Category: Community

  • As The Page Turns 7/14/25

    Reaching out beyond Appomattox. Did you know that Library’s play a huge role in tourism? “Library Tourism” is the hot buzz word that has gone viral around the world. The J Robert Jamerson Memorial Library embraces library tourism with our own unique spin. What is Library Tourism? It describes when people travel to a tourist destination and visit the library while there. Libraries are active and vibrant participants in cultural tourism, promoting the development and utilization of spaces, activities and information services within libraries. Public Libraries often store local historical and cultural information and manuscripts for the area in which they reside along with offering exhibitions and events, providing online services (for finding out more information about the area and printing boarding passes or tickets) and have reading areas that are free and open to the public. This Library uses donations and deletions to help fill these Little Free Libraries at a cost of near zero. Sharing and caring is a part of our community and civic duties as a public Library.

    Director Cindy Scheu standing next to the Library’s bookcase inside the Visitor’s Center while setting up another Little Free Library around town.

    On Tuesday, July 8th Library Fairy MaKayla introduced the book “This Book is Perfect”! by Ron Keres as a part of the Summer Reading Story, Craft & Activity program. Finn is not like most frogs. Finn likes things clean―perfectly clean.
    His book is immaculate. It’s amazing. It’s PERFECT, well, according to him. But one day, an oopy, goopy mess begins to sneak its way onto Finn’s pristine pages, threatening to disrupt his perfect world. Determined to restore order, Finn embarks on a mission to fix the mess. But he soon learns that not all messes can be fixed. And not all messes should be fixed. The kids created their own comic book style journals to record their own adventures while enjoying snacks. The activity included becoming their own authors and illustrators by creating stories in a round table style collaboration of free form storytelling. If you are interested in the book it is available for checkout.

    As a part of the 2025 Summer Reading Program “Color Our World”, the Library hosted a Family Story & Craft Time on July 9th. We introduced the book “This Art is for the Birds”, written and illustrated by Susan Bednarski. Alex the Crow is an artist, and his pigeon friends think his work belongs in the museum. But how will they get it there? With persistence and pigeonuity, the four friends hatch a plan to help their friend achieve his dream. The New York art world will never be the same! Each family received a copy of the book to take home! Kids enjoyed cupcakes while everyone made painted stained glass art ornaments accented with colorful beads. If this book sounds fun and you are interested in reading it, it is available for checkout at the Library.

    Also on Wednesday, the Library featured a movie about a magical journey of a famous nanny who helps a family remember the joy of being a child. Together with her friend a lamplighter fun is brought back to the streets of London in a celebration where everything is possible…even the impossible. Everyone who attended enjoyed refreshments.

    On Thursday, July 10th the Library featured the book “When You Open a Book” written by Caroline Derlatka. *“Two children dine with mermaids, swashbuckle with pirates, and ride on the shoulders of a giant in this beautiful tale about the transportive power of reading. The dreamlike illustrations use a broad palette of bright colors and wispy textures to spark children’s imaginations, encouraging them to crack open a book and enter a world of winged dragons, musical sea creatures, and mice hanging stars on the moon.”―ForeWord Reviews. The kids used their imagination to “go to the beach” while enjoying snacks and making Beach Hut Pen Cup Holders using colored paper, crayons, colored pencils, and embellishments. If you are interested in this book, it is available for checkout.

    On Friday, July 11th the Library turned a negative into a positive as they pulled a last-minute craft and snack hour to replace the youth choir program. We brought the kids out of the heat and into our community room for refreshments and lots of crafts to create.

    On Saturday July 12th the Library Director held another Creative Outlet Class for adults. July’s project was to create the viral beaded plants using wire, terracotta pots, moss, and tons of beads! This program was created to allow patrons and guests who are 18+ a venue to explore their creative side through art. Our next Creative Outlet Class for Adults will be held on Saturday, August 9th starting at 11:00 am, using oil pastels for a Tree of Life. If you wish to attend you must be pre-registered online at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration .

    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!
    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, and would like to highlight the following titles:

    DVDs    
        Yellowstone Season 5, Part 1
        Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2
        Conclave
        Venom: The Last Dance
        Entourage – Season 1 (replacement copy)
        Gladiator II

    Library Community Calendar

    July 14th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitchers to 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 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!

    July 15th, 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 15th, Tuesday – Jamerson Memorial Library Board Meeting starting at 4:00 pm in the Library’s community room. We are located at 157 Main Street. These meetings are open to the public and you are encouraged to attend.

