Category: Library

Books, Science, Art, and More — Your Library Delivered This Week

On Monday, April 13 Mrs. Mills from the Appomattox Adult Education Center was at the Library to promote their GED program. If you are interested in learning more about, or getting a GED, Mrs. Mills will return to the Library on Monday, April 20 & 27 from 12:00 pm to 3:00.

On Tuesday, April 14 the Library hosted their monthly Tween STE(A)M program where they enjoyed new simple science projects. Young scientists rolled up their sleeves and dove into the slimy, stretchy, colorful world of chemistry experiments. It was equal parts learning and laughing — exactly what a great STE(A)M program looks like!

Wednesday, April 15th, was another busy day for the Library, with several programs taking places. We started off with the Library’s Story & Craft Time, Library Fairy MaKayla featuring the book “I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy” by Mychal Threets. Mr. Threets is the new host of a digital revival of the Reading Rainbow, and known as Mychal the Librarian, who advocates literacy and mental health. The Lynchburg Academy of the Arts Academy in Motion Art Bus was parked outside the Jamerson Library blah blah blah blah.

We wrapped up Wednesday with the Adult Book Club discussing Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver — a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that retells Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield set in modern-day Appalachia, following a boy born into poverty in rural Virginia who navigates foster care, addiction, and hardship while striving to overcome the circumstances he was born into.

On Thursday, April 16th, the Library hosted their Tween Book Club, kids enjoyed snacks while discussing the book Wolfwalkers adapted by Sam Sattin — a stunning graphic novel set in 17th-century Ireland, where a young hunter’s daughter befriends a wild girl from a legendary tribe of shapeshifters who transform into wolves at night, leading to an adventure about friendship, freedom, and protecting the natural world.

Also on Thursday, April 16th, the Library welcomed Good Samaritan Hospice for an empowering “Plan Ahead with Five Wishes” talk, helping attendees navigate healthcare preferences, put their wishes in writing, ease the burden on their families, and make confident, informed end-of-life decisions.

On Friday, April 17 the Library featured the Kanopy movie “The First American” about George Washington — America’s indispensable founder who was key to winning the Revolution, shaping the Constitution, and setting the precedents for self-governance. The documentary features leading historians and was filmed at Mount Vernon, Independence Hall, and other historic sites.

Put a book in your mouth! Coming up on Thursday, April 23rd, the Library will be hosting its annual Edible Books Festival from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM — and you won’t want to miss it! This beloved and deliciously creative event invites participants of all ages to craft edible art projects inspired by a book, story, or literary character. Think cake, chocolate, breadsticks, veggies, and everything in between — if it’s edible and book-themed, it qualifies! Entries will be judged on originality and creativity, skill and construction, visual appeal, and how well the creation ties in with its literary inspiration. Awards will be presented in four categories: Best of Show Adult Book, Best of Show Young Adult Book, Best of Show Children’s/Juvenile Book, and People’s Choice. Whether you’re a book lover, a creative baker, or just someone who appreciates a great pun, now is the time to start planning your masterpiece! For contest rules and to complete your official entry form, visit us at the Library or check out www.jrjml.org. You can also give us a call at 434-352-5340 during normal business hours. We can’t wait to see what you cook up!.

The Library will be closed to the public on Friday, May 1st, for a professional development day. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our patrons. We will reopen on Saturday, May 2nd, starting at 9:30 am. The book depository, 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
J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library

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

DVDs

• Hunting Season
• M3gan 2.0
• Star Trek: Lower Decks – Season 4
• Across the River and into the Trees
• An Unexpected Valentine
• The Man Who Knew Infinity
• The Accountant
• Prediction (by the) Numbers
• Regretting You
• Predator – Badlands

Community Calendar

April 21st, Tuesday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. All aboard the pony express! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this horse-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Trot year-round.

April 22nd, Wednesday – Appomattox County Sheriff’s Department to host the Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time, starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. Meet Deputy Thompson and the K-9 officer Zelda the hound dog as they read the book “A Hero Lives in my Family” by Dr. Susan Hunt.

April 22nd, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Book Club starting at 3:30 pm in the Library’s conference room. This month’s book will be “Where the Library Hides” by Isabel Ibañez. Inez Olivera traveled across the world to Egypt, seeking answers to her parents’ recent and mysterious deaths. But all her searching led her down a perilous road, filled with heartache, betrayal, and a dangerous magic that pulled her deep into the past. There are multiple copies of this book available at the circulation desk.

April 23rd, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Edible Book Festival from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on the main floor. Join in celebrating books, art, and culture with this creative contest where participants submit edible art projects made to resemble books, or inspired by a story or book title. Rules and entry forms are on the information table, and registration forms are at the circulation desk.

April 23rd, Thursday – Spot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 9:50 am to 11:00 am. Bark up a good book! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this dalmatian-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Spot year-round.

April 23rd, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s After School Crafts starting at 4:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. There is something sketchy going on in the Library! Library Fairy MaKayla will razzle-dazzle you with colored pencils to teach you some basic sketching skills. Small sketch books will be provided, and yes, there will be snacks!

April 27th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 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.

April 27th, Monday – Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy at the Jamerson Library. A Witness Advocate from the County office will be in the Library’s community room from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm to offer support, resources, and a safe environment to report and seek help from domestic violence.

April 28th,Tuesday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. All aboard the pony express! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this horse-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Trot year-round.

April 28th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Crafts. It is BYOB (Bring Your Book), for Book Bedazzling staring at 3:30 pm in the Library’s conference room. The Library will supply glue, embellishments, and snacks!

April 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.

April 30th, Thursday – Spot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 9:50 am to 11:00 am. Bark up a good book! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this dalmatian-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Spot year-round.

May 2nd, Saturday – Learning About GED at the Jamerson Memorial Library from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Come meet Doriane Mills from the Adult Education Center, the GED representative for Appomattox County. Ask questions, learn more about getting your GED or enrolling in local classes, light refreshments will be served.

May 4, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitchers 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!

May 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/.

May 5th, Tuesday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. All aboard the pony express! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this horse-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Trot year-round.

May 6th, Wednesday – Story & Craft Time at the Jamerson Library, starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. This month’s guest reader will be the Girls Scouts of Virginia Skyline.

May 6, Wednesday – Legal Aid of Virginia to meet at the Jamerson Memorial Library, starting at 2:00 pm. This month’s interactive seminar will be on unemployment benefits.

May 7, Thursday – Spot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 9:50 am to 11:00 am. Bark up a good book! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this dalmatian-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Spot year-round.

May 7, Thursday – Jamerson Memorial Library’s Spring Plant Swap! (10 am – 8 pm)

May 9th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Class for Adults starting at 11:00 am in the library’s community room. This month’s craft will feature Book Flower Displays with Pen Flowers. Please pre-register at https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration to attend.

May 12th, Tuesday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. All aboard the pony express! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this horse-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Trot year-round.

May 12th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Tween STE(A)M starting at 4:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics! Enjoy a fun interactive and educational program while enjoying snacks and good company.

May 13th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. Our guest reader will be Robert E. Lee Soil and Water Conservation District. Katlyn will read the book “Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm” by Lindsay H. Metcalf, and provide a potted plant project.

May 14th, Thursday – Spot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 9:50 am to 11:00 am. Bark up a good book! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this dalmatian-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Spot year-round.

May 18th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitches 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!

May 19th, Tuesday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. All aboard the pony express! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this horse-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Trot year-round.

May 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.

May 21st, Thursday – Spot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 9:50 am to 11:00 am. Bark up a good book! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this dalmatian-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Spot year-round.

May 21st, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s After School Crafts with MaKayla starting at 2:00 pm. Jump in with both feet for some creative foot painting!

May 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.

