It is one chance per patron, per visit.

    In observation of Election Day, the Library will be closed on Tuesday, November 4th. We will reopen for normal business hours on Wednesday, November 5th, starting at 9:30 am. The book drop, located at the back of the building, will remain open.

    In observation of Veterans Day, the Library will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th. We will reopen for normal business hours on Wednesday, November 12th, starting at 9:30 am. The book drop, located at the back of the building, will remain open.

    In observation of the Thanksgiving Holiday the Library will be closed from Wednesday, November 26th, through Friday, November 28th. We will reopen normal business hours on Saturday, November 29th, starting at 9:30 am. The book drop, located at the back of the building, will remain open.

    If you have any questions or concerns about this article or other library-related topics, please feel free to call us during normal business hours.

    Article / Photo Submitted by
    Katharine G. Bloodworth
    Assistant Director
    J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library

    Community Calendar

    October 27th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Doriane Mills from the Adult Learning Center will be at the Library to answer your questions and help you sign-up for classes to earn your GED.

    October 27th, Monday – Legal Aid at the Jamerson Library starting at 4:00 pm. Representatives from Virginia Legal Aid Society will present information about common legal issues, including general guidelines, applicable eligibility, and helpful tools.

    October 28th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Crafts for patrons 13 – 19 years of age, starting at 3:30 pm in the community room. We will be featuring Halloween and fall-themed craft projects and serving snacks!

    October 29th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    October 30th, Thursday – Library to be a guest vendor at the Elementary School’s Fall Festival from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Stop by our booth from the latest edition of the Library’s newsletter and other Library information, a craft project, activities sheets and more.

    November 3rd, Monday– GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Doriane Mills from the Adult Learning Center will be at the Library to answer your questions and help you sign up for classes to earn your GED.

    November 4th, Tuesday Library Closed in observance of Election day.

    November 5th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    November 6th, Thursday – United Healthcare presents a 2026 Medicare Informational meeting at the Jamerson Library from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm to discuss the upcoming changes in Medicare.

    November 10th, Monday – Bonnet Stitchers will meet at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 10:00 am. Anyone interested in sharing or learning a skill like crocheting, knitting, quilting, needlework, sewing, or other related hobbies is encouraged to attend. Enjoy good company while sharing patterns, exchanging ideas, learning new projects, or teaching others. This meeting is open to anyone willing to teach or learn, yes gentleman, this includes you too!

    November 11th, TuesdayLibrary Closed in observance of Veterans Day.

    November 12, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    November 12th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Christmas Photos from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the community room. Family, friends, and small groups, bring your cameras or phones to have your photos taken against a Christmas fireplace backdrop surrounded by a Christmas tree and other props. Well-behaved pets are welcome but must be kept in a crate or on leash until your scheduled appointment. Perfect for cards, screensavers, mugs, mouse pads, and more! A staff member will take photos. If you do not have a phone/camera, we will take pictures on your behalf and email them to you. Please call the Library at 434.352.5340 to reserve your time slot as appointment times are limited.

    November 12th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Book Club in the Library’s community room starting at 3:30 pm. This month’s book is “The Lake” by Natasha Preston. Esme and Kayla were once campers at Camp Pine Lake. Now they’re back as counselors-in-training. Esme and Kayla did something terrible when they were campers, a secret they had kept all these years. They get a message: The lake never forgets. The secret they’ve kept buried for so many years is about to resurface. Patrons 13 – 19 years of age can find out more by picking up a copy and joining us for the Teen Book Club.

    November 13th, Thursday – Girls Who Code at the Jamerson Library starting at 4:00 pm in the community room. Girls Who Code is a club designed to help young women learn about science, technology, engineering and math and how they integrate into their everyday lives. The Jamerson GWC club welcomes new members from 3rd grade to 12th grade please register at https://www.jrjml.org/girlswhocoderegistration/.

    November 13th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Book Club for Adults will meet in the Library’s community room at 5:30 pm. This month’s book is “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” by Rachel Joyce. Meet Harold Fry, recently retired. He lives in a small English village with his wife, Maureen, who seems irritated by almost everything he does, even down to how he butters his toast. Little differentiates one day from the next. Then one morning the mail arrives, and within the stack of quotidian minutiae is a letter addressed to Harold in a shaky scrawl from a woman he hasn’t seen or heard from in twenty years. Patrons 18+ years of age can find out more by picking up a copy and joining us for the Jamerson Library’s Book Club for Adults.

    November 15th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Class for Adults starting at 11:00 am in the community room. This month we will be introducing patrons 18+ years of age the art of scrapbooking and junk journaling. Just in time for the upcoming holidays, learn how to turn your photos and memorabilia into fun and crafty pages using fancy papers, stickers, glue, punches, and other embellishments to create your very own photo album / junk journal. You must be registered at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration/ to attend.

    November 17th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Doriane Mills from the Adult Learning Center will be at the Library to answer your questions and help you sign-up for classes to earn your GED.

    November 18th, Tuesday – United Healthcare presents a 2026 Medicare Information meeting at the Jamerson Library from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm to discuss the upcoming changes in Medicare.

    November 18th, Tuesday – Library Board to meet at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 4:00 pm. These meetings are open to the public; this month the board will be accepting public comments and concerns.

    November 19th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    November 19th, Wednesday – Humana Medicare Educational Seminar at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 5:30 pm. Calling all seniors who may be effected by the 2026 changes in Medicare. Get your questions answered and receive important information that may affect your future Medicare benefits.

    November 20th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s After School Crafts With MaKayla (Bad Art, Thanksgiving Edition) in the Library’s community room starting at 4:00 pm. This month’s Bad Art challenge will be to create a turkey with a selection of traditional and unique supplies.

    November 20th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Family Retro Movie Night starting at 6:00 pm in the Library’s community room. This movie is inspired by a short story about a high-society woman in late-1800’s New York. When her estranged daughter becomes ill and is too proud to ask her mother for assistance, the granddaughter takes it upon herself to contact her grandmother and plead for help. Upon the daughter’s arrival, it causes an upheaval in many lives but may also lead to reconciliation within the family.

    November 22nd, Saturday – Jamerson Library Christmas Photos from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm in the community room. Family, friends and small groups bring your cameras or phones to have your photos taken against a Christmas fireplace backdrop surrounded by a Christmas tree and other props. Well-behaved pets are welcome but must be kept in a crate or on leash until your scheduled appointment. Perfect for cards, screensavers, mugs, mouse pads and more! Photos will be taken by a staff member, if you do not have a phone / camera we will take photos on your behalf, and email them to you. Please call the Library at 434.352.5340 to reserve your time slot as appointment times are limited.

    November 24th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Doriane Mills from the Adult Learning Center will be at the Library to answer your questions and help you sign-up for classes to earn your GED.

    November 26th, Wednesday to November 28, Friday – the Library will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.

  • As the Page Turns

    Bigfoot, Fall and Community Outreach

    It’s BIGFOOT week at the Library! The employees have already seen signs of this big fella, or gal, all around the place. Stop by to get your photo taken at the photo booth, find out what your Bigfoot name is, or pick up an activity sheet.

