Public Libraries – Page 3 – The UncommonWealth

The Friends and Advocates Network (FAN): A Collective Impact Model of Advocacy

In the way back yonder year of 2020, the Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) Board of Trustees accomplished something nearly unprecedented. In the County’s advertised…

Your Local Public LibrarianFebruary 12, 2024

Public Libraries Virginia Authors

Virginia Library Staff Best Reads of 2023

It can be a challenge to find new books, and so we often look to friends, colleagues, bestseller lists, and other sources for ideas when…

Barry TrottJanuary 31, 2024

Public Libraries

Go Traveling at Your Library

Public libraries offer many services to their communities. One of the more unique services available to some patrons via their library is U.S. passport application…

Your Local Public LibrarianJanuary 8, 2024

Public Libraries

Public Libraries Welcoming New Neighbors

At Massanutten Regional Library (MRL), one of the principal ways we serve refugees and immigrants is through accepting I-94 forms, and/or foreign driver’s licenses as…

Your Local Public LibrarianDecember 11, 2023

Public Libraries

The Human Library

"A Human Library?" I first became aware of this concept while preparing for an interview with Bina Venkataraman about her book, The Optimist's Telescope: Thinking…

Your Local Public LibrarianNovember 13, 2023

Newspapers Public Libraries The Stacks

The History of Book Censorship in Virginia

This is a condensed excerpt is from a longer article, "From Berkeley to Beloved: Race and Sexuality in the History of Book Censorship in Virginia”,…

Guest ContributorOctober 6, 2023

Public Libraries

Public Libraries Supporting Military Families

In an increasingly digital world, it can sometimes be a challenge to find a place in a new community to connect with people and find…

Barry TrottSeptember 11, 2023

Archives Digital Projects Education & Programming Manuscripts & Special Collections Newspapers Public Libraries The Stacks

Transforming the Future of Libraries & Archives 2023

2023 marked the 200th anniversary of the Library of Virginia as well as the second year of the Transforming the Future of Libraries & Archives…

Ashley CraigAugust 16, 2023

Public Libraries

Books on Wheels: A Summer Library Program

Before I begin describing what exactly the Books on Wheels service is, I want to give you some context regarding the community Augusta County Library…

Your Local Public LibrarianAugust 14, 2023

Public Libraries

Don’t Throw It Out – Repair It at the Library

Imagine your favorite necklace clasp broke, but you don’t have small tools to repair it. While it may not be worth enough to take to…

Your Local Public LibrarianJuly 10, 2023

Public Libraries

The Great Gatsby Gala

On Saturday, April 22nd, Virginia Beach Public Library’s (VBPL) Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library transformed into Jay Gatsby’s West Egg mansion to host the Great…

Your Local Public LibrarianJune 12, 2023

Public Libraries

Bridging the Digital Divide: Local Libraries Receive Support to Boost Digital Skills in Their Communities

In 2022, the Public Library Association (PLA) awarded $1.1 million to 160 public libraries across the United States to conduct digital literacy workshops in their…

Your Local Public LibrarianMay 8, 2023

Public Libraries

Make It Reel

The mission of the Newport News Public Library is to "Connect, Inspire, Enrich, and Empower". We continually seek ways to engage with our community, in…

Your Local Public LibrarianApril 10, 2023

Education & Programming Public Libraries

Coming soon to a library near you: LVA On the Go!

The Library of Virginia (LVA) is known for its remarkable collections and its outstanding support for anyone interested in exploring those collections. Many Virginians, though,…

Library of VirginiaMarch 13, 2023

Education & Programming Public Libraries

February is Love Your Library Month

And what better way to love your library than to use it! Reading aloud to children is another excellent way to celebrate Love Your Library…

Sue La ParoFebruary 13, 2023