From Plant Swaps to Fairy Lights: Spring Is Blooming at Jamerson Library

Conversation and busy hands were the order of the day on Monday, April 6th, as the Sun Bonnet Sue Stitchers met in the Library for their bimonthly meeting. This community of artistic and imaginative friends love to gather and exchange quilting, embroidery, knitting and crocheting patterns, learn from each other, and enjoy good company. If you are interested in joining them, they would welcome you at their next session, on Monday, April 20th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Library’s conference room.

On Tuesday, April 13th, PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) held an information seminar for parents or guardians of students with disabilities at the Jamerson Library. PEATC offers support, training and advocacy. Their next meeting at the Library will be on Tuesday, May 5, in the Library’s conference room from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. For more information on PEATC please visit their website at: https://peatc.org/.

Robert E Lee Soil and Water Conservation District were our guests for the Wednesday, April 8th Story & Craft Time. Katelin read the book “Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring” by Kenard Pak. Join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the melting brook to chirping birds, they say goodbye to winter and welcome the lushness of spring. The kids enjoyed snacks will making colorful suns out of paper plates, construction paper, and other embellishments. Our next Story & Craft Time will be on Wednesday, April 15th, featuring the book “I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Mychal Threets.

On Saturday, April 11th, Library Director Cindy Scheu hosted her popular Creative Class for Adults. This month she showed patrons how to make a fairy light lamp using plastic sheeting, and blocks! These cute home décor pieces will light up any corner in a room, bringing a bit of sparkle and joy. Our next Creative Class will be on May 9, 2026. May’s creative creation will be Book Flower Displays with pen flowers.

Jamerson Library’s Think Beyond the Can outreach program is growing— You no longer need to register for this program, just come check out our new Little Free Food Pantry in the foyer! We invite you to support our neighbors in need by donating non-perishable food items or ‘Meal in a Bag’ kits. If you need assistance, please take what you need, with a limit of 3 items per family, per visit, to ensure there is enough to share.

The Library will be closed to the public on Friday, May 1st, for a professional development day. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our patrons. We will reopen on Saturday, May 2nd, starting at 9:30 am. The book depository, located at the back of the building, will remain open.

It is not too late to stop by the Library and select seeds from our Jamerson Library’s seed Library. We have herbs, flowers, vegetables, and other assorted seeds. It is three (3) items per week, per household, while supplies last. We have added the following seeds, to our growing selection: borage, calendula, catnip, peppermint, purple basil, rosemary and thyme.

Join the Jamerson Library for our annual Spring Plant Swap on Thursday, May 7, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. What is a plant swap? It is when you bring your extra or unwanted houseplants, seeds, bareroots, and cuttings to the Library and exchange them for new friends to take home. You must bring plants in order to take plants in a fair or generous exchange of greenery. There are a few simple rules to follow.

• Plants must be free of diseases and infestations.
• No dead plants.
• Plants must be easy to transport (put in some sort of container, pots, cups, baggies with a wet paper towel).
• You must leave plants, to take plants, no taking plants without a fair or generous exchange.
• Bring your own totes, boxes, or crates for the swap to take selected plants home.

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 and would like to highlight the following items:

DVDs

• My Old Lady
• Vesper
• Seven Alone
• Afterburn
• Ballerina (From the World of John Wick)
• Soul Kittens Cabaret
• Contagion
• Superman (2025)
• Crimson Peak
• Icefall

Community Calendar

April 14th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Tween STE(A)M starting at 4:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics! Enjoy a fun interactive and educational program while enjoying snacks and good company.

April 14th, Tuesday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. All aboard the pony express! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this horse-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Trot year-round.

April 14th, Tuesday – Appomattox Court House Quilt Guild to meet at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 5:30 pm in the community room.

April 15th, 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.

April 15th, Wednesday – The Lynchburg Academy of the Art’s Academy in Motion Art Bus will be parked outside the Jamerson Library from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm as a part of the Library’s Story & Craft Time, featuring the book “I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy” by Mychal Threets!

April 15th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Adult Book Club starting at 5:30 pm in the Library’s conference room. This month’s book is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, Demon Copperhead is the story of a boy born to a teenage single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father’s good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. There are multiple copies of this book available at the circulation desk.

April 16th, Thursday – Spot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 9:50 am to 11:00 am. Bark up a good book! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this dalmatian-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Spot year-round.

April 16th, Thursday – Good Samaritan Hospice’s discussion on “Plan Ahead with Five Wishes” at the Jamerson Memorial Library, starting at 3:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. Good Samaritan Hospice will host an empowering seminar to help you talk through your healthcare preferences, put your wishes in writing, ease the burden on your family, and make confident, informed decisions. Come learn, ask questions, and leave with a plan.

April 16th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Tween Book Club starting at 4:00 pm. This month’s book is WolfWalkers adapted by Samuel Sattin. In a time of superstition and magic, a young apprentice hunter, Robyn Goodfellowe, journeys to Ireland with her father, whose job it is to wipe out the last wolf pack. Robyn, unable to hunt with her father and sick of being confined, sneaks out to explore the forbidden lands outside the city walls. There, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe of WOLFWALKERS rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. There are multiple copies of this book available at the circulation desk.

April 17th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Kanopy Movie starting at 2:00 pm. The Library will feature the movie The First American. George Washington is central to understanding America’s founding. He was the crucial figure in winning the American Revolution, in creating the Constitution, and in establishing the precedents for effective self-government as our first president.

April 20th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitches 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!

April 20th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 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.

April 21st, Tuesday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. All aboard the pony express! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this horse-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Trot year-round.

April 22nd, Wednesday – Appomattox County Sheriff’s Department to host the Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time, starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. Meet Deputy Thompson and the K-9 officer Zelda the hound dog as they read the book “A Hero Lives in my Family” by Dr. Susan Hunt.

April 22nd, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Book Club starting at 3:30 pm in the Library’s conference room. This month’s book will be “Where the Library Hides” by Isabel Ibañez. Inez Olivera traveled across the world to Egypt, seeking answers to her parents’ recent and mysterious deaths. But all her searching led her down a perilous road, filled with heartache, betrayal, and a dangerous magic that pulled her deep into the past. There are multiple copies of this book available at the circulation desk.

April 23rd, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Edible Book Festival from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on the main floor. Join in celebrating books, art, and culture with this creative contest where participants submit edible art projects made to resemble books, or inspired by a story or book title. Rules and entry forms are on the information table, and registration forms are at the circulation desk.

April 23rd, Thursday – Spot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 9:50 am to 11:00 am. Bark up a good book! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this dalmatian-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Spot year-round.

April 23rd, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s After School Crafts starting at 4:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. There is something sketchy going on in the Library! Library Fairy MaKayla will razzle-dazzle you with colored pencils to teach you some basic sketching skills. Small sketch books will be provided, and yes, there will be snacks!

April 27th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 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.

April 27th, Monday – Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy at the Jamerson Library. A Witness Advocate from the County office will be in the Library’s community room from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm to offer support, resources, and a safe environment to report and seek help from domestic violence.

April 28th,Tuesday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. All aboard the pony express! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this horse-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Trot year-round.

April 28th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Crafts. It is BYOB (Bring Your Book), for Book Bedazzling staring at 3:30 pm in the Library’s conference room. The Library will supply glue, embellishments, and snacks!

April 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.

April 30th, Thursday – Spot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 9:50 am to 11:00 am. Bark up a good book! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this dalmatian-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Spot year-round.

Growing the Seeds of Kindness and Community Service at Your Local Library

Jamerson Library’s Think Beyond the Can outreach program is growing— You no longer need to register for this program, just come check out our new Little Free Food Pantry in the foyer! We invite you to support our neighbors in need by donating non-perishable food items or ‘Meal in a Bag’ kits. If you need assistance, please take what you need, with a limit of 3 items per family, per visit, to ensure there is enough to share.