    This Library has taken an active role in our community for nearly 3 decades and currently we are working in conjunction with Friends of Holliday Lake by displaying their “Stained Glass Vision” quilt they are raffling off to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and Friends of Holliday Lake. This beautiful quilt was donated by Celeste of Country Lane Quilter in honor of her dear friend Lorraine. Lorriane, who has since passed away from cancer, started this quilt and it was finished by Celeste and friends in her memory. If you would like to see the quilt in person we encourage you to stop by the Library. For chances on this quilt, you may purchase tickets at the Library, or you may contact Celeste at 603-547-5903 or visit the Friends of Holliday Lake’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080228708707

    The Jamerson Library, in conjunction with Neighborhood Forest, is offering a free indoor plant program to engage youth by providing them with a small piece of nature to care for and watch grow inside their homes. Indoor plants offer many benefits similar to those of trees, including purifying the air, improving health and well-being, enhancing concentration/focus, and more. This Fall, the Neighborhood Forest will be giving over 10,000 succulents to children to nurture inside their homes! The Jamerson Library encourages parents/guardians to register their children by October 28th for a free succulent kit. We expect these kits to arrive by mid-November, all participants will be contacted when the kits arrive. Please register your kids at: https://www.neighborhoodforest.org/parent-registration-fall-program/?school=75646

    October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and on Tuesday, October 14th and Wednesday, October 15th, a witness advocate from the County office was at the Jamerson Library to offer information and resources on domestic violence and advocacy information. They will return on Friday, October 23rd, in the Library’s community room from 9:30 am – 11:30 am to offer support, resources, and a safe environment to report and seek help from domestic violence.

    Parting is such sweet sorrow as the Library says goodbye to Trot and Spot, the two book buses that have been visiting us during their Fall run. They will of course return to offer kids preschool through high school the opportunity to borrow a book from these horse and dog painted buses. These buses are sponsored by the Appomattox Literacy Intervention Project (A.L.I.P.). A.L.I.P. is a non-profit charitable organization which began in 1996 in order to promote literacy throughout Appomattox County. You find out when Trot and Spot will return visiting there Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/110865145620774 or keeping up with the Library’s own social media accounts.

    On Tuesday, October 14th the Library Fairy MaKayla hosted the Tween Steam “Mad Scientist” program. The kids conducted a multitude of experiments including walking colors, and fizzy cauldrons while enjoying snacks! Due to November observances the next Tween Steam will be on Tuesday, December 9th at 4:00 pm.

    On Wednesday, October 15th the Library hosted their Preschool Story & Craft Time, featuring the book “Lawrence in the Fall” by Matthew Farina. The kids enjoyed making paper plate leaf wreaths with lots of embellishments, will enjoying snacks. When Lawrence Fox’s teacher announces that students will be presenting things they collect at show-and-tell, Lawrence panics. All of his classmates have impressive collections: coins, combs, marbles…but Lawrence doesn’t have anything to share. Luckily, Papa knows where to find something magical: the deep, dark woods. Lawrence is scared at first, but as he grows more comfortable, he starts to recognize the uniqueness of the forest and its creatures. Here, amid the towering trees and their array of colorful leaves, Lawrence just may find a splendid, one-of-a-kind collection of his own. Our next Story & Craft Time will be on Wednesday, October 22nd, with a single Family Style Story & Craft Time at 11:00 am. The Library will feature the book “My Monsterpiece” by Amalia Hoffman. Our craft project will be to build-a-monster followed by snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    Also on Wednesday Mr. Craig York hosted a haunted reading of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” in the Library’s community room. A chilling first-person account of an unnamed narrator who insists on his sanity while confessing to the murder of an old man he lived with. His next performance will be on Tuesday, October 21st, starting at 6:00 pm, featuring “The Cask of Amontillado”. We strongly suggest a mature audience for this program.

    It was all about midnight margaritas for the Thursday, October 16th’s Jamerson Library’s Retro Chick Flick Movie. Staff served faux margaritas using coconut water and drink mixes, service snacks while patrons enjoyed a movie about two sisters who have always known they were different. Raised by their aunts after their parents’ death, the sisters grew up in a household that was anything but typical. . Our next Jamerson Library Retro Movie will be hosted on Thursday, November 20th, starting at 6:00 pm.

    We only have about on week (October 31st) for Penny and her posse! They are still ridding strong around Appomattox. If you find Penny, or a member of her posse (a cat shaped rubber duck) you are encouraged to bring them back to the Library and exchange them for a Penny Pincher Posse Prize. We will continue to hide Penny and members of her posse around town until all the kitty-ducks have vanished. To keep this fun and interactive game going we encourage you to return the kitty-ducks. Once they are gone, the game is over.

    In observation of Election Day the Library will be closed on Tuesday, November 4th. We will reopen for normal business hours on Wednesday, November 5th, starting at 9:30 am. The book drop, located at the back of the building, will remain open.

    If you have any questions or concerns about this article or other library-related topics, please feel free to call us during normal business hours at 434.352.5340.

    Article / Photo Submitted by
    Katharine G. Bloodworth
    Assistant Library Director
    J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library

    The Library receives a steady supply of new and donated items, we would like to highlight the following:

    DVDs:
        True Blood: The Complete Fifth Season
        True Blood: The Complete Sixth Season
        True Blood: The Complete Seventh Season (Final Season)

    Community Calendar

    October 20th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Stitchers will meet at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 10:00 am. Anyone interested in sharing or learning a skill like crocheting, knitting, quilting, needlework, sewing, or other related hobbies is encouraged to attend. Enjoy good company while sharing patterns, exchanging ideas, learning new projects, or teaching others. This meeting is open to anyone willing to teach or learn, yes, gentleman, this includes you too!

    October 20th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Doriane Mills from the Adult Learning Center will be at the Library to answer your questions and help you sign up for classes to earn your GED.

    October 21st, Tuesday – United Healthcare presents a 2026 Medicare Information meeting at the Jamerson Library from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm to discuss the upcoming changes in Medicare.

    October 21st, Tuesday – Farmers Bank of Appomattox will be in the Jamerson Library’s community room starting at 5:00pm for a “Popular Bank Scams & How to Protect Yourself” seminar. We encourage anyone with a bank account to attend.

    October 21st, Tuesday – Mr. Craig York presents a spine-tingling tale by Edgar Allen Poe, The Cask of Amontillado, at the Jamerson Library starting at 6:00 pm. Montresor lures his rival, Fortunato, into the catacombs under the pretense of tasting a rare amontillado wine to get revenge for an insult. We strongly suggest a mature audience for this program.

    October 22nd, Wednesday – Family Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am. The Library will feature the book “My Monsterpiece” by Amalia Hoffman. Our craft project will be to build-a-monster followed by snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    October 22nd, Wednesday – Beat Boredom with Board Games & Puzzles at the Jamerson Library from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Due to an early-release school day, the Library will be opening its community room to kids of all ages for snacks, games, and puzzles!

    October 22nd, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Cookbook Book Club starting at 6:00 pm in the community room. This month’s theme is “Almost Homemade”, recipes that use pre-made or store-bought convenience foods, which are then combined with a few fresh ingredients to save time and effort. This program is intended for adults. Bring your favorite cookbook, recipe card or internet suggestion and make a dish to share. The Library will have plates / bowls, plastic ware and napkins, but you must bring your own serving utensils. This program is intended for adults, don’t forget to bring in copies of your recipe for others!

    October 23, Thursday – Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy at the Jamerson Library. A Witness Advocate from the County office will be in the Library’s community room from 9:30 am – 11:30 am to offer support, resources, and a safe environment to report and seek help from domestic violence.

    October 23rd, Thursday – After school Crafts With MaKayla at the Jamerson Library starting at 4:00 pm. Meet us in the community room, this month’s theme is “Haunted Houses”, and yes, we will be serving snacks.

    October 23rd, Thursday – ACLA Meeting at 6:00 pm in the Jamerson Library’s community room. The Appomattox County Library Association (ACLA) will have its first meeting to reactivate this important 501(c)(3) friends of the library-style organization. If you are interested in supporting your local library, we encourage you to attend.

    October 27th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Doriane Mills from the Adult Learning Center will be at the Library to answer your questions and help you sign-up for classes to earn your GED.

    October 27th, Monday – Legal Aid at the Jamerson Library starting at 4:00 pm. Representatives from Virginia Legal Aid Society will present information about common legal issues, including general guidelines, applicable eligibility, and helpful tools.

    October 28th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Crafts for patrons 13 – 19 years of age, starting at 3:30 pm in the community room. We will be featuring Halloween and fall-themed craft projects and serving snacks!