    July 16th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library Family-Friendly in the community room starting at 1:00 pm. An eleven-year-old orphan 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. But there’s a catch, to find out more you need to join us! Free refreshments will be provided.

    July 17th, 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 17th, Thursday – Jamerson Retro Movie Night starting at 6:00 pm in the Library’s community room. When a seaside community 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. Free refreshments will be provided!

    July 18th, Friday – Dance Demo from Majestic Strength Dance Studio in Abbitt Park starting at 1:00 pm. Art is more than just paint! Join the Jamerson Memorial Library as they host a local dance studio for jumps, twirls and more!

    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 and 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 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 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 26, 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 7/7/25

    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!

    Photo – Dorien Porter from the Hillcats donating free tickets to the August 17th baseball game to Library Director Mrs. Cindy Scheu and her daughter, Sabbie.

    It is predicted that for the next several weeks that central Virginia will face near record highs. We encourage you to come to the Library as a safe and cool space to hang out with your family and friends. We have puzzles, computers, board games, an interactive table, coloring books and crayons, crafts, magazines and more for you to enjoy. For patrons without air conditioning it is important that you stay cool during this heatwave.

    Dunnnnn dun……. Dunnnnn dun…… dun dun dun dunnnnnn SHARK WEEK starts on Sunday, July 20th, and the Library loves to celebrate all positive things shark-related! Don’t forget to enter your name into our Shark Week Raffle! For patrons who earn prizes in our Summer Reading Program, special shark grab bags will be available starting Monday, July 21st.

    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, and would like to highlight the following titles:

        DVDs
            King Kong Triple Feature
            Madagascar
            Princess Bride

    Community Calendar

    July 8th, 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 9th, Wednesday – Spot the Book Bus to visit the Jamerson Library. Reading is “spot” on with the black and white dog-painted bus named Spot! Spot will be in our parking lot from 11:25 am to 12:00 pm for kids preschool up through high school to borrow a book. You can return all Spot and Trot Book Bus books to the Library at anytime.

    July 9th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Summer Reading Family Story & Craft Time starting at 11:00 am in Abbitt Park. Join the Library for a family-friendly story with crafts and snacks. Alex the Crow is an artist, and his pigeon friends think his work belongs in the museum. But how will they get it there? With persistence and pigeonuity, the four friends hatch a plan to help their friend achieve his dream. The New York art world will never be the same! Each family will get to take home a copy of the book! Space is limited, you must be pre-registered for this event. You can register online at: https://www.jrjml.org/kids-program-registration/ .

    July 9th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library Summer Reading Movie starting at 1:00pm in the Library’s community room. This movie is practically perfect in every way, about a famous nanny who flies out of the windy London skies and into the home of two mischievous children. With the help of a carefree chimney sweep this spirited nanny turns every chore into a game and every day into a ”Jolly Holiday”. Refreshments will be served.

    July 10th, 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 11th, Friday – Stanley and several members of the Jordan Baptist Youth Choir will be at the Library to demonstrate choir singing, harmony, and raise voices in unison to project the art of music starting at 1:00 pm. All a part of the 2025 Summer Reading Program “Color Our World”.

    July 12th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Outlet Classes for Adults in the community room starting at 11:00 am. Calling all green thumbs, and those that don’t have a green thumb! Learn to make the viral “String of Pearls” beaded potted plant. This program is for adults 18 +, space is limited and you be pre-registered. You can register online at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult .

    July 14th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitchers to 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 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!

    July 15th, 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 16th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library Family-Friendly in the community room starting at 1:00 pm. An eleven-year-old orphan 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. But there’s a catch, to find out more you need to join us! Free refreshments will be served.

    July 17th, 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 17th, Thursday – Jamerson Retro Movie Night starting at 6:00 pm in the Library’s community room. When a seaside community 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. Free refreshments will be provided!

    July 18th, Friday – Dance Demo from Majestic Strength Dance Studio in Abbitt Park starting at 1:00 pm. Art is more than just paint! Join the Jamerson Memorial Library as they host a local dance studio for jumps, twirls and more!

    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!

    Friday, August 8th – 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.