Cheep, cheep for Peeps®! It is not too late to stop by the Library’s outside photo booth for selfies, family, friends and small group photos with a Peep® theme for Easter. For the last five months the Library staff has decorated around the bench, located at our front doors, to welcome community participation on Main Street.

Coming soon, checkoutable Bird Watching Kits for the family! Each kit contains: one pair of adult and one pair of child-sized binoculars with carrying cases and cleaning cloths, birds of North America identification cards, a notebook and pen set, and a Virginia State Park Pass. These kits must be checked out by an adult, with all linked accounts in good standing. Kits are considered a special checkout item, and a Special Checkout User Agreement form must be signed by the responsible adult. These kits are made available via the Flight Path Grant.

The Library hosted a group of adults for a private movie showing on Tuesday, March 31st, serving refreshment. This move was about an amazing and true story about a single dad who decides his family needs a fresh start, so he and his two children move to the most unlikely of places: a zoo. With the help of an eclectic staff, and with many misadventures along the way, the family works to return the dilapidated zoo to its former wonder and glory. If your own small group or organization, of up to 20, want to have your own private movie showing don’t hesitate to call us, and make arrangements.

On Tuesday, March 31st, the Library went to the birds! Using interlocking building bricks patrons created small colorful birds while enjoying snacks. This program was sponsored by the Flight Path Grant.

No fooling around, the Library had a busy Wednesday, April 1st! We started the day with the launch of our Jamerson Library Seed Library. Patrons can come into the Library and get 3 items per family, per week, including: seeds, bare roots, bulbs, and other plant related items. The purpose of our Seed Library is to promote gardening, sustainability, beautification, local food security, a sense of community, and the promotion of pollinators. Our Seed Library is currently located at the circulation desk. Patrons with extra gardening related items are encouraged to donate them to the Seed Library. The Library has several gardening beds and large pots located along the side of the building so that we can do our part to promote this important, fun, and interesting “dig” into gardening.

Also on Wednesday, County Administrator Susan Adams was our guest reader for our Family Story and Craft Hour. She read the book “Pete the Cat’s Wacky Taco Tuesday” by James Dean. It’s Tuesday, and Pete is hungry for delicious tacos. But the taqueria is closed! Pete has an idea—he and his family will make their own tacos, even if they don’t have the typical toppings. Will a scoop of creativity and a dollop of problem-solving be the right ingredients to save Taco Tuesday? The kids enjoyed making blue cats in tacos while enjoying jelly beans, a taco ingredient from the book, and juice. Our next Story & Craft Time will be hosted by Robert E Lee Soil and Water Conservation District starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm.

A representative from Legal Aid presented an interactive seminar on Wage Garnishment and Debt Collection on Wednesday, April 1st. The next seminar will be on Wednesday, May 6th, staring at 2:00 in the Library’s conference room, to discuss unemployment benefits.

Also on Wednesday April 1st, Girls Who Code explored STEAM through building and programming a spider robot. Girls Who Code is a group dedicated to letting young women experience and learn more about STEAM oriented fields to build their confidence for the future. There is one more chance to join us for Girls Who Code before we take a summer break. Our last meeting of this school year is May 6th at 4:00 pm in the Community Room.

On Thursday, April 2nd, Library Director Cindy Scheu hosted a Bird Wreath Making Class for Adults teaching patrons how to turn bird seed, oats and cranberries into hangable wreaths to feed our native and migrating birds and winter turns into spring.

It was a hopping good time on Saturday, April 4 for the Holliday Lake and Jamerson Library’s “Hop Into Spring” event. Beautiful spring weather brought out the Easter Bunny and many friends to enjoy games, crafts and other spring fun.

In celebration of Spring and the return of migrating birds, the Library is hosting a “Cleared for Takeoff: Free Bird Watching Raffle”, that consists of a Flight Path tote bag, bird safe coffee, water bottle, sticker, pen & notebook set, beaded parrot keychain, planter, and other assorted items. It is one entry per person, per visit. We will announce the winner on Thursday, April 30th. This raffle is partially paid for by the Flight Path Grant.

The Library will be closed to the public on Friday, May 1st, for a professional development day. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our patrons. We will reopen on Saturday, May 2nd, starting at 9:30 am. The book depository, 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
J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library

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

DVDs:

• Doctor Who: The Peter Capaldi Years
• Divergent
• Insurgent
• Allegiant
• Dogma
• N is for Number: A Portrait of Paul Erdős
• Roofman
• One Battle After Another

Community Calendar

April 6th, 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!

April 7th, 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/.

April 8th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time at 11:00 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.

April 11th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Class for Adults starting at 11:00 am in the library’s community room. This month’s craft will feature creating a lamp out of wooden blocks. Please pre-register at https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration to attend.

April 13th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 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.

April 14th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Tween STE(A)M starting at 4:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics! Enjoy a fun interactive and educational program while enjoying snacks and good company.

April 14th, Tuesday – Appomattox Court House Quilt Guild to meet at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 5:30 pm in the community room.

April 15th, 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.

April 15th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Adult Book Club starting at 5:30 pm in the Library’s conference room. This month’s book is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, Demon Copperhead is the story of a boy born to a teenage single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father’s good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. There are multiple copies of this book available at the circulation desk.

April 16th, Thursday – Good Samaritan Hospice’s discussion on “Plan Ahead with Five Wishes” at the Jamerson Memorial Library, starting at 3:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. Good Samaritan Hospice will host an empowering seminar to help you talk through your healthcare preferences, put your wishes in writing, ease the burden on your family, and make confident, informed decisions. Come learn, ask questions, and leave with a plan.

April 16th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Tween Book Club starting at 4:00 pm. This month’s book is WolfWalkers adapted by Samuel Sattin. In a time of superstition and magic, a young apprentice hunter, Robyn Goodfellowe, journeys to Ireland with her father, whose job it is to wipe out the last wolf pack. Robyn, unable to hunt with her father and sick of being confined, sneaks out to explore the forbidden lands outside the city walls. There, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe of wolfwalkers rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. There are multiple copies of this book available at the circulation desk.

April 17th, Friday – Jamerson Library’s Kanopy Movie starting at 2:00 pm. The Library will feature the movie The First American. George Washington is central to understanding America’s founding. He was the crucial figure in winning the American Revolution, in creating the Constitution, and in establishing the precedents for effective self-government as our first president.

April 20th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitches 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!

April 20th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 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.

April 22nd, Wednesday – Appomattox County Sheriff’s Department to host the Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time, starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. Meet Deputy Thompson and the K-9 officer Zelda the hound dog as they read the book “A Hero Lives in my Family” by Dr. Susan Hunt.

April 22nd, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Book Club starting at 3:30 pm in the Library’s conference room. This month’s book will be “Where the Library Hides” by Isabel Ibañez. Inez Olivera traveled across the world to Egypt, seeking answers to her parents’ recent and mysterious deaths. But all her searching led her down a perilous road, filled with heartache, betrayal, and a dangerous magic that pulled her deep into the past. There are multiple copies of this book available at the circulation desk.

April 23rd, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Edible Book Festival from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on the main floor. Join in celebrating books, art, and culture with this creative contest where participants submit edible art projects made to resemble books, or inspired by a story or book title. Rules and entry forms are on the information table, and registration forms are at the circulation desk.

April 23rd, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s After School Crafts starting at 4:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. There is something sketchy going on in the Library! Library Fairy MaKayla will razzle-dazzle you with colored pencils to teach you some basic sketching skills. Small sketch books will be provided, and yes, there will be snacks!

April 27th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 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.

April 27th, Monday – Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy at the Jamerson Library. A Witness Advocate from the County office will be in the Library’s community room from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm to offer support, resources, and a safe environment to report and seek help from domestic violence.

April 28th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Crafts. It is BYOB (Bring Your Book), for Book Bedazzling staring at 3:30 pm in the Library’s conference room. The Library will supply glue, embellishments, and snacks!