    October 29th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    October 30th, Thursday – Library to be a guest vendor at the Elementary School’s Fall Festival from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Stop by our booth from the latest edition of the Library’s newsletter and other Library information, a craft project, activities sheets and more.

    November 3rd, – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Doriane Mills from the Adult Learning Center will be at the Library to answer your questions and help you sign-up for classes to earn your GED.

    November 4th, Tuesday – Library Closed in observance of Election day.

    November 5th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    November 6th, Thursday – United Healthcare presents a 2026 Medicare Informational meeting at the Jamerson Library from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm to discuss the upcoming changes in Medicare.

    November 10th, Monday – Bonnet Stitchers will meet at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 10:00 am. Anyone interested in sharing or learning a skill like crocheting, knitting, quilting, needlework, sewing, or other related hobbies is encouraged to attend. Enjoy good company while sharing patterns, exchanging ideas, learning new projects, or teaching others. This meeting is open to anyone willing to teach or learn, yes gentleman, this includes you too!

    November 11th, Tuesday – Library Closed in observance of Veterans Day.

    November 12, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    November 12th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Christmas Photos from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the community room. Family, friends and small groups bring your cameras or phones to have your photos taken against a Christmas fireplace backdrop surrounded by a Christmas tree and other props. Well-behaved pets are welcome, but must be kept in a crate or on leash until your scheduled appointment. Perfect for cards, screensavers, mugs, mouse pads and more! Photos will be taken by a staff member, if you do not have a phone / camera we will take photos on your behalf, and email them to you. Please call the Library at 434.352.5340 to reserve your time slot as appointment times are limited.

    November 12th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Book Club in the Library’s community room starting at 3:30 pm. This month’s book is “The Lake” by Natasha Preston. Esme and Kayla once were campers at Camp Pine Lake. Now they’re back as counselors-in-training. Esme and Kayla did something terrible when they were campers, a secret they have kept all these years. They get a message: The lake never forgets. The secret they’ve kept buried for so many years is about to resurface. Patrons 13 – 19 years of age can find out more by picking up a copy and joining us for the Teen Book Club.

    November 13, Thursday – Girls Who Code at the Jamerson Library starting at 4:00 pm in the community room. Girls Who Code is a club designed to help young women learn about science, technology, engineering and math and how they integrate into their everyday lives. The Jamerson GWC club welcomes new members from 3rd grade to 12th grade please register at https://www.jrjml.org/girlswhocoderegistration/.

    November 13th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Book Club for Adults will meet in the Library’s community room at 5:30 pm. This month’s book is “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” by Rachel Joyce. Meet Harold Fry, recently retired. He lives in a small English village with his wife, Maureen, who seems irritated by almost everything he does, even down to how he butters his toast. Little differentiates one day from the next. Then one morning the mail arrives, and within the stack of quotidian minutiae is a letter addressed to Harold in a shaky scrawl from a woman he hasn’t seen or heard from in twenty years. Patrons 18+ years of age can find out more by picking up a copy and joining us for the Jamerson Library’s Book Club for Adults.

    November 15th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Class for Adults starting at 11:00 am in the community room. This month we will be introducing patrons 18+ years of age the art of scrapbooking and junk journaling. Just in time for the upcoming holidays, learn how to turn your photos and memorabilia into fun and crafty pages using fancy papers, stickers, glue, punches, and other embellishments to create your very own photo album / junk journal. You must be registered at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration/ to attend.

  • As the Page Turns 8/18/25

    Libraries, Baseball & Growing in a positive direction

    Libraries, Baseball & Growing in a positive direction

    On Friday, August 15th the Library hosted a small group for a private movie showing. This service is extended to other local businesses, organizations, daycares, and clubs, for up to a total of 25 persons at a time. The Library is happy to set up our community room in a theater-style setting for a private movie viewing, or around tables for craft projects or educational venue. If you would like the Library to host a private event please feel free to contact us.

    On Sunday, August 17th the Library was an honored guest of the Lynchburg Hillcats’ minor league baseball team. The Hillcats let the Library pick a local citizen to throw out the first pitch! The Library chose Isaac Records, who was voted Virginia Sports Illustrated High School Baseball Player of the year. Isaac is a part of the Raiders Baseball team, who are this year’s state champions. Not only did the Hillcats’ SouthPaw visit the Library for a Story, Craft and Meet & Greet (August 8th), they gave us several hundred tickets for Sunday’s game! The Library Director and Assistant Director set up a table in the main concourse to promote the Jamerson Memorial Library! They gave away bubbles, craft projects, baseball swag and library-related information!

    Are you a caregiver to someone who is showing the signs of dementia? On Tuesday, August 19 the Library will host an Understanding Alzheimer’s Meeting starting at 3:00 pm in our community room. Join us in this educational session and make a positive difference in the lives of others. This program is sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association of Central and Western Virginia.

    Summer is just about over and the school year has started, and after a much-needed break the Library staff is ready to start our weekly Preschool Story & Craft Time, starting on Wednesday, August 20th. We will host two identical programs starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. Each program will feature an age-appropriate book followed by crafts and snacks. We have already lined up guest readers and organizations to add more fun and adventure to this program.

    Due to a professional development planning meeting the Jamerson Library will open late to the public on Thursday, August 21st, at 11:00 am. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause our patrons. Watch Us Grow!

    Looking for something fun and family-friendly? Make plans to join us for our Retro Movie Night on Thursday, August 21st starting at 6:00pm. Join the Library for a family-friendly film about a young boy who borrows a mysterious, ornately-bound book, he never dreamed that turning a page would draw him into a shimmering fantasy world of racing snails, hang-glider bats, soaring luckdragons, puckish elves, a Childlike Empress, a brave warrior and a slab-faced walking quarry. We will have snacks!

    The Library loves to be a guest at other events to promote library services through community outreach. We will have a table set up at the Wolfswood’s Faire on Saturday, August 23rd! We will have lots of information on upcoming programs and events, pass out ribbon dancers and bubbles! Be sure to stop by our booth, say hi, ask questions, and enjoy the faire! For more information about the Wolfswood Faire visit Wolfbane’s website at: https://www.wolfbane.org/wolfswood-faire.

    Introducing the Jamerson Library’s Penny’s Penny Pincher Posse! Find a penny pick it up, all day long have good luck! Penelope (aka Penny) and her posse of kitties (cat shaped rubber ducks) are cats about town! Penny the Library’s orange kitty mascot along with her clowder of cats will be hiding around town starting in September. If you find Penny or a member of her posse just return them to the Library and pick a Penny Pincher prize! All ages are welcome to become a member of the Penny Pinchers! We have purchased only so many kittens (cat shaped rubber ducks) and once they are gone and not returned to the Library the program will be over. If you find a kitty keep the game going by returning it to the Library for prize! All returned kitties will be released back into the “wild” to be found and returned again so more prizes can be won.

    If you have any questions or concerns about this article or other library-related topics, please feel free to call us during normal business hours at 434.352.5340.

    Article / Photo Submitted by
    Katharine G. Bloodworth
    Public Services Specialist
    J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library

    The Library receives a steady supply of new and donated items, we would like to highlight the following:

    • DVDs
      • Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
      • Paw Patrol: Pup-Tastic! 8 DVD Collection
      • Blacklight
      • Migration
      • Belgravia
      • Charmed The Sixth Season
      • Meet Joe Black
      • Gifted
      • Arthur the King
    • Blu Ray
      • The Last Full Measure
      • Arthur the King
    Community Calendar

    August 19th, Tuesday – Understanding Alzheimer’s Meeting starting at 3:00 pm in the Jamerson Library’s community room. This month’s theme is Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior. Gain valuable insights into understanding behaviors linked with dementia. Explore typical triggers for these behaviors and discover effective strategies to assess the individual’s requirements. Learn how to intervene in a manner that promotes their well-being and quality of life. Equip yourself with practical knowledge that empowers you to provide better care and support for those affected by dementia. Join us in this educational session and make a positive difference in the lives of others. This program is sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association of Central and Western Virginia.

