Public Libraries – The UncommonWealth

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

Public Libraries

Alexandria’s Black Family Reunion

The Alexandria Library Local History/Special Collections branch has a national reputation concerning Virginia history. Researchers not only use this collection when conducting genealogy and Civil…

Guest ContributorJanuary 24, 2025

Public Libraries

Virginia Public Libraries: An Essential Community Resource

If you ask a person on the street if they value their public library, most will respond “Yes.” But while people have a general appreciation…

Barry TrottDecember 9, 2024

Public Libraries

From Motto to Action: Creating ‘A Library for All’ Through Community Partnerships

Since 1966, the motto of the Lynchburg Public Library has been “a library for all citizens.” It’s one thing to repeat it for nearly 60…

Guest ContributorNovember 12, 2024

Public Libraries

Collective Curiosity: Exploring Learning Circles for Teens

When I was assigned the task of starting a "Learning Circle" at my library, Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL), I was unsure what it entailed.…

Guest ContributorOctober 14, 2024

Public Libraries

Borrow the Outdoors: Camping Gear at the Library

Do you want to go camping or hiking in the Shenandoah Valley? Maybe you have never camped before or want to get your family outside…

Guest ContributorSeptember 9, 2024