April 28th,Tuesday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. All aboard the pony express! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this horse-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Trot year-round.

April 28th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Crafts. It is BYOB (Bring Your Book), for Book Bedazzling staring at 3:30 pm in the Library’s conference room. The Library will supply glue, embellishments, and snacks!

April 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.

April 30th, Thursday – Spot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 9:50 am to 11:00 am. Bark up a good book! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this dalmatian-painted bus that will be parked out front of the Library, located on Main Street. The Library accepts book returns and donations on behalf of Spot year-round.

Planting the seeds of community service and kindness

The Jamerson Seed Library returns! Join us in growing a stronger community starting Wednesday, April 1st. Whether you’re a beginner or a master gardener, come browse our free selection of seeds, bulbs, bareroots and other items! To ensure everyone gets a chance to plant, there is a limit of 3 items per household weekly. Have extra items? Please consider donating to keep our community bounty growing! Let’s cultivate beauty, sustainability, food security, support of local pollinators, and grow together!

For the Tuesday, March 24th’s Jamerson Library’s Teen Crafts Library Fairy MaKayla showed patrons to how make magical journals to fill with photos, memories & memorabilia, adventure entries, stickers, washi tape, and other embellishments.

On Wednesday, March 25th, Kaitlyn from the Robert E Lee Soil and Water Conservation District was our guest reader for Story & Craft Time. She read the book “Bug Zoo” by Disney Books. Ben loves bugs: armored, teeny, leggy, greenie, floaty, wingy, jumpy, springy bugs! After a trip to the city zoo, Ben collects all of the bugs he can find and sets up a bug zoo. He couldn’t be happier–but what about his bugs? The kids enjoyed making bug headbands while enjoying snacks and juice. Our next Story & Craft Time will be on Wednesday, April 1, County Administrator Susan Adams will be our guest reader, featuring the book “Pete the Cat’s Wacky Taco Tuesday. It’s Tuesday, and Pete is hungry for delicious tacos. But the taqueria is closed! Pete has an idea—he and his family will make their own tacos, even if they don’t have the typical toppings. Will a scoop of creativity and a dollop of problem-solving be the right ingredients to save Taco Tuesday? Please note there is only one Story & Craft Time that day, starting at 11:00 am.

Also on Wednesday, Professor Steven Hoehner from Longwood University returned for another math program “High-Dimensional Geometry and Probability Talk”. This program was made possible by the Infinite Sums Rural and Small Libraries Grant.

For the Thursday, After School Crafts with MaKayla we the Library did personal junk journals using an assortment of stickers, pens, colored pencils, scrap paper, and lots of other embellishments to create a colorful book to keep your memories, secrets and photos in.

The Career Fair held Saturday, March 28th was a resounding success! Businesses from Appomattox and the surrounding area came together to offer job seekers valuable career advice and on-the-spot application opportunities. Despite a return of cold weather, the event drew an impressive turnout — a testament to the community’s enthusiasm and need for local employment resources. Attendees had the chance to submit applications, share their resumes directly with employers, and connect with fellow job seekers to explore new career paths and possibilities..

We want to give a huge shout out to Alexis Griffin from Griffin’s Garden, a new micro flower farm in Appomattox, for returning this year to plant new flowers and herbs in our raised beds. These beds are located on the side of the Library, that were donated by Griffin’s Garden last year to help raise awareness in the importance of planting for beautification, pollination, and food security. The Library has plans on planting their own flowers and herbs to add to the aesthetics outside the Library.

Our Library is growing—come check out our new Little Free Food Pantry in the foyer! We invite you to support our neighbors in need by donating non-perishable food items or ‘Meal in a Bag’ kits. If you are in need of assistance, please take what you need, with a limit of 3 items per family, per visit, to ensure there is enough to share.

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 and would like to highlight the following items:

DVDs

• The Vampire Diaries – Season 7
• The Vampire Diaries – Season 8
• Doctor Who: The Christopher Eccleston & David Tennant Years (The 9th and 10th Doctor)
• Doctor Who: The Matt Smith Collection (The 11th Doctor)
• Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor (50th Anniversary Special)
• Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor (2013 Christmas Special)

Adult Non-Fiction

• Anxiety & Stress Handbook & Resource Guide
• Family of Spies: a World War II Story of Nazi Espionage, Betrayal, and the Secret History Behind Pearl Harbor by Christine Kuehn
• Midnight Flyboys: the American Bomber Crews and Allied Secret Agents Who Aided the French Resistance in World War II by Bruce Henderson
• Ain’t Nobody’s Fool: the Life and Times of Dolly Parton by Martha Ackmann
• Ctrl + Alt + Chaos: How Teenage Hackers Hijack the Internet by Joe Tidy
• Oxford Essential German Dictionary
• Langenscheidt’s Russian-English English-Russian Dictionary
• Math Art: Truth, Beauty, and Equations by Stephen Ornes
• A Guide to Infinity: Ten Mathematical Journeys by Edward R. Scheinerman
• Math Cats: Scratching the Surface of Mathematical Concepts by Daniel M. Look, PhD
• The Joy of X: a Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity by Steven Strogatz

Adult Fiction

• Want to Know a Secret? By Freida McFadden
• Beach Read by Emily Henry
• How to Fly (When You Fell from Heaven #1) by Alyson Greaves
• All the Way (When You Fell from Heaven #2) by Alyson Greaves

Adult Graphic Novels

• Electric Life by Sander Funneman

Spanish Language Collection

• Este es un Cuento by John Schu
• Vida: Los ratones, el gato y el alebrije by Duncan Tonatiuh

Picture Books

• Help Me Find My Hamster! By Brooke Hartman
• Vida: the Mice, the Cat, and the Alebrije by Duncan Tonatiuh
• The Chase by Jenny Bloomfield
• The Bicycle Girl: Jyoti Kumari’s Amazing Journey Across India by Garen Thomas and Suhasini Raj

Juvenile Fiction

• The Ordinary and Extraordinary Auden Greene by Corey Ann Haydu
• Oh, Give Me a Home by Jane Kurtz
• The Snowman Code by Simon Stephenson
• Setting the Stage (Cast vs. Crew #1) by Lindsay Champion
• The Moon Without Stars by Chanel Miller
• Murray the Pirate (Murray and Bun! #3) by Adam Stower
• Dante N. Ferno is Not a Loser by Brian Gordon

Juvenile Graphic Novels

• Winging It by Megan Wagner Lloyd
• Gabby Torres is the Best Winner Ever by Angela Dominguez
• Sidekicks: Thick as Thieves by Dan Santat

Juvenile Non-fiction

• Mushrooms and Company by Geert-Jan Roebers
• How to Survive an Apocalypse: the End of the World Doesn’t Have to Be the End of the World by Coby Coonradt and Cameron Hardy
• The Gland Factory: a Tour of Your Body’s Goops, Juices, and Hormones by Rachel Poliquin
• The Six Queens of Henry VIII by Honor Cargill-Martin
• Abolition and the African American Story by Patricia Williams Dockery

Young Adult Fiction

• An Ocean Apart by Jill Tew
• Gilded in Vengeance by Lyssa Mia Smith
• And the River Drags Her Down by Jihyun Yun
• Beyond Seven Forests by Amanda McCrina
• Coldwire by Chloe Gong
• Few Blue Skies by Carolina Ixta
• Winter White: a Modern Retelling of Shakespeare’s The Winter Tale by Annie Cardi
• The Roommate Arrangement by Samantha Markum
• Love Me Tomorrow by Emiko Jean
• Freddie and Stella Got Hot by Maggie Horne
• Beth is Dead by Katie Bernet
• Foundling (Monster Blood Tattoo #1) by D. M. Cornish
• Lamplighter (Monster Blood Tattoo #2) by D. M. Cornish
• Factotum (Monster Blood Tattoo #3) by D. M. Cornish

Young Adult Graphic Novels

• The Silver Eyes (Five Nights at Freddy’s #1) by Scott Cawthon
• The Twisted Ones (Five Nights at Freddy’s #2) by Scott Cawthon
• The Fourth Closet (Five Nights at Freddy’s #3) by Scott Cawthon

Community Calendar

March 30th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 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.