    August 20th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    August 21st, Thursday – Jamerson Retro Movie Night starting at 6:00pm in the community room. Join the Library for a family-friendly film about a young boy who borrows a mysterious, ornately-bound book, he never dreamed that turning a page would draw him into a shimmering fantasy world of racing snails, hang-glider bats, soaring luckdragons, puckish elves, a Childlike Empress, a brave warrior and a slab-faced walking quarry. Refreshments will be served.

    August 23rd, Saturday – Jamerson Library to be at the Wolfswood Faire, hosted by Wolfbane Productions! All ye Lords, Ladies and peasants come seek us out in the woods as we participant in a fun filled day of medieval games, sword fights, live performances, music and dancing, but watch out for wolves! Look for our blue tent at 681 Country Club Road in Appomattox from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For information about the Wolfswood Faire visit the Wolfbane website at: https://www.wolfbane.org/wolfswood-faire .

    August 26th, Tuesday – Parent Support Group at the Jamerson Library starting at 6:30 pm. Are you the parent or legal guardian of a special needs child? Did you know that there is a support group for you in Appomattox? We will meet in the community room of the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library (157 Main Street). For more information contact Alyssa Holland at [email protected] .

    August 27th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    September 2nd, Tuesday – PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) to be at the Jamerson Memorial Library from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. PEATC provides tools and information to empower parents/guardians of students with disabilities (birth – 26 years of age) with services and support, research-based information and training, and opportunities for strategic partnerships and advocacy for systemic improvement. For more information on PEATC please visit their website at: https://peatc.org/.

    September 3rd, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    September 8th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitchers to meet at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 10:00am. Anyone interested in sharing or learning a skill like crocheting, knitting, quilting, needlework, sewing or other related hobbies are encouraged to attend. Enjoy good company while sharing patterns, exchanging ideas, learning new projects or teaching others. This meeting is open to anyone willing to teach or learn, yes gentleman, this includes you too!

    September 9th, Tuesday – Tween STEAM(science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) Program at the Jamerson Library starting at 4:00pm. All are welcome with the understanding that this program is for elementary and tween aged students. This month’s theme will be “Micro World”, we will be using a digital microscope to explore the world around us.

    September 10th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library with Holliday Lake, starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. Meet Harold Holliday for Turtle Time with Chance as they feature an age-appropriate book about turtles, followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    September 10th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library Teen Book Club starting at 3:30 pm in the Library’s community room. This month we will feature the graphic novel “Very Bad At Math” by Hope Larson, a New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award–winning author. This graphic novel is full of hijinks, unexpected friendships, and pizza, so of course we will serve pizza for this event! We have several copies of this book available for checkout. Grab your friends, grab a copy of the book, grab a slice of pizza and make plans to attend!

    September 11th, Thursday – Girls Who Code starting at 4:00 pm in the Jamerson Library’s community room. Girls Who Code Girls is a gaming experience that empowers users to code characters that better reflect them and the diversity of their communities. Snacks will be served!

    September 13th, Saturday – Creative Class for Adults (18+) starting at 11:00 am in the community room of the Jamerson Memorial Library. Turn aluminum foil, a glass photo frame and permanent markers into a foil faux stained glass piece of art.

    September 16th, Tuesday – Library Board to meet at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 4:00 pm. These meetings are open to the public. This month, the board will be accepting public comments and concerns.

    September 17th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    September 17th, Wednesday – Board Games & Puzzles at the Jamerson Library from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the community room. Due to an early school day the Library will be hosting a Beat Boredom with Board Games (& puzzles) afternoon, we will serve free snacks! Roll the dice, shuffle some cards, and skip across some fun with several interactive board games and puzzles with your friends!

    September 18th, Thursday – Jamerson Retro Movie Night starting at 6:00 pm in the community room. A family-friendly movie about the soaring adventure of a 13-year-old girl and her estranged father who learn what family is all about when they adopt an orphaned flock of geese and teach them to fly! Refreshments will be served, this movie is rated PG. This movie is brought to you in part by the Flight Path Grant.

    September 19th, Friday – Talk Like A Pirate Day at the Jamerson Library. Stop by during normal business hours (9:30 am – 5:00 pm) and get your photo at our photo booth, earn some pirate booty and more! Don’t forget to bring your phone or camera. We encourage you to come dressed up or use some of our pirate photo props.

    September 23, Tuesday – Teen Art at the Jamerson Library starting at 3:30 pm in the community room. This month will be Faux Stained Glass Art creations using pieces of cut glass, glue, and a pattern to make a bright piece of art. This program is for patrons 13 – 19 years of age.

    September 23rd, Tuesday – Parent Support Group at the Jamerson Library starting at 6:30 pm. Are you the parent or legal guardian of a special needs child? Did you know that there is a support group for you in Appomattox? We will meet in the community room of the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library (157 Main Street). For more information contact Alyssa Holland at [email protected] .

    September 24, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    September 24th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Cookbook Book Club. The Jamerson Library will host our “Cookbook Book Club” on Wednesday, September 23rd, starting at 6:00pm. Bring your favorite cookbook, recipe card or internet suggestion and make a dish to share. This month’s theme will be “Soup’s On”. Here are a few suggestions to consider: your favorite soup, some warm bread, or a family recipe. The Library will have plates / bowls, plastic ware and napkins, but you must bring your own serving utensils. This program is intended for adults, don’t forget to bring in copies of your recipe for others!

    September 25th, Thursday – After School Crafts with MaKayla starting at 4:00 pm in the community room of the Jamerson Memorial Library. This event is open to all ages, join Library Fairy MaKayla in making an assortment of crafts and enjoy snacks. This month’s theme is “Messy Art”.

    September 27th, Saturday – Royal Party in Abbitt Park! Calling all knights and princesses, of all ages, you are invited to dress up and attend a gathering on the lawn to enjoy a photo booth, snacks, games, and more from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm! Free and open to everyone of all ages, this is a family-friendly event. Don’t forget your phones, cameras, crowns, and shields!

    September 27th, Saturday – Jamerson Library to be at Holliday Lake’s Fall Festival from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Meet us at the Lake for crafts, bubbles, Bigfoot photo booth and more! Holliday Lake State Park is located at 2759 State Park Road, Appomattox, State Park fees do apply.

  • Poet Laureate Launches Veterans’ Poetry Project

    Poet Laureate Launches Veterans’ Poetry Project

    LEXINGTON — Virginia Poet Laureate Mattie Quesenberry Smith, Ph.D., an English instructor at Virginia Military Institute, has launched Perseverance and Resilience, a statewide project supporting veterans’ health and well-being through poetry.

    The initiative, organized with multiple regional libraries and arts organizations, will host workshops led by creative writing instructors and veteran poets. Participants will reflect on how they’ve persevered and found resilience during service and civilian life.

    The project features a veterans’ poetry contest in memory of retired Navy Cmdr. Edward W. Lull, former Poetry Society of Virginia president. Contest winners will see their work produced as broadsides displayed in veteran-serving facilities statewide. An anthology will publish selected poems, with two public celebrations planned.

    All U.S. veterans may submit up to three poems, each no longer than 45 lines, by Sept. 15, 2025, via Poetry Society of Virginia’s submission portal.

    Smith’s project is supported by a $50,000 fellowship from the Academy of American Poets, awarded to 23 poets laureate nationwide for civic literary projects. Matching grants will go to nonprofit partners assisting with the work.

  • As the Page Turns 8/11/25

    The Library would like to thank all of our sponsors and patrons who have participated in our 20205 Summer Reading Program “Color Our World”. For those who entered into our art contest please stop by the Library and pick up your submissions by Friday, August 22nd.