  • As The Page Turns 6/30/25

    As The Page Turns 6/30/25

    July is named to honor Roman dictator Julius Caesar. In 46 BC, he made one of his greatest contributions to history: With the help of Sosigenes, he developed the Julian calendar, the precursor to the Gregorian calendar that we use today. July’s birthstone is the ruby, and the flower is the sunflower. Some observances in July are: Fireworks Safety Month, Get Ready For Kindergarten Month, National Grilling Month, Tour de France Month, National Zoo Keeper Week (20th-26th), Made In The USA Day (2nd), Fourth of July or Independence Day (4th), Make Your Own Sundae Day (11th), World Orca Day (14th), Fortune Cookie Day (20th), Buffalo Soldiers Day (28th) and Global Tiger Day (29th).

    Since July’s flower is the sunflower it would be the perfect time to stop by the library and get a pack of sunflower seeds from our seed library! Each household will be able to request up to 3 packets of seeds/bulbs/bareroots per week, when available. Grow with us by growing some sunflowers! Each packet will contain either a single kind or a mix of bulbs, bareroots, vegetables, herbs, wildflowers, decorative flowers, plants, and more.

    It is predicted that for the next several weeks that central Virginia will face near record highs. We encourage you to come to the Library as a safe and cool space to hang out with your family and friends. We have puzzles, computers, board games, an interactive table, coloring books and crayons, crafts, magazines and more for you to enjoy. For patrons without air conditioning it is important that you stay cool during this heatwave.

    Looking for something new to do? Check out our many “special checkout” items. 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.

    On Tuesday, June 24th Library Fairy and employee MaKayla introduced the book “Be A Maker” by Katey Howes. Rhyme, repetition, and a few seemingly straightforward questions engage young readers in a discussion about the many things we make―and the ways we can make a difference in the world. This simple, layered story celebrates creativity through beautiful rhyming verse and vibrant illustrations with a timely message. Patrons became architects and contractors by creating blueprints for their dream home designs using colored paper and Legos while enjoying snacks. If you are interested in “Be A Maker” it will be available for checkout soon.

    On Wednesday, June 25th the Library hosted a group of adults that needed a safe and cool place to enjoy their lunch while on their outing. We welcomed them out of the heat and into our community room as a part of our outreach to better serve Appomattox and beyond.

    Also on Wednesday the Library hosted our Summer Reading Afternoon Matinee featuring a family-friendly movie about big changes brewing in the city. If our hero wants to save the city from a hostile takeover, he may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe learn to lighten up.

    On Thursday, June 26th the Library hosted a private group for a movie about the soaring adventures 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! Yes, we served snacks! If your own group would like to have a private educational program, story, movie or craft time please feel free to contact us, we love community outreach!

    Also on Thursday the Library hosted our Summer Reading Story, Craft & Activity program. A Library employee introduced the book “Collaboration Station” by Shannon Olsen, a colorful picture book that’s all about working together as a TEAM at school! Kids played the roll of an inventor by drawing out designs and using k’nex building pieces to bring their creations to life, enjoyed snacks and played “stack attack” a building block inspired game. If you are interested in the book, it will be available for checkout soon.

    In observance of Independence Day, the Library will be closed on Friday, July 4th, and will reopen for normal business hours on Saturday, July 5th, starting at 9:30 am. Our book drop, located at the back of the building, will remain open during this time.

    Dunnnnn dun……. Dunnnnn dun…… dun dun dun dunnnnnn SHARK WEEK starts on Sunday, July 20th, and the Library loves to celebrate all positive things shark-related! Don’t forget to enter your name into our Shark Week Raffle! For patrons who earn prizes in our Summer Reading Program, special shark grab bags will be available starting Monday, July 21st.

    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, and would like to highlight the following titles:

        DVDs
            King Kong Triple Feature
            Madagascar
            Princess Bride

    Community Calendar

    July 1st, 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/.

    July 2nd, Wednesday – Spot the Book Bus to visit the Jamerson Library. Reading is “spot” on with the black and white dog-painted bus named Spot! Spot will be in our parking lot from 11:25 am to 12:00 pm for kids preschool up through high school to borrow a book. You can return all Spot and Trot Book Bus books to the Library at anytime.

    July 8th, 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 9th, Wednesday – Spot the Book Bus to visit the Jamerson Library. Reading is “spot” on with the black and white dog-painted bus named Spot! Spot will be in our parking lot from 11:25 am to 12:00 pm for kids preschool up through high school to borrow a book. You can return all Spot and Trot Book Bus books to the Library at anytime.