March 31st, Tuesday – Brick Bird Building in the conference room of the Jamerson Memorial Library, starting at 4:00 pm. Turn colorful little bricks into an assortment of tiny birds. It is one kit per patron. This program is intended for primary and elementary school-aged children and above. Please be aware that these small bricks are a choking hazard for smaller children.

April 1st, Wednesday – County Administrator Susan Adams to read for the Family Hour Story & Craft Time at 11:00 am. She 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.

April 1st, Wednesday – Free Legal Aid Workshop at the Jamerson Memorial Library hosted by the Virginia Legal Aid Society starting at 2:00 pm in the Library’s community room. This month’s topic will be on wage garnishment and debt collections. This event is open to the public.

April 1st, Wednesday – 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, 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/.

April 2nd, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Bird Seed Wreath Making Class for Adults. Join the Bird Seed Wreath Making Class for Adults on Thursday, April 2nd at 5:30 pm in the library conference room. Learn to create two take-home bird seed wreaths using bird seed, oatmeal, and cranberries to feed local and migrating birds.

April 4th, Saturday – Holliday Lake and Jamerson Library’s “Hop Into Spring” at Abbitt Park, located next to the Library. Easter fun for everyone from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Celebrate springtime with outdoor games, crafts and fun, including photo opportunities and a chance to win prizes.

April 6th, 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!

April 7th, 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/.

April 8th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time at 11:00 am & 12:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. Our guest reader will be the Robert E Lee Soil and Water Conservation District. They 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.

April 11th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Class for Adults starting at 11:00 am in the library’s community room. This month’s craft will feature creating a lamp out of wooden blocks. Please pre-register at https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration to attend.

April 13th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 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.

April 14th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Tween STE(A)M starting at 4:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics! Enjoy a fun interactive and educational program while enjoying snacks and good company.

April 14th, Tuesday – Appomattox Court House Quilt Guild to meet at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 5:30 pm in the community room.

April 15th, 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.

April 15th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Adult Book Club starting at 5:30 pm in the Library’s conference room. This month’s book is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, Demon Copperhead is the story of a boy born to a teenage single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father’s good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. There are multiple copies of this book available at the circulation desk.

April 16th, Thursday – Good Samaritan Hospice’s discussion on “Plan Ahead with Five Wishes” at the Jamerson Memorial Library, starting at 3:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. Good Samaritan Hospice will host an empowering seminar to help you talk through your healthcare preferences, put your wishes in writing, ease the burden on your family, and make confident, informed decisions. Come learn, ask questions, and leave with a plan.

April 16th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Tween Book Club starting at 4:00 pm. This month’s book is WolfWalkers adapted by Samuel Sattin. In a time of superstition and magic, a young apprentice hunter, Robyn Goodfellowe, journeys to Ireland with her father whose job it is to wipe out the last wolf pack. Robyn, unable to hunt with her father and sick of being confined, sneaks out to explore the forbidden oaklands outside the city walls. There, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe of WOLFWALKERS rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. There are multiple copies of this book available at the circulation desk.

April 17th, Friday – Jamerson Library’s Kanopy Movie starting at 2:00 pm. The Library will feature the movie The First American. George Washington is central to understanding America’s founding. He was the crucial figure in winning the American Revolution, in creating the Constitution, and in establishing the precedents for effective self-government as our first president.

April 20, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitches 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!

April 20th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 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.

April 22nd, Wednesday – Appomattox County Sheriff’s Department to host the Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Times, starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. Meet Deputy Thompson and the K-9 officer Zelda the hound dog as they read the book “A Hero Lives in my Family” by Dr. Susan Hunt.

April 22nd, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Book Club starting at 3:30 pm in the Library’s conference room. This month’s will be “Where the Library Hides” by Isabel Ibañez. Inez Olivera traveled across the world to Egypt, seeking answers into her parents’ recent and mysterious deaths. But all her searching led her down a perilous road, filled with heartache, betrayal, and a dangerous magic that pulled her deep into the past. There are multiple copies of this book available at the circulation desk.

April 23rd, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Edible Book Festival from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on the main floor. Join in celebrating books, art, and culture with this creative contest where participants submit edible art projects made to resemble books, or inspired by a story or book title. Rules and entry forms are on the information table, and registration forms are at the circulation desk.

Mooning patrons, planting seeds, and spreading joy.

Last month, the Library staff created a scandal by passing out kisses (Hershey’s Kisses®); this month,, the scandal is bigger. The staff is mooning patrons! They are passing out famous, delicious, coated graham cracker cookies with marshmallow filling, known as Moon Pies®! If you would like a staff member to “moon” you, please come to the front desk. One Moon Pie per customer, while supplies last.

On Wednesday, March 18th, our guest reader for the weekly Story & Craft Time was Ranger Chance from Holliday Lake State Park. Chance read the book “Planting a Rainbow” by Lois Ehlert. A mother and child plant a rainbow of colors in their flower garden. The cyclical excitement of planning, planting, and picking flowers in a garden is brought to life. Chance showed the kids how to plant a pollinator mix of wildflowers, with extra seeds to plant later, and provided coloring pages for the kids as they enjoyed their snacks. Our next Story & Craft Time will be on Wednesday, March 25, 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 Professor Steven Hoehner from Longwood University for Cryptology: The Mathematics of Making and Breaking Secret Codes. This was an interactive and activity-based mini lecture on cryptology with a hands on activity to learn how to break codes.

On Saturday, March 21st, the Library joined the Women of the Moose for their Easter Egg Hunt event. Staff passed out crafts and applied glitter tattoos. We want to thank Women of the Moose for inviting us to this event, the glitter tattoos were a huge hit with the kids!

The Jamerson Seed Library returns! Join us in growing a stronger community starting Wednesday, April 1st. Whether you’re a beginner or a master gardener, browse our free selection of seeds, bulbs, bareroots, and other items! To ensure everyone has a chance to plant, there is a limit of 3 items per household weekly. Have extra items? Please consider donating to keep our community bounty growing! Let’s cultivate beauty, sustainability, food security, support of local pollinators, and grow together!

Help us feed our community! The J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library is still accepting donations for our “Meal in a Bag” program, which provides easy-to-make, nourishing meals to families in need. We have made donating easy: you pick up a bag with a recipe card at the library, fill it with the non-perishable ingredients, and return it to us. Check out the recipe ideas at https://www.jrjml.org/tbtc/.

Do you or a neighbor need support with meals? Please sign up to receive a box of meal kits at https://www.jrjml.org/finr or by calling us. We will reach out when your kits are ready for pickup.

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

DVDs

• The Vampire Diaries – Season 3
• The Vampire Diaries – Season 4
• The Vampire Diaries – Season 5
• The Vampire Diaries – Season 6
• Dinosaur (Walt Disney)
• The Gruffalo and Friends 1: The Gruffalo
• The Gruffalo and Friends 2: The Gruffalo’s Child
• The Gruffalo and Friends 3: Room on a Broom
• The Gruffalo and Friends 4: Stick Man
• The Gruffalo and Friends 5: The Highway Rat
• The Gruffalo and Friends 6: Zog
• The Gruffalo and Friends 7: The Snail and the Whale
• The Gruffalo and Friends 8: Zog and the Flying Doctors
• The Gruffalo and Friends 9: Superworm
• The Gruffalo and Friends 10: The Smeds and the Smoos

Community Calendar

March 23rd, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 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.

