Public Libraries – The UncommonWealth

Discover Virginia State Parks with Your Public Library

Public libraries in Virginia have almost 800 nature backpacks in their circulating collections. Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the backpacks…

Sue La ParoApril 13, 2026

Public Libraries

Reading Our Way Around the Library: A Library Staff Book Club

In my pre-librarian life as a Foreign Service spouse, I discovered that starting a book club when I arrived at a new post was a…

Guest ContributorMarch 9, 2026

Public Libraries

Infinite Possibilities for Math and Art at the Library

In November 2025, the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library received an email that stopped us in our tracks: “Congratulations! The ARSL Grant Review Team is…

Guest ContributorFebruary 9, 2026

Archives Manuscripts & Special Collections Public Libraries

Virginia’s Coal Towns

In his diary on July 18, 1709, William Byrd of Westover remarked, "Tom returned from Falling Creek and brought me word all was well there…

Vince BrooksJanuary 21, 2026

Public Libraries

Art for Adults: Exploring Circular Weaving at Salem Public Library

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of leading a hands-on Circular Weaving class as part of our ongoing Art for Adults series at the…

Guest ContributorJanuary 12, 2026

Public Libraries

120 Years of the Virginia Library Association: Reflections from the New Executive Director

T he Virginia Library Association (VLA) began its long history on December 6, 1905, when librarians met in Richmond and formally established an association dedicated…

Guest ContributorDecember 8, 2025

Public Libraries

Why Not a Public Wedding at the Library?

I didn’t need much convincing when Julia Berg, head of programs, partnerships and outreach for Arlington Public Library, first came to me with the idea…

Guest ContributorNovember 10, 2025

Public Libraries

I Ain’t Afraid of No Ghosts: Ghost Hunting Kits Now Available at Franklin County Public Library

If you’ve ever felt a mysterious chill in the air, heard footsteps in an empty hallway, or wondered if that creaky noise was more than…

Guest ContributorOctober 13, 2025

Public Libraries

Disaster Preparedness Workshops Support Seniors Through Library Outreach

With the support of the Friends of the Library and a microgrant from AARP, the Chesapeake Public Library is launching a three-part disaster preparedness series…

Guest ContributorSeptember 8, 2025

Public Libraries

Samuels Public Library’s Party of the Year

What can I say about A Taste for Books? At Samuels Public Library in Warren County, Virginia, it's more than a fundraiser — it’s the…

Guest ContributorAugust 11, 2025

Public Libraries

Hikers’ Corner at the Waynesboro Public Library

The Waynesboro Public Library is located just three miles from the Appalachian Trail, placing us in a unique position to support thru-hikers traveling the nearly…

Guest ContributorJuly 14, 2025

Public Libraries

Until Freedom Comes: Newport News Public Library’s Black History Exhibit

On Juneteenth 2021, the Newport News Public Library unveiled a local history exhibit titled Until Freedom Comes: The African American Experience in Newport News, viewable…

Guest ContributorJune 9, 2025

Public Libraries The Stacks

IMLS, LSTA, and Public Libraries

In 1996, then-president Bill Clinton signed the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). This act provides federal funding for libraries through the Grants to States…

Barry TrottMay 12, 2025

Public Libraries

A Community’s Need Becomes a Community Opportunity

For a public library, summer is possibly the busiest time of year. It’s when some version of a summer reading program is offered. Aimed at…

Guest ContributorApril 14, 2025

Public Libraries

A FUN Twist on Movie Night at Fluvanna Library

Who wants to watch a movie when you can be in the movie? Several years ago, while visiting another library’s webpage, I discovered that they…

Guest ContributorFebruary 10, 2025