    July 9th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Summer Reading Family Story & Craft Time starting at 11:00 am in Abbitt Park. Join the Library for a family-friendly story with crafts and snacks. Alex the Crow is an artist, and his pigeon friends think his work belongs in the museum. But how will they get it there? With persistence and pigeonuity, the four friends hatch a plan to help their friend achieve his dream. The New York art world will never be the same! Each family will get to take home a copy of the book! Space is limited, you must be pre-registered for this event. You can register online at: https://www.jrjml.org/kids-program-registration/ .

    July 9th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library Summer Reading Movie starting at 1:00pm in the Library’s community room. This movie is practically perfect in every way, about a famous nanny who flies out of the windy London skies and into the home of two mischievous children. With the help of a carefree chimney sweep this spirited nanny turns every chore into a game and every day into a ”Jolly Holiday”. Refreshments will be served.

    July 10th, 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 11th, Friday – Stanley and several members of the Jordan Baptist Youth Choir will be at the Library to demonstrate choir singing, harmony, and raise voices in unison to project the art of music starting at 1:00 pm.

    July 12th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Outlet Classes for Adults in the community room starting at 11:00 am. Calling all green thumbs, and those that don’t have a green thumb! Learn to make the viral “String of Pearls” beaded potted plant. This program is for adults 18 +, space is limited and you must be pre-registered. You can register online at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult .

    July 14th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitchers to 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 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!

    July 15th, 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 16th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library Summer Reading Family-Friendly Movie in the community room starting at 1:00 pm. An eleven-year-old orphan 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. But there’s a catch, to find out more you need to join us! Free refreshments will be served.

    July 17th, 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 17th, Thursday – Jamerson Retro Movie Night starting at 6:00 pm in the Library’s community room. When a seaside community 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. Free refreshments will be provided!

    July 18th, Friday – Dance Demo from Majestic Strength Dance Studio in Abbitt Park starting at 1:00 pm. Art is more than just paint! Join the Jamerson Memorial Library as they host a local dance studio for some smooth moves!

    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 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

    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!

  • As The Page Turns

    The Library had another full week of Summer Reading fun! We hosted or participated in lots of events and programs! It is not too late to join us for a world of art and fun as we dive into the theme of “Color Our World”! We have lots of programs with a focus on art, photography, writing and storytelling, performance arts and more! This program is open to patrons 2 years of age and older. You must register and submit your reading logs online using Beanstack as we are taking a more environmentally-friendly approach to this year’s recordkeeping. To register, download the Beanstack App on the Apple Store or Google Play. Search for the Jamerson Library and sign up each participant by following the instructions and answering a few simple questions on the App. The J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library is located on Main Street in Appomattox, Virginia. If you have any questions or are having difficulty logging on, come to the front desk with your cellphone/tablet, and a friendly staff member will be happy to help you.

    On Monday, June 16th, the Library hosted a Summer Reading book, craft and activity afternoon. Patrons enjoyed the book “Raindrops Roll” by April Pulley Sayre. Raindrops drop. They plop. They patter. They spatter. And in the process, they make the whole world feel fresh and new and clean. In this gorgeously photo-illustrated nonfiction picture book, celebrated author April Pulley Sayre sheds new light on the wonders of rain, from the beauty of a raindrop balanced on a leaf to the amazing, never-ending water cycle that keeps our planet in perfect ecological balance. This book is available for checkout. The kids enjoyed snacks while decorating popsicle stick picture frames by using gem, sequins, markers, and yarn.

    The Library hosted a private group for a special movie time with refreshments on Tuesday, June 16th. This is a regular part of our community outreach. If your own club, organization, small church group, or special clients need a safe place to meet for crafts, an educational class, or movie time please feel free to call the Library. We would be happy to work with you and make arrangements to host such an event.

    We didn’t let the heat stop us for the Kiva’s Automotive Story & Craft Time as we moved this outdoor program into our community room. Donna Preston read the book “Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks”. This beloved classic gives readers an exciting array of vehicles. From police cars and school buses to fire engines and motorcycles. Kiva’s Automotive provided the chips and juice while the kids colored vehicle coloring pages. Kiva’s donated the book to the Library and it will be available for checkout soon. If your business, organization or club is looking to host your own Story & Craft Time, please feel free to reach out to us, we love working with the community!