March 24th, Tuesday – Jamerson Memorial Library’s Teen Crafts at 3:30 pm in the Library’s community room. Want to learn about Junk Journaling? Join us as we help you turn memorabilia, photos, magazine and scrapbooking paper, stickers, rhinestones, and other embellishments to create the first few pages of your very own junk journals. We will supply all needed materials, including an empty, ready to decorate, journal, to get you started, and you supply the imagination. If you want, you can bring in your own personal items such as photos, ticket stubs, special paper and other items you would like to add to your journals.

March 25th, 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.

March 25th, Wednesday – High-Dimensional Geometry and Probability talk with Steven Hoehner in the Jamerson Library’s community room starting at 4:00 pm. He will be presenting his recent work highlighting a new paper that demonstrates the optimality of random partial sphere coverings.

March 26th, Thursday – After School Crafts with MaKayla starting at 4:00 pm in the Library’s community room. Come create small junk journals with lots of craft supplies such as markers, crayons, stickers, fancy paper, and other embellishments.

March 28th, Saturday – Jamerson Memorial Library’s Career Fair from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in Abbitt Park, located next to the Library. Join us for an in-person opportunity to learn about local companies, the armed forces, and other organizations that are potentially hiring. You can submit resumes, network, and find a career that best matches your education, personality, and interests.

March 30th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 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.

March 31st, Tuesday – Brick Bird Building in the conference room of the Jamerson Memorial Library, starting at 4:00 pm. Turn colorful little bricks into an assortment of tiny birds. It is one kit per patron. This program is intended for primary and elementary school-aged children and above. Please be aware that these small bricks are a choking hazard for smaller children.

April 1st, Wednesday – County Administrator Susan Adams to read for the Family Hour Story & Craft Time at 11:00 am. She 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.

April 1st, Wednesday – Free Legal Aid Workshop at the Jamerson Memorial Library hosted by the Virginia Legal Aid Society starting at 2:00 pm in the Library’s community room. This month’s topic will be on wage garnishment and debt collections. This event is open to the public.

April 1, Wednesday – 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, 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/.

April 2nd, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Bird Seed Wreath Making Class for Adults. Join the Bird Seed Wreath Making Class for Adults on Thursday, April 2nd at 5:30 pm in the library conference room. Learn to create two take-home bird seed wreaths using bird seed, oatmeal, and cranberries to feed local and migrating birds.

April 4th, Saturday – Holliday Lake and Jamerson Library’s “Hop Into Spring” at Abbitt Park Easter fun. Celebrate springtime with outdoor games, crafts and fun, including photo opportunities, and a chance to win prizes.

April 6th, 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!

April 7th, 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/.

April 8th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time at 11:00 am & 12:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. Our guest reader will be Robert E Lee Soil and Water Conservation District. They 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.

April 11th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Class for Adults starting at 11:00 am in the library’s community room. This month’s craft will feature creating a lamp out of wooden blocks. Please pre-register at https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration to attend.

April 13th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 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.

April 14th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Tween STE(A)M starting at 4:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics! Enjoy a fun interactive and educational program while enjoying snacks and good company.

April 14, Tuesday – Appomattox Court House Quilt Guild to meet at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 5:30 pm in the community room.

April 15th, 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.

April 15th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Adult Book Club starting at 5:30 pm in the Library’s conference room. This month’s book is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, Demon Copperhead is the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father’s good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. There are multiple copies of this book available at the circulation desk.
April 16th, Thursday – Jamerson Memorial Library to host Good Samaritan Hospice at 3:00 pm in the Library’s conference room.

April 16th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Tween Book Club starting at 4:00 pm. This month’s book is WolfWalkers adapted by Samuel Sattin. In a time of superstition and magic, a young apprentice hunter, Robyn Goodfellowe, journeys to Ireland with her father whose job it is to wipe out the last wolf pack. Robyn, unable to hunt with her father and sick of being confined, sneaks out to explore the forbidden oaklands outside the city walls. There, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe of WOLFWALKERS rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. There are multiple copies of this book available at the circulation desk.

April 17th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Kanopy Movie starting at 2:00 pm. The Library will feature the movie The First American. George Washington is central to understanding America’s founding. He was the crucial figure in winning the American Revolution, in creating the Constitution, and in establishing the precedents for effective self-government as our first president.

April 20, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitches 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!

April 20th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 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.

Planting the Seeds of Knowledge at Your Local Library

Your local Library the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library is more than just books, we are a community hub of knowledge, entertainment, and community outreach.

Last week was busy, with lots of planning, programs, and plants. Part of staff planning is for the 2026 Summer Reading Program “Unearth a Story” (Desentierra una Historia). There will be a focus on dinosaurs, archaeology, adventurers, and more, starting on June 1st!

On Tuesday, March 10th, the Library hosted their monthly Tween Steam Program, featuring “Pi Skyline”, made possible by the Infinite Sums Rural and Small Libraries Grant. Turning the numbers of Pi into a skyline using graph paper, makers, and crayons to create art out of math.

The Library featured the book “How to Catch a Leprechaun” by Adam Wallace for the Wednesday, March 11th’s Story & Craft Time. You’ve been planning night and day, and finally you’ve created the perfect trap with shamrocks, pots of gold, and rainbows galore! Now all you need to do is wait. Is this the year you’ll finally catch the leprechaun? The kids enjoyed snacks, while creating tissue paper shamrock wreaths. Our next Story & Craft Time will be on Wednesday, March 18th, our guest reader will be Ranger Chance from Holliday Lake State Park, featuring a spring and flowers themed book and craft project at 11:00 am, and 12:00 pm.

The Library hosted both the Teen and Adult Book Clubs on Wednesday, March 11th. For the Teen Book Club, the featured book was “What the River Knows” by Isabel Ibañez, and the Adult Book Club’s featured title was “The Lost Apothecary” by Sarah Penner.

For the Creative Class for Adult, also on Wednesday, March 11th, everyone was all twisted up for math-based Pi string creations, turning mathematical data into visual art. The purpose of this class is to encourage adults to explore their creative side through freestyle thinking and imagination, turning inspiration into originality and resourcefulness.

The Library hosted their Tween Book Club on Thursday, March 12th, featuring the book “The Secret of Kells: The Graphic Novel (Cartoon Saloon’s Irish Folklore)” adapted by Samuel Sattin. The kids enjoyed snacks and a discussion on friends, secret powers, Vikings, and legends. Our next Tween Book Club will be held on April 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM featuring the book “Wolfwalkers” by Samuel Sattin. In a time of superstition and magic, a young apprentice hunter, Robyn Goodfellowe, journeys to Ireland with her father whose job it is to wipe out the last wolf pack. Robyn, unable to hunt with her father and sick of being confined, sneaks out to explore the forbidden lands outside the city walls. There, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe of WOLFWALKERS rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. There are multiple copies of this book available at the circulation desk.

If you would like to view The Secret of Kells, you can watch the animated feature on kanopy, the Library’s free streaming service. To find out more about kanopy, you must have a valid and active library card, and visit our website at www.jrjml.org, then click on kanopy to get started.

Due to no school on Friday, March 13th, the Library hosted another Infinite Sums Rural and Small Libraries Grant event of Pi-related activities and crafts. We had pi, pies, and Moon Pies!

It was a Piepalooza on Saturday, March 14th, for a family style event with patrons of all ages, with crafts and snacks to celebrate math and all things Pi and Pie!

Spring is coming, this would be a great time to donate those unused books, DVDs, and magazines to the Library. We accept items that are free of the scent of smoke / mold, and in clean condition. If we can not make use of these donated items, they will be put in several little free libraries that we maintain, sold in our book sale, given to another organization, or disposed of as needed.