    The Jamerson Library is one of a few libraries across the country that has been selected to receive the “FLIGHT PATH Grant” from StarNet. What is the FLIGHT PATH Grant? It is a grant that includes materials and a monetary honorarium to help cover the cost of events, programs and outreach for the purpose of native birds and bird migration education. With more than one billion birds killed by window strikes each year in the United States alone, FLIGHT PATH taps into the popularity of bird watching and provides local communities with fun activities to get to know their local birds and promote bird health and safety.  We will feature book displays, several programs and outreach campaigns starting in September through next spring that reflect bird and bird related topics.

    Watch us keep growing! Recently added to the Jamerson Seed Library are late-blooming fragrant white narcissus bulbs, 5 bulbs per bag. These bulbs should be planted in the fall or early winter. Don’t forget that we also have lots of other seeds. You are allowed to request up to three packs of seeds, bulbs, or bareroots per household, while supplies last.

    SouthPaw and his best friend Dorian visited the Library on Friday, August 8th, to read the children’s book “Pete the Cat Plays Ball”, a tale about playing baseball and good sportsmanship. Afterwards the kids created baseball photo frames, and enjoyed cracker jacks, popcorn and soda! SouthPaw did a meet and greet while the Library also gave away bubbles, baseball stickers and free baseball tickets to the August 17th’s Hillcat’s game. SouthPaw is the Hillcat’s (Lynchburg’s minor league baseball team) green cat mascot and loves to travel with Dorian to promote the love of the all-American sport of baseball!

    On Saturday, August 9th, Library Director Cindy Scheu taught a class on blending oil pastels into frameable “Tree of Life” works of art for the Library’s monthly Creative Class for Adults program. The participants did an awesome job of using their creative spirit to make visually vivid unique works of art.

    Starting on Wednesday, August 20th, the Library will resume our weekly Preschool Story & Craft Time starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. We will feature the book “The Wild Robot on the Island” by Peter Brown. Roz, a robot, is not where she’s supposed to be. You see, robots wasn’t designed to live in the wilderness. But when she washes up on an island, she must learn from the animal inhabitants and adapt to her new, natural surroundings, and before long, the island begins to feel like home. The Library will provide crafts and snacks as a part of the program.

    Introducing the Jamerson Library’s Penny’s Penny Pincher Posse! Find a penny pick it up, all day long have good luck! Penelope (aka Penny) and her posse of kitties (cat shaped rubber ducks) are cats about town! Penny the Library’s orange kitty mascot along with her clowder of cats will be hiding around town starting in September. If you find Penny or a member of her posse just return them to the Library and pick a Penny Pincher prize! All ages are welcome to become a member of the Penny Pinchers! We have purchased only so many kittens (cat shaped rubber ducks) and once they are gone and not returned to the Library the program will be over. If you find a kitty keep the game going by returning it to the Library for prize! All returned kitties will be released back into the “wild” to be found and returned again so more prizes can be won.

    In observance of the Labor Day holiday the Jamerson Memorial Library will be closed on Monday, September 1st. We will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, September 2nd, starting at 9:30 am. The Library’s book depository, located at the back of the building, will remain open during this time.

    If you have any questions or concerns about this article or other library-related topics, please feel free to call us during normal business hours at 434.352.5340.

    Article / Photo Submitted by
    Katharine G. Bloodworth
    Public Services Specialist
    J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library

    The Library receives a steady supply of new and donated items, we would like to highlight the following:

    DVDs    
    Novocaine
    Mad Max: Fury Road
    Moana 2
    Sinners
    Final Destination: Bloodlines
    A Minecraft Movie
    The Phoenician Scheme
    A Working Man	
    Call the Midwife – Season 9
    Captain America: Brave New World

    Community Calendar

    August 11th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitchers to meet at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 10:00am. Anyone interested in sharing or learning a skill like crocheting, knitting, quilting, needlework, sewing or other related hobbies are encouraged to attend. Enjoy good company while sharing patterns, exchanging ideas, learning new projects or teaching others. This meeting is open to anyone willing to teach or learn, yes gentleman, this includes you too!

    August 19th, Tuesday – Understanding Alzheimer’s Meeting starting at 3:00 pm in the Jamerson Library’s community room. This month’s theme is Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior. Gain valuable insights into understanding behaviors linked with dementia. Explore typical triggers for these behaviors and discover effective strategies to assess the individual’s requirements. Learn how to intervene in a manner that promotes their well-being and quality of life. Equip yourself with practical knowledge that empowers you to provide better care and support for those affected by dementia. Join us in this educational session and make a positive difference in the lives of others. This program is sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association of of Central and Western Virginia.

    August 20th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    August 21st, Thursday – Jamerson Retro Movie Night starting at 6:00pm in the community room. Join the Library for a family-friendly film about a young boy who borrows a mysterious, ornately-bound book, he never dreamed that turning a page would draw him into a shimmering fantasy world of racing snails, hang-glider bats, soaring luckdragons, puckish elves, a Childlike Empress, a brave warrior and a slab-faced walking quarry. Refreshments will be served.

    August 23rd, Saturday – Jamerson Library to be at the Wolfswood Faire, hosted by Wolfbane Productions! All ye Lords, Ladies and peasants come seek us out in the woods as we participant in a fun filled day of medieval games, sword fights, live performances, music and dancing, but watch out for wolves! Look for our blue tent at 681 Country Club Road in Appomattox from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For information about the Wolfswood Faire visit the Wolfbane website at: https://www.wolfbane.org/wolfswood-faire .

    August 26th, Tuesday – Parent Support Group at the Jamerson Library starting at 6:30 pm. Are you the parent or legal guardian of a special needs child? Did you know that there is a support group for you in Appomattox? We will meet in the community room of the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library (157 Main Street). For more information contact Alyssa Holland at [email protected] .

    August 27th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    September 2nd, Tuesday – PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) to be at the Jamerson Memorial Library from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. PEATC provides tools and information to empower parents/guardians of students with disabilities (birth – 26 years of age) with services and support, research-based information and training, and opportunities for strategic partnerships and advocacy for systemic improvement. For more information on PEATC please visit their website at: https://peatc.org/.

    September 3rd, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    September 8th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitchers to meet at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 10:00am. Anyone interested in sharing or learning a skill like crocheting, knitting, quilting, needlework, sewing or other related hobbies are encouraged to attend. Enjoy good company while sharing patterns, exchanging ideas, learning new projects or teaching others. This meeting is open to anyone willing to teach or learn, yes gentleman, this includes you too!

    September 9th, Tuesday – Tween STEAM(science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) Program at the Jamerson Library starting at 4:00pm. All are welcome with the understanding that this program is for elementary and tween aged students. This month’s theme will be “Micro World”, we will be using a digital microscope to explore the world around us.

    September 10th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    September 10th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library Teen Book Club starting at 3:30 pm in the Library’s community room. This month we will feature the graphic novel “Very Bad At Math” by Hope Larson, a New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award–winning author. This graphic novel is full of hijinks, unexpected friendships, and pizza, so of course we will serve pizza for this event! We have several copies of this book available for checkout. Grab your friends, grab a copy of the book, grab a slice of pizza and make plans to attend!

    September 11th, Thursday – Girls Who Code starting at 4:00 pm in the Jamerson Library’s community room. Girls Who Code Girls is a gaming experience that empowers users to code characters that better reflect them and the diversity of their communities. Snacks will be served!

    September 13th, Saturday – Creative Class for Adults (18+) starting at 11:00 am in the community room of the Jamerson Memorial Library. Turn aluminum foil, a glass photo frame and permanent markers into a foil faux stained glass piece of art.

    September 16th, Tuesday – Library Board to meet at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 4:00 pm. These meeting are open the public, this month the board will be accepting public comments and concerns.

    September 17th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    September 17th, Wednesday – Board Games & Puzzles at the Jamerson Library from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the community room. Due to an early school day the Library will be hosting a Beat Boredom with Board Games (& puzzles) afternoon, we will serve free snacks! Roll the dice, shuffle some cards, and skip across some fun with several interactive board games and puzzles with your friends!