    Also on Wednesday, Library Fairy MaKayla presented the book “A Moment in Time” by Jennifer Butenas at the Summer Reading Story, Craft & Activity Time. We beat the heat by staying in our community room for a story in rhythm and rhyme about a family of four and their moment in time. It’s a balmy, summer Cape Cod day and this visiting family is savoring every moment. Experience the delight, the joy and exhilaration a mindful moment can bring! If you are interested in this book, it will be available for checkout soon. The kids made their own 3-D paper cameras embellished with crayons, rhinestones and yarn, while they enjoyed snacks and using hula hoops as “frames” for photos.

    On Friday, June 20th, the Library was a guest vendor at Appomattox For Equality’s Juneteenth celebration, “Building on the Promise for Freedom for All” at the Carver-Price Cultural Center. Library staff handed out ribbon dancers, Juneteenth bracelets, and bubbles to help celebrate one of our country’s newest and important federal holiday.

    On Saturday, June 21st, our Director Mrs. Cindy Scheu hosted the Creative Class for Adults in the community room. Blob Cats! Several patrons enjoyed learning how to turn splats of water, blobs of paint and paint scrapings into cats with watercolors, puff paint, spatulas, brushes, and markers in several different styles. Our next Creative Class for Adults will be on Saturday, July 12th, starting at 11:00 am. Calling all green thumbs, and those that don’t have a green thumb! Learn to make the viral “String of Pearls” beaded potted plant. This program is for adults 18 +, space is limited and you be pre-registered. You can register online at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult .

    It is predicted that for the next several weeks central Virginia will face near record high heat. We encourage you to come to the Library as a safe and cool space to hang out with your family and friends. We have puzzles, computers, board games, an interactive table, coloring books and crayons, crafts, magazines and more for you to enjoy. For patrons without air conditioning it is important that you stay cool during this heatwave.

    In observance of Independence Day, the Library will be closed on Friday, July 4th, and will reopen for normal business hours on Saturday, July 5 starting at 9:30 am. Our book drop, 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.

  • Opinion | We Can’t Live on History Alone—Appomattox Needs a Future Too

    Opinion | We Can’t Live on History Alone—Appomattox Needs a Future Too

    Appomattox is a town built on history, from the fields where the Civil War ended, to the little shops and family-run businesses that have kept the town going for generations. The town has always been about resilience; about community and showing up for each other.

    There was a time when this town thrived. Agriculture, railroads, tobacco, tourism; they each had their moment., and through it all, Appomattox stood strong. The town where Lee surrendered to Grant. The place where a war ended, and healing began. That history is something to be proud of.

    But history alone won’t carry the town forward, and as the world around us keeps shifting, from coal to code, from farming to fiber optics, the town is at a crossroads. Other small towns are changing, adapting, finding ways to grow. If not careful, Appomattox will get left behind.

    Right now, the median household income here is about $58,000, which is lower than both the state and national averages. That number isn’t just data, it’s a sign that people are working hard, but not always getting ahead. And the next generation? They’re leaving. Not because they don’t love this place, but because they don’t see a future in it. And honestly, who could blame them?

    We can’t keep repeating the same pattern; empty buildings, low-wage jobs, another dollar store we didn’t ask for. What we need are businesses that attract, not distract. Places that spark energy, offer real jobs, and bring something new to the table. Tech startups, clean energy companies, more local businesses. Grocery stores like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods that value wellness and community. We need options that make people want to stay, and make new folks want to come.

    Because let’s be honest, Gen Z isn’t looking for parking lots and strip malls. They want a walkable downtown with fast Wi-Fi, green spaces. organic food and most of all a sense of purpose. They’re building lives around value and experience, not just convenience.

    So why not give them a reason to choose us?

    Picture it: a downtown full of life co-working hubs for remote workers, live music on the weekends, food trucks lining the square, art festivals and open-air concerts that bring people together. Imagine the local history coming alive through reenactments, interactive exhibits, and festivals that not only educate, but inspire. Kids laughing in community gardens. Artists finding space to create. Visitors staying the night, not just passing through. In the end the town and the people in the town prosper.

    We don’t have to erase the towns roots; we just need to let them grow. Appomattox already has the story. Let’s tell it louder, bolder, and with a vision for the next chapter. Because here’s the truth: if we don’t act or invest in our people, Appomattox could slowly slip into being just another ghost town. A memory, instead of a destination. Why continue letting Lynchburg, Farmville and Richmond take our revenue, let’s make it a town to work and shop in.

    I didn’t grow up here. But I chose this town. The pride, the grit and the possibility. Let’s stop waiting for change to find us. Let’s build something that ensure the stability of the town for future generations.