Unearth A Story at the Jamerson Library

June is named after the Roman goddess Juno, patroness of marriage and the well-being of women. June’s birthstone is the pearl, and the flower is the rose. Some observances in June are: Adopt-a-Cat Month, Audiobook Appreciation Month, Great Outdoor Month, Dairy Month, National Iced Tea Month, National Zoo and Aquarium Month, Outdoor Marketing Month, Perennial Gardening Month, and World Roller Coaster Appreciation Month.

The Library’s June Newsletters are available for pick up at the circulation desk, featuring an article from the Library Director, Mrs. Cindy Scheu, Summer Reading information, and a list of June’s events. Be sure to stop by and pick up a copy.

Summer Reading 2026 has officially started! Patrons of all ages (including adults) can enroll using the Beanstack App. To register and track your progress, download the Beanstack App, available on the Apple Store or Google Play. Search for the Jamerson Library and sign up each participant by following the instructions and answering a few simple questions on the App. If you have any difficulties registering/logging on, come to the circulation desk with your device and a friendly staff member will be happy to help you. We will be featuring dinosaurs, archaeology, paleontology, adventurers, scientists, fossils, rocks, gardening and more!

Just in time for the Summer Reading Program, the Library has switched out their outdoor photo booth display. This month we are featuring a dinosaurs! Come take selfies with friends and family, post them on your social media accounts and tag us! The Library changes out the photo booth monthly or seasonally as a fun, interactive way for patrons and visitors to enhance their visit to Downtown Appomattox.

A huge shout out to Sweet Sarah’s Bakery for sponsoring a fundraising event on behalf of the Jamerson Library by giving a portion of her sales on Wednesday, May 27th, to the Library. She sold cookies and other sweets out of her trademark vintage trailer in the Library’s parking lot. Once again we would like to thank her for her dedication in supporting the Library!

Library has plenty of herb, flower, and vegetable seeds to choose from in our Seed Library. We have replenished zucchini and have added bergamot, butterfly & hummingbird wildflower mix, Cape Forget-Me-Not, echinacea (purple coneflowers), English lavender, and lemon balm seeds. Patrons are allowed 3 seed selections per week, per household while supplies last. If you have any extra seeds, we encourage you to bring them in, to share.

In the Navy you can sail the seven seas, or read to the kids at the Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time. On Wednesday, May 27th, our guest reader was MMN1 Ian McConnell from the Lynchburg office of the US Navy. He read the book “Hats are NOT for CATS!” by Jacqueline K. Rayner. A big, severe, plaid-hat-wearing dog insists that the small black cat in the red fez shouldn’t be wearing a hat—any kind of hat—because hats are for dogs. His patronizing tirade doesn’t convince this cat, however. Defiantly, she wears an assortment of hats, described in the gleeful rhyming text, and brings in other cats to join the protest. The kids enjoyed snacks while making their own hats with dog and cat stickers, markers and lots of other embellishments. This is the last weekly Story & Craft Time until Wednesday, August 19th, at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. But do not fear! We have lots of other activities, events, movies, programs and special guests throughout the months of June and July.

On Saturday, June 13th, the Jamerson Library had the honor of being chosen to be a host library for TED Democracy Live! We will livestream TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures to help connect communities across the country to the vital conversations about the future of democracy taking place in Philadelphia during America’s 250th birthday celebrations