    September 18th, Thursday – Jamerson Retro Movie Night starting at 6:00 pm in the community room. A family-friendly movie about the soaring adventure of a 13-year-old girl and her estranged father who learn what family is all about when they adopt an orphaned flock of geese and teach them to fly! Refreshments will be served, this movie is rated PG. This movie is brought to you in part by the Flight Path Grant.

    September 19th, Friday – Talk Like A Pirate Day at the Jamerson Library. Stop by during normal business hours (9:30 am – 5:00 pm) and get your photo at our photo booth, earn some pirate booty and more! Don’t forget to bring your phone or camera. We encourage you to come dressed up or use some of our pirate photo props.

    September 23, Tuesday – Teen Art at the Jamerson Library starting at 3:30 pm in the community room. This month will be Faux Stained Glass Art creations using pieces of cut glass, glue, and a pattern to make a bright piece of art. This program is for patrons 13 – 19 years of age.

    September 23rd, Tuesday – Parent Support Group at the Jamerson Library starting at 6:30 pm. Are you the parent or legal guardian of a special needs child? Did you know that there is a support group for you in Appomattox? We will meet in the community room of the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library (157 Main Street). For more information contact Alyssa Holland at [email protected] .

    September 24, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    September 24th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Cookbook Book Club. The Jamerson Library will host our “Cookbook Book Club” on Wednesday, September 24th, starting at 6:00pm. Bring your favorite cookbook, recipe card or internet suggestion and make a dish to share. This month’s theme will be “Soup’s On”. Here are a few suggestions to consider: your favorite soup, some warm bread, or a family recipe. The Library will have plates / bowls, plastic ware and napkins, but you must bring your own serving utensils. This program is intended for adults, don’t forget to bring in copies of your recipe for others!

    September 25th, Thursday – After School Crafts with MaKayla starting at 4:00 pm in the community room of the Jamerson Memorial Library. This event is open to all ages, join Library Fairy MaKayla in making an assortment of crafts and enjoy snacks. This month’s theme is “Messy Art”.

    September 27th, Saturday – Royal Party in Abbitt Park! Calling all knights and princess of all ages you are invited to dress up and attend a gathering on the lawn to enjoy a photo booth, snacks, games and more from 10:30 am to 12:30pm! Free and open to everyone of all ages, this is a family-friendly event. Don’t forget your phones, cameras, crowns and shields!

  • As The Page Turns 8/4/25

    The Library waves goodbye to summer as the school year starts and the 2025 Summer Reading Program “Color Our World” has come to an end. On Tuesday, July 29th, the Library hosted a “Wave Goodbye to Summer Party” in Abbitt Park! We surprised those that showed up with a HUGE dolphin water slide, crocheted reusable water balloons, squirt guns, sidewalk chalk drawing, snow cones, go fish game, tie-dying and guest vendors from the town of Appomattox and Holliday Lake State Park.
    Even Bruce the great white swam outside to join the fun! We want to thank everyone who participated in our Summer Reading Program and hope to see you through the rest of the year!

    If you have any questions or concerns about this article or other library-related topics, please feel free to call us during normal business hours at 434.352.5340.

    Article / Photo Submitted by
    Katharine G. Bloodworth
    Public Services Specialist
    J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library

    The Library receives a steady supply of new and donated items, we would like to highlight the following:
    New to Us DVDs
    Leap!
    Smallfoot
    13 Minutes
    Under the Tuscan Sun
    Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
    The Lion King
    Moana

    Community Calendar

    August 5th, Tuesday – PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) to be at the Jamerson Library from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. PEATC provides tools and information to empower parents/guardians of students with disabilities (birth – 26 years of age) with services and support, research-based information and training, and opportunities for strategic partnerships and advocacy for systemic improvement. For more information on PEATC please visit their website at: https://peatc.org/.

    August 8th, Friday – Hillcat’s SouthPaw to be at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library, in our community room from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Join SouthPaw for a Story & Craft Time at 2:00 pm, followed by a meet & greet. Parents, bring your cameras or phones, take photos and enjoy refreshments while meeting this famous green kitty! SouthPaw will be here to help celebrate the love of reading and the all-American game of baseball! Remember that you can earn a free baseball ticket to the Sunday, August 17th game, if you are a registered participant in our Summer Reading Program.

    August 9th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Outlet Class for Adults (18+) starting at 11:00 am in the community room. Learn to blend oil pastels to create a Tree of Life artwork. You must be pre-registered to attend. You can register online at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration/ .

    August 11th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitchers to meet at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 10:00am. Anyone interested in sharing or learning a skill like crocheting, knitting, quilting, needlework, sewing or other related hobbies are encouraged to attend. Enjoy good company while sharing patterns, exchanging ideas, learning new projects or teaching others. This meeting is open to anyone willing to teach or learn, yes gentleman, this includes you too!

    August 19th, Tuesday – Understanding Alzheimer’s Meeting starting at 3:00 pm in the Jamerson Library’s community room. This month’s theme is Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior. Gain valuable insights into understanding behaviors linked with dementia. Explore typical triggers for these behaviors and discover effective strategies to assess the individual’s requirements. Learn how to intervene in a manner that promotes their well-being and quality of life. Equip yourself with practical knowledge that empowers you to provide better care and support for those affected by dementia. Join us in this educational session and make a positive difference in the lives of others. This program is sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association of of Central and Western Virginia.

    August 20th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    August 21st, Thursday – Jamerson Retro Movie Night starting at 6:00pm in the community room. Join the Library for a family-friendly film about a young boy who borrows a mysterious, ornately-bound book, he never dreamed that turning a page would draw him into a shimmering fantasy world of racing snails, hang-glider bats, soaring luckdragons, puckish elves, a Childlike Empress, a brave warrior and a slab-faced walking quarry. Refreshments will be served.

    August 23rd, Saturday – Jamerson Library to be at the Wolfswood Faire, hosted by Wolfbane Productions! All ye Lords, Ladies and peasants come seek us out in the woods as we participant in a fun filled day of medieval games, sword fights, live performances, music and dancing, but watch out for wolves! Look for our blue tent at 681 Country Club Road in Appomattox from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For information about the Wolfswood Faire visit the Wolfbane website at: https://www.wolfbane.org/wolfswood-faire .

    August 26th, Tuesday – Parent Support Group at the Jamerson Library starting at 6:30 pm. Are you the parent or legal guardian of a special needs child? Did you know that there is a support group for you in Appomattox? We will meet in the community room of the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library (157 Main Street). For more information contact Alyssa Holland at [email protected].

    August 27th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

  • As the Page Turns 7/28/25

    August is named after the very first Roman emperor (and grandnephew of Julius Caesar) Augustus Caesar. August’s birthstone is the peridot and the flower is the gladiolus. A few of the observances for August are American Adventures Month, Back to School Month, Clear The Shelters Month, National Read A Romance Novel Month, and Personalized Learning Month.

    Sara Conner from Longwood University reading to the kids during the last Summer Reading Program, a theater workshop.

    On Tuesday, July 22nd the Library introduced the book “Broadway Bird” by Alex Timbers as a part of Story, Craft & Activity Time. Louisa is a tiny parakeet with a HUGE dream: to be a Broadway star. But no matter what she does, everyone keeps telling her she’s too small to make it big! When a chance at her big break comes, Louisa learns that no matter how small you are, with a little talent and a lot of hard work, you can do anything – even be on Broadway! The kids enjoyed snacks while making masquerade masks using felt, glitter glue, sticky gems, and colored yarn. The activity was doing improve Broadway characters using their imagination. If you are interested in the book, it will be available for checkout soon.

    On Wednesday, July 23rd the Library played a movie about a team of singing, dancing all-stars. The ever-optimistic koala, and his friends have big dreams of staging their most dazzling show yet in the glittering entertainment capital of the world!

