The Jamerson Memorial Library is encouraging and challenging other local businesses to join in the Red, White & Blue Storefront and Window Decorating contest being hosted by Experience Appomattox. We have already started putting up our display in honor of this great country’s 250th anniversary! We welcome patrons to stop by and take photos at our new Americana photo booth, located outside our front doors. Be sure to post them on your social media accounts and tag us!

We have so much stuff going on for the month of July that our July Newsletter has been printed early, so that patrons can make plans to join us for our many programs and events. Don’t have time to take a vacation this year? Don’t worry, we have you covered with a library-cation at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library!

The Jamerson Library had a surprise this week. Virginia author Jacqueline Haskins dropped by to donate a copy of her children’s book “From ABC to Loving Me”! This positive book of affirmations is for children of all races and backgrounds to learn to love themselves as they are, and to be the best they can be. You can learn more about Jacqueline, who is a champion for happiness, and a cheerleader for life on her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/monique.haskins.58.

On Monday June 15th, the Library welcomed the ladies from Sun Bonnet Sue Stitchers for a “hen session” of good conversation, donuts,  crocheting, knitting, embroidery, and other such crafty endeavors. If you are interested in joining the henhouse, these ladies will be  meeting at the Library on Monday, July 6th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Bring your needles and spill the tea!

It was BAC (Book, Activity, & Craft) to the Library on the afternoon Tuesday, June 16th. Library Fairy MaKayla introduced the book “Oh No! Dinosaurs in the Supermarket” by Timothy Knapman. The kids enjoyed snacks while building a dinosaur terrarium and planting sunflower seeds.

On Wednesday June 17th, ACG Hospice met with patrons at the Jamerson Memorial Library for an interactive meeting to answer questions, and discuss the importance of providing hospice care to loved ones.

Also on Wednesday, Alexis Griffin from Griffin’s Garden hosted a flower bar fundraiser to benefit the Jamerson Library. This micro flower farm has generously donated their time and talent to support us. Alexis and her son are familiar faces around the library, and we’re happy to host them for this event.

Wednesday was wrapped up with part 3 of a four-part new dinosaur documentary series. We stomped through 165 million years of history with free snacks and drinks. Part 4 will be shown in the Library’s community room on Wednesday, June 24th, starting at 1:00 pm.

On Thursday, June 18th, the Library welcomed Methodist Daycare for a dinotastic time featuring coloring pages and tie-dyed dinosaur silhouettes, and dinosaur activity sheets.

It was  BAC (Book, Craft & Activity) to the Library on Thursday, featuring the book “Dino-Wrestling” by Lisa Wheeler. The kids enjoyed snacks while making a dinosaur mask and playing a dinosaur scramble matching game. Our next BAC to the Library will be on Tuesday, July 23rd, starting at 1:00 pm.

The Library was closed to the public for Juneteenth, but we were at the Appomattox for Equality’s Juneteenth celebration! Staff passed out library information, the July newsletter, crafts and Juneteenth bracelets, bookmarks, pins, and other assorted give-a-ways. This Library has been celebrating Juneteenth with Appomattox for Equality for several years. We are honored to be invited every year, and look forward to continuing to celebrate diversity, culture, learning and community togetherness.

On Saturday, June 20th,  the staff participated in community outreach at the James River State Park’s Batteaux & Banjos Festival. Staff enjoyed passing out Library information, crafts, bubbles, and the July Newsletter. Oz was a popular person as she embraced her creative spirit by providing body glitter tattoos to those wanting to sparkle next to the James River. We would like to thank Appomattox for Equality and the James River State Park for including us in their many venues to bring communities closer together and “Library Joy”. Librarian and author Mychal Threets is famous for spreading “library joy” and championing literacy, kindness, and mental health awareness. His most inspiring quotes celebrate the refuge and safety found in libraries. The J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library embraces and promotes Library Joy.

In observance of the Independence Day Holiday, the Library will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, and Saturday, July 4th. We will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, July 6th, starting at 9:30 am. The book drop located at the back of the building will remain open at this time. Please do not leave library-owned materials on the free rack located at the main entrance. The Library is not responsible for materials left on this rack.

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.

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