The Jamerson Seed Library returns! Join us in growing a stronger community starting Wednesday, April 1st. Whether you’re a beginner or a master gardener, come browse our free selection of seeds, bulbs, bareroots and other items! To ensure everyone gets a chance to plant, there is a limit of 3 items per household weekly. Have extra items? Please consider donating to keep our community bounty growing! Let’s cultivate beauty, sustainability, food security, support of local pollinators, and grow together!

The Library staff is also getting ready for their annual spring plant swap by rooting cuttings, getting pots ready, and planting seeds! We will start announcing the date of this event in April. Be sure to keep an eye out for this event and other Library-related information at the online newspaper the Appomattox Times at https://appomattoxtimes.com, our website at https://www.jrjml.org/, or our social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.

Help us feed our community! The J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library is still accepting donations for our “Meal in a Bag” program, which provides easy-to-make, nourishing meals to families in need. We have made donating easy: you pick up a bag with a recipe card at the library, fill it with the non-perishable ingredients, and return it to us. Check out the recipe ideas at https://www.jrjml.org/tbtc/.

Do you, or a neighbor, need support with meals? Please sign up to receive a box of meal kits at https://www.jrjml.org/finr or by calling us. We will reach out when your kits are ready for pickup.

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 and would like to highlight the following items:

DVDs

• The Great Math Mystery
• A Brilliant Young Mind
• The Story of Math
• Fractals
• Now You See Me Now You Don’t
• The Vampire Diaries – Season 1
• The Vampire Diaries – Season

Picture Books

• Don’t Eat Eustace by Lian Cho
• Chicka Chicka Peep Peep by Julien Chung
• Little Moments in a Big Universe by Todd Stewart

Juvenile Graphic Novels:

• The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey by Steve Sheinkin
• Rabbi Harvey Rides Again by Steve Sheinkin
• Rabbi Harvey and the Wisdom Kid by Steve Sheinkin

Young Adult Graphic Novels:

• Love, Misha by Askel Aden
• Raised by Ghosts by Briana Loewinsohn
• Children of the Night (When Monsters Wake #1) by Victoria Setian

Young Adult Fiction

• The Same Backward as Forward by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Young Adult Nonfiction

• American Spirits: the Famous Fox Sisters and the Mysterious Fad That Haunted a Nation by Barb Rosenstock
• White House Secrets: Medical Lies and Cover-Ups by Gail Jarrow
• White Lies: How the South Lost the Civil War, then Rewrote History by Ann Bausum

Adult Fiction

• To Ride a Rising Storm (Nampeshiweisit #2) by Moniquill Blackgoose
• Rakesfall by Vajra Chandrasekera
• I, Medusa by Ayana Gray
• The Place Where They Buried Your Heart by Christina Henry
• The Book of Love by Kelly Link
• The Rules of Falling for You by Mollie Rushmeyer
• Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab
• The Merge by Grace Walker
• Fallen City (Fallen City #1) by Adrienne Young

Adult Nonfiction

• Tulips and Chimneys by E. E. Cummings
• The Complete Works of Nathaniel Hawthorne: Twice-Told Tales
• Poems and Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Collected Works of Oscar Wilde
• Collected Works of Rudyard Kipling (volumes 1 and 2)
• Fire in Every Direction: a Memoir by Tareq Baconi
• The Complete Book of US Presidents (2025 Edition) by Bill Yenne

March 16th, 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!

March 17th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library Board to meet in the Library’s community room starting at 4:00 pm. The Library is located at 157 Main Street in Appomattox, VA. These meetings are open to the public.

March 18th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library to host Holliday Lake State Park for Story & Craft Time starting at 11:00 am & 12:00 pm. Join Ranger Chance as he reads an age-appropriate book about spring and flowers, followed by a craft project and snacks!

March 18th, Wednesday – Cryptology: The Mathematics of Making and Breaking Secret Codes. Join Steven Hoehner in the Jamerson Memorial Library’s community room starting at 4:00 pm for an interactive and activity-based mini lecture on cryptology.

March 19th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Math Movie starting at 6:00 pm in the commentary room. This movie is about an incredible untold story of three brilliant African-American women working at NASA. They served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of an astronaut into orbit. This movie is rated PG, snacks will be served.

March 21st, Saturday – Jamerson Library to join the Moose Lodge for their Easter Egg Hunt from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. The Library will be inside with crafts, coloring pages, and Library information. The Moose Lodge is located at 307 Lee’s Crossing Lane, Appomattox, VA.

March 23rd, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 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.

March 24th, Tuesday – Jamerson Memorial Library’s Teen Crafts at 3:30 pm in the Library’s community room. Want to learn about Junk Journaling? Join us as we help you turn memorabilia, photos, magazine and scrapbooking paper, stickers, rhinestones, and other embellishments to create the first few pages of your very own junk journals. We will supply all needed materials, including an empty, ready to decorate, journal, to get you started, while you supply the imagination. If you want, you can bring in your own personal items such as photos, ticket stubs, special paper and other items you would like to add to your journals.

March 25th, 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.

March 25th, Wednesday – High-Dimensional Geometry and Probability talk with Steven Hoehner in the Jamerson Library’s community room starting at 4:00 pm. He will be presenting his recent work highlighting a new paper that demonstrates the optimality of random partial sphere coverings.

March 26th, Thursday – After School Crafts with MaKayla starting at 4:00 pm in the Library’s community room. Come create small junk journals with lots of craft supplies such as markers, crayons, stickers, fancy paper and other embellishments.

March 28th, Saturday – Jamerson Memorial Library’s Career Fair from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in Abbitt Park, located next to the Library. Join us for an in-person opportunity to learn about local companies, the armed forces, and other organizations that are potentially hiring. You can submit resumes, network, and find a career that best matches your education, personality, and interests.

March 30th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 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.

March 31st, Tuesday – Brick Bird Building in the conference room of the Jamerson Memorial Library, starting at 4:00 pm. Turn colorful little bricks into an assortment of tiny birds. It is one kit per patron. This program is intended for primary and elementary school-aged children and above. Please be aware that these small bricks are a choking hazard for smaller children.

The Grinch, Succulents, Community Service and Christmas in Appomattox

Waving in December in a green and grinchy way! The Jamerson Library celebrated the heralding of the Holiday Season with a green car and the fuzzy green grumpy one by participating in the Christmas Parade as a part of Experience the Holidays in Appomattox. The Library also was a part of the great Sweet Stocking Search on Saturday. Just another weekend filled with books, movies, community outreach and more! Don’t forget that there is a gingerbread photo station outside the front doors, a Grinch banner in the foyer, and, when the community room is not in use, a fireplace and Christmas tree photo station for patrons to make use of.

December comes from the word decem, “ten”, because this had been the tenth month of the early Roman calendar. Although it’s our 12th month, the name never changed. December’s birthstone is turquoise and the flower is the orchid. A few observances in December are: National Pear Month, National Write A Business Plan Month, Operation Santa Paws, Universal Human Rights Month, Chanukah (4th–12th), Kwanzaa (26th–1st), Rosa Parks Day (1st), International Cheetah Day (4th), St. Nicholas Day (6th), National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (7th), Dewey Decimal System Day (10th), Gingerbread Decorating Day and Gingerbread House Day (12th), Bill of Rights Day (15th), Crossword Puzzle Day (21st), Winter Solstice and Yule (21st), Christmas Eve (24th), Christmas (25th), Pledge of Allegiance Day (28th), and New Year’s Eve (31st).

For parents who registered their children for the Neighborhood Forest’s Fall Indoor Plant Program, the succulent kits have arrived at the Library. You may pick up your succulent kits at the Library until Friday, December 12th, during normal business hours. We will be reaching out by sending reminder emails and phone calls. Any succulent kits not picked up after this date will find new homes or be adopted out at the next plant swap.

This year, the Library is sponsoring several outreach programs. One is “Elves for Elders”, hosted by Central Virginia Alliance for Community Living, Inc. (CVACL). Patrons are encouraged to pick an ornament tag off the tree, located in the Library’s foyer, and help provide Christmas to a local senior citizen who may not otherwise have one. Gifts are due back by 5:00 pm on December 5th. CVACL requests that you do not wrap gifts, but instead put them in a bag or box with the ornament tag. There is also an option to bring in lotion, puzzles, tissues, gift cards, blankets, towels, gloves, hats, or other items to help put together needed gifts for ornament tags that were not taken or not returned.

We also have a box for St. Anne’s Community Christmas Tree outreach near the circulation desk for patrons to bring in lightly used and new gifts for children from preschool through high school age. St. Anne’s works with other local churches to help provide Christmas gifts for families in need. If you have an extra toy, blanket, socks, coloring books, art supplies, books, clothes, or other such items you are encouraged to donate, and help spread the Christmas Spirit throughout Appomattox.

The Library is accepting 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 holidays. Donations may be dropped off at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library during regular business hours. Thanks to a generous donation from the Women of the Moose and the Moose Lodge in Appomattox, the Library is putting together numerous Meal in a Bag Kits. We have added new recipe cards to our website and look forward to working with St. Anne’s Episcopal Church to make sure that those families in need are provided for. 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. Your participation and generosity will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors this season.

Looking to get your Christmas gifts wrapped? The Appomattox County Library Association (ACLA) along with Library Staff and volunteers will host their first “Wrapping For a Cause” on Thursday, December 4th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm inside the Library’s community room. Get your gifts nicely wrapped, complete with bows, in exchange for a monetary donation. All donations will go to ACLA to support the Jamerson Library.

Catch the Christmas Spirit! Join the Jamerson Library staff at the Moose Lodge’s “Santa’s Crafty Pizza Party” on Saturday, December 6th, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Come do “make and take” Christmas ornaments with us! You make an ornament to put on the tree, and take one home with you! There will be pizza, pictures with Santa, ID Kits and more! Moose Lodge participation fees do apply.

In observation of the Christmas Holiday, the Library will be closed from Wednesday, December 24th, through Friday, December 26th. We will reopen for normal business hours on Saturday, December 27th, 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
J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library

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

DVDs
    Anne of Green Gables
    Finding Normal
    Miracles From Heaven

Community Calendar

December 1st, 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.

December 3rd, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library hosted by Holliday Lake State Park, starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. Ranger Chance will feature the book “Three Little Beavers” by Jean H. Diehl. Beatrix the beaver longs to be good at something. Her brother, Bevan, is an expert at repairing the lodge with mud and twigs. Her sister, Beverly, is a superb swimmer and underwater gymnast. What makes Beatrix stand out? To find out more, make plans to join us. We will have a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

December 4th, Thursday – Wrapping for a Cause starting at 5:00 pm in the Library’s community room. Support ACLA’s (Appomattox County Library Association) members, friends, family and volunteers as they wrap your holiday packages in exchange for a monetary donation. All funds raised will be used to support the Jamerson Memorial Library through this 501(c)(3) friends of the library-style organization.

December 6th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Class for Adults (18+) starting at 10:00 am in the Library’s community room. Learn to make paper ornaments out of recycled books, Christmas cards, scrapbooking supplies, and other embellishments. You must be pre-registered to attend. You can register online at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration/ .

December 6th, Saturday – Catch the Christmas Spirit! Join the Jamerson Library staff at the Moose Lodge’s “Santa’s Crafty Pizza Party” on Saturday, December 6th, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Come do “make and take” Christmas ornaments with us! You make an ornament to put on the tree, and take one home with you! There will be pizza, pictures with Santa, ID Kits and more! Moose Lodge participation fees do apply.

December 8th, 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.

December 8th, 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!

December 9th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Tween STEAM program starting at 4:00 pm in the community room. Learn how to make snowball (pom pom) catapults just in time for winter fun! Snacks will be served.

December 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.

December 10th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Book Club starting at 3:30 pm in the community room. This month’s featured book is “The Enchanted Sonata”, written by Heather Dixon Wallwork. Clara Stahlbaum has her future perfectly planned: marry the handsome pianist, Johann Kahler (ah!), and settle down to a life full of music. But all that changes on Christmas Eve, when Clara receives a mysterious and magical nutcracker. Whisked away to his world–an enchanted empire of beautiful palaces, fickle fairies, enormous rats, and a prince–Clara must face a magician who uses music as spells…and the future she thought she wanted.”The Enchanted Sonata,” a retelling of The Nutcracker Ballet with a dash of The Pied Piper, it will captivate readers of all ages. There are multiple copies available at the circulation desk.

December 10th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library Christmas Movie starting at 5:30pm in the community room. After a villain kidnaps Santa from the North Pole, an E.L.F (Extremely Large and Formidable) operative must partner with the world’s most accomplished tracker to find Santa and save Christmas. This Movie is rated PG–13. Free refreshments will be provided.

December 11th, 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/.

December 11th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Adult Book Club starting at 5:30 pm in the Library’s community room! This month’s book selection is “The Blind Contessa’s New Machine” by Carey Wallace. Carolina Fantoni, a young contessa in 19th-century Italy, is going blind, but nobody believes her: neither her parents nor her fiancé, the town’s most sought-after bachelor. Only her friend Turri, the eccentric local inventor, understands. But as darkness erases her world, Carolina discovers one place she can still see — in her dreams. In them, she can not only see, but fly, exploring new worlds in her own mind. Based on the true story of the blind woman who inspired the invention of the typewriter. We have multiple copies of this book to borrow and return on your honor. Please see a friendly staff member at the circulation desk to obtain a copy.

December 13th, Saturday – Wrapping for a Cause starting at 10:00 am in the Library’s community room. Support ACLA’s (Appomattox County Library Association) members, friends, family and volunteers as they wrap your holiday packages in exchange for a monetary donation. All funds raised will be used to support the Jamerson Memorial Library through this 501(c)(3) friends of the library-style organization.

December 15th, 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.

December 16th, Tuesday – Wrapping for a Cause starting at 5:00 pm in the Library’s community room. Support ACLA’s (Appomattox County Library Association) members, friends, family and volunteers as they wrap your holiday packages in exchange for a monetary donation. All funds raised will be used to support the Jamerson Memorial Library through this 501(c)(3) friends of the library-style organization.

December 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.

December 17th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Cookies With Santa! Parents and guardians bring the kids out to meet Santa Claus! Enjoy cookies and juice or milk in the community room from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Don’t forget to bring a camera or your phone to capture some great family memories at the local Library!

December 18th, Thursday – Hot Chocolate and Legos at the Jamerson Library from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the community room. Due to an early-release school day, the Library will be providing hot chocolate, snacks and Lego fun for students of all ages.

December 18th, Thursday – Wrapping for a Cause starting at 5:00 pm in the Library’s community room. Support ACLA’s (Appomattox County Library Association) members, friends, family and volunteers as they wrap your holiday packages in exchange for a monetary donation. All funds raised will be used to support the Jamerson Memorial Library through this 501(c)(3) friends of the library-style organization.

December 19th, Friday – Hot Chocolate and Legos at the Jamerson Library from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the community room. Due to an early-release school day, the Library will be providing hot chocolate, snacks and Lego fun for students of all ages.

December 20th, Saturday – Wrapping for a Cause starting at 10:00 am in the Library’s community room. Support ACLA’s (Appomattox County Library Association) members, friends, family and volunteers as they wrap your holiday packages in exchange for a monetary donation. All funds raised will be used to support the Jamerson Memorial Library through this 501(c)(3) friends of the library-style organization.

December 24th, Wednesday – Library Closed, no Story & Craft Time.

December 25th, Thursday – Library Closed.

December 26th, Friday – Library Closed.

December 31, Wednesday – No Story & Craft Time.