    On Thursday, July 24th Library Fairy MaKayla read the book “Olivia Acts Out” as a part of Story, Craft & Activity Time. The kids enjoyed snacks while showing their creative side by making their own puppet theaters using crayons, sticky gems and glitter glue. Afterwards they used their theaters to put on their own puppet show!

    Friday, July 25th was a bittersweet day as we wrapped up our 2025 Summer Reading Program, “Color Or World” with the last event, a theater workshop hosted by Sara Conner from Longwood University. Sara read the book “B is for Broadway” by John Robert Allman. The kids listened and sang along to some famous Broadway tunes, created sock puppets and experimented with “white lights” by using skittles candy to learn how color effects lighting in productions. The kids also go to perform impromptu plays with their sock puppets.

    Ding Ding Ding!! And the winners of the Summer Reading Art Show categories are as follows: Drawing – Marleigh Scruggs, Painting – Rochelle Hertzler, Fiber Art – Presley Wiley, Photography – Abi Perry, 3D – Kaylee Meadows, Artistic Interpretation – Finn Schaefer, and Overall – Marleigh Scruggs.

    And the winners of the 2025 Summer Reading Program are as follows: Purple Group (2 – 5 years of age) – Evangeline Gallagher, Blue Group (6 – 10 years of age) Georgia Schaefer, Green Group (11 – 17 years of age) Amy Haugh, and the Yellow Group (18+) Tricia Bell. We would like to congratulate all our winners!

    The Library staff is taking a deep breath and a much deserved break as the 2025 Summer Reading Program is now over. You have until Friday, August 1st to spend all your earned Summer Reading Tickets.

    On Friday, August 8th the Jamerson Memorial Library will host the Hillcat’s mascot, SouthPaw in our community room from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Join SouthPaw for a Story & Craft Time at 2:00 pm, followed by a meet & greet. Parents, bring your cameras or phones, take photos and enjoy refreshments while meeting this famous green kitty! SouthPaw will be here to help celebrate the love of reading and the all-American game of baseball! If there are any available free tickets to the Sunday, August 17th Hillcats vs the Shorebirds game, we will be giving them away at this event!

    Enjoy the Perseid Meteor shower by checking out the telescope at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library! Did you know that the Library owns a Zhumell Z114 telescope that is available as one of our “special checkout”? These “special checkout” items may include, but are not limited to, equipment, books, tools, DVDs, devices, and other materials that can be checked out under one barcode. You are allowed one “special checkout” at any given time for 1 week with 1 renewal (if the item is not on hold) to patrons 18 years of age or older with a library account in good standing. Some “special checkout” items may come with a limited quantity of supplies for patrons to use, such as paper, yarn, thread, or other materials, as a courtesy, and only when supplies are available. To find out more about the Perseid meteor shower visit NASA at: https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/meteors-meteorites/perseids/ .

    If you have any questions or concerns about this article or other library-related topics, please feel free to call us during normal business hours at 434.352.5340.

    Article / Photo Submitted by
    Katharine G. Bloodworth
    Public Services Specialist
    J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library

    Community Calendar

    July 29th, Tuesday – Wave Goodbye to Summer – Dress to get wet and meet the Jamerson Memorial Library in Abbitt Park from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm for a splashing good time! This is a family-friendly event to bid summer adieu!

    August 5th, Tuesday – PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) to be at the Jamerson Library from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. PEATC provides tools and information to empower parents/guardians of students with disabilities (birth – 26 years of age) with services and support, research-based information and training, and opportunities for strategic partnerships and advocacy for systemic improvement. For more information on PEATC please visit their website at: https://peatc.org/.

    August 8th, Friday – Hillcats’ SouthPaw to be at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library, in our community room from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Join SouthPaw for a Story & Craft Time at 2:00 pm, followed by a meet & greet. Parents, bring your cameras or phones, take photos and enjoy refreshments while meeting this famous green kitty! SouthPaw will be here to help celebrate the love of reading and the all-American game of baseball! Remember that you can earn a free baseball ticket to the Sunday, August 17th game, if you are a registered participant in our Summer Reading Program.

    August 9th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Outlet Class for Adults (18+) starting at 11:00 am in the community room. Learn to blend oil pastels to create a Tree of Life artwork. You must be pre-registered to attend. You can register online at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration/ .

    August 11th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitchers to meet at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 10:00am. Anyone interested in sharing or learning a skill like crocheting, knitting, quilting, needlework, sewing or other related hobbies are encouraged to attend. Enjoy good company while sharing patterns, exchanging ideas, learning new projects or teaching others. This meeting is open to anyone willing to teach or learn, yes gentleman, this includes you too!

    August 19th, Tuesday – Understanding Alzheimer’s Meeting starting at 3:00 pm in the Jamerson Library’s community room. This month’s theme is Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior. Gain valuable insights into understanding behaviors linked with dementia. Explore typical triggers for these behaviors and discover effective strategies to assess the individual’s requirements. Learn how to intervene in a manner that promotes their well-being and quality of life. Equip yourself with practical knowledge that empowers you to provide better care and support for those affected by dementia. Join us in this educational session and make a positive difference in the lives of others. This program is sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association of Central and Western Virginia.

    August 20th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    August 21st, Thursday – Jamerson Library Retro Movie Night starting at 6:00pm in the community room. Join the Library for a family-friendly film about a young boy who borrows a mysterious, ornately-bound book, he never dreamed that turning a page would draw him into a shimmering fantasy world of racing snails, hang-glider bats, soaring luckdragons, puckish elves, a Childlike Empress, a brave warrior and a slab-faced walking quarry. Refreshments will be served.

    August 23rd, Saturday – Jamerson Library to be at the Wolfswood Faire, hosted by Wolfbane Productions! All ye Lords, Ladies and peasants come seek us out in the woods as we participate in a fun-filled day of medieval games, sword fights, live performances, music, and dancing, but watch out for wolves! Look for our blue tent at 681 Country Club Road in Appomattox from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For information about the Wolfswood Faire visit the Wolfbane website at: https://www.wolfbane.org/wolfswood-faire .

    August 26th, Tuesday – Parent Support Group at the Jamerson Library starting at 6:30 pm. Are you the parent or legal guardian of a special needs child? Did you know that there is a support group for you in Appomattox? We will meet in the community room of the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library (157 Main Street). For more information contact Alyssa Holland at [email protected].

    August 27th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

  • As The Page Turns 7/21/25

    It was a busy week at the Library, as we get ready to wrap up our 2025 Summer Reading Program “Color Our World”. On Tuesday, July 15th an employee introduced the book “Music is in Everything” by Ziggy Marley as a part of the Summer Reading Story, Craft & Activity Time. A picture book based on his popular song celebrating music’s many forms, from the sounds of ocean waves to laughter in the family kitchen. The kids got into the grove and made their own music shakers using plastic containers, pom poms, sequins, and of course beads while enjoying snacks. The activity was to play the board game The Game of Life, one of the kids pulled the Librarian career card!

    On Wednesday, July 16th the Library hosted a movie about an Eleven-year-old orphan who has one dream, to go to Paris and become a dancer. Her best friend, an imaginative, exuberant boy with a passion for creating, has a dream of his own to become a famous inventor. In a leap of faith, they leave their orphanage in pursuit of their passions. We had a nice crowd that enjoyed refreshments while watching the movie.

    On Thursday, July 17th the Library introduced the book “Can You Dance Like A Peacock?” written by Rekha S. Rajanhe for the Summer Reading Story, Craft & Activity Time. Learn about animals and get grooving with this fun and lively picture book from a renowned STEAM expert and arts educator! Can YOU dance like a peacock? Stand up straight, fluff your feathers, stretch your neck, and STRUT STRUT STRUT! Discover the amazing ways that animals use movement to communicate! The kids enjoyed snacks while making fancy fans using construction paper, sticky gems, and ribbons and danced their way around the community room performing dances of different animals. If you are interested in this book it will be available for checkout soon.

    Also on Thursday the Library presented the first summer blockbuster film about a seaside community that finds itself under attack by a dangerous great white shark, the town’s chief of police, a young marine biologist and a grizzled shark hunter embark on a desperate quest to destroy the beast before it strikes again. Yes, of course we served snacks! Nothing like watching a movie about a shark that munchies his way across the screen while munching on your own snacks!

    On Friday, July 18th the Library hosted the young ladies from Majestic Strength LLC of Farmville, to take center stage in Abbit Park, for a dance demonstration. Majestic Strength believes in the transformative power of dance, not only as a physical art form but also as a catalyst for mental and emotional well-being. To find out more about Majestic Strength and their philosophy of the belief that dance should be a safe space for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity please visit their website at: https://www.majesticstrengthllc.com/ .

    Dunnnn dunnn…… dun dun…. Dun dun dun dun…..and the winners of this year’s Shark Week Raffle are Peggie Johnson, Adrian Scruggs, Colem Lee, Kylie Martin and Abigail Page! Yes, we had so much shark-related stuff that we created five winners! For over a decade the Library has celebrated Shark Week by hosting a shark week raffle. We would like to thank Sue Hamlett of Pamplin for supporting this raffle through her generous donation of shark-related items.

    Don’t forget to “dress to get wet” on Tuesday, July 29th, for a “Wave Goodbye to Summer” party! Meet the Library staff in Abbitt Park for some water-themed fun from 12:00 pm to 3:00pm for a splashing good time!

    Calling all Hillcat Baseball fans, learn how to score free tickets at the Jamerson Memorial Library! The Hillcats are sponsoring a “Blast Off to Reading” Game on Sunday, August 17th, as they play against the Delmarva Shorebirds starting at 2:00 pm! If you are registered for the Jamerson Memorial Library’s Summer Reading Program, you can earn one of these tickets by reading for at least 30 minutes. It is one ticket per person, no exceptions, while supplies last. It is not too late to sign up online for our Summer Reading Program “Color Our World” at: https://jrjml.beanstack.com/reader365 . Yes, adults are included in this promotion between the Jamerson Library and the Lynchburg Hillcats!

    Enjoy the Perseid Meteor shower by checking out the telescope at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library! Did you know that the Library owns a Zhumell Z114 telescope that is available as one of our “special checkout”? These “special checkout” items may include, but are not limited to, equipment, books, tools, DVDs, devices, and other materials that can be checked out under one barcode. You are allowed one “special checkout” at any given time for 1 week with 1 renewal (if the item is not on hold) to patrons 18 years of age or older with a library account in good standing. Some “special checkout” items may come with a limited quantity of supplies for patrons to use, such as paper, yarn, thread, or other materials, as a courtesy, and only when supplies are available. To find out more about the Perseid meteor shower visit NASA at: https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/meteors-meteorites/perseids/ .

    If you have any questions or concerns about this article or other library-related topics, please feel free to call us during normal business hours at 434.352.5340.

    Article / Photo Submitted by
    Katharine G. Bloodworth
    Public Services Specialist
    J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library

    Community Calendar

    July 22nd, Tuesday – Summer Reading Book, Craft & Activity at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 1:00 pm. Join the Library for a family-friendly book, a creative craft, and a fun activity with snacks!

    July 23rd, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Family Friendly Summer Reading Movie starting at 1:00 pm in the Library’s community room. All your favorite singing, dancing all-stars return in the definitive feel-good event of the year. The ever-optimistic koala and his cast have big dreams of staging their most dazzling show yet in the glittering entertainment capital of the world. Free refreshments!

    July 23rd, Wednesday – Appomattox For Equality’s Open Discussion on how to be proactive for ourselves and our children’s health, and improving our wellness and self-care. They will meet in the community room at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library (157 Main Street, Appomattox) starting at 7:00 pm. July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month; everyone is welcome to attend.

    July 24th, Thursday – Summer Reading Book, Craft & Activity at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 1:00 pm. Join the Library for a family-friendly book, a creative craft, and a fun activity with snacks!

    July 25th, Friday – Theater Workshop with the Jamerson Library starting at 1:00 pm. Join Sara from Longwood College and our own Library Fairy MaKayla at the Library for a theater workout! What do body stretches, tongue twisters, interactive stories, music, lighting and making a sock puppet have in common? The art of live theater! All ages are welcome to attend, this is a family-friendly event focused on the 2025 Summer Reading “Color Our World”.

    July 29th, Tuesday – Wave Goodbye to Summer – Dress to get wet and meet the Jamerson Memorial Library in Abbitt Park from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm for a splashing good time! This is a family-friendly event to bid summer adieu!

    August 5th, Tuesday – PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) to be at the Jamerson Library from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. PEATC provides tools and information to empower parents/guardians of students with disabilities (birth – 26 years of age) with services and support, research-based information and training, and opportunities for strategic partnerships and advocacy for systemic improvement. For more information on PEATC please visit their website at: https://peatc.org/.

    August 8th, Friday – Hillcat’s SouthPaw to be at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library, in our community room from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Join SouthPaw for a Story & Craft Time at 2:00 pm, followed by a meet & greet. Parents, bring your cameras or phones, take photos and enjoy refreshments while meeting this famous green kitty! SouthPaw will be here to help celebrate the love of reading and the all-American game of baseball! Remember that you can earn a free baseball ticket to the Sunday, August 17th game, if you are a registered participant in our Summer Reading Program.

    August 9th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Outlet Class for Adults (18+) starting at 11:00 am in the community room. Learn to blend oil pastels to create a Tree of Life artwork. You must be pre-registered to attend. You can register online at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration/ .

    August 11th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitchers to meet at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 10:00am. Anyone interested in sharing or learning a skill like crocheting, knitting, quilting, needlework, sewing or other related hobbies are encouraged to attend. Enjoy good company while sharing patterns, exchanging ideas, learning new projects or teaching others. This meeting is open to anyone willing to teach or learn, yes gentleman, this includes you too!

    August 19th, Tuesday – Understanding Alzheimer’s Meeting starting at 3:00 pm in the Jamerson Library’s community room. This month’s theme is Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior. Gain valuable insights into understanding behaviors linked with dementia. Explore typical triggers for these behaviors and discover effective strategies to assess the individual’s requirements. Learn how to intervene in a manner that promotes their well-being and quality of life. Equip yourself with practical knowledge that empowers you to provide better care and support for those affected by dementia. Join us in this educational session and make a positive difference in the lives of others. This program is sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association of of Central and Western Virginia.

    August 20th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

    August 21st, Thursday – Jamerson Retro Movie Night starting at 6:00pm in the community room. Join the Library for a family-friendly film about a young boy who borrows a mysterious, ornately-bound book, he never dreamed that turning a page would draw him into a shimmering fantasy world of racing snails, hang-glider bats, soaring luckdragons, puckish elves, a Childlike Empress, a brave warrior and a slab-faced walking quarry. Refreshments will be served.

    August 23rd, Saturday – Jamerson Library to be at the Wolfswood Faire, hosted by Wolfbane Productions! All ye Lords, Ladies and peasants come seek us out in the woods as we participant in a fun filled day of medieval games, sword fights, live performances, music and dancing, but watch out for wolves! Look for our blue tent at 681 Country Club Road in Appomattox from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For information about the Wolfswood Faire visit the Wolfbane website at: https://www.wolfbane.org/wolfswood-faire .

    August 26th, Tuesday – Parent Support Group at the Jamerson Library starting at 6:30 pm. Are you the parent or legal guardian of a special needs child? Did you know that there is a support group for you in Appomattox? We will meet in the community room of the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library (157 Main Street). For more information contact Alyssa Holland at [email protected].

    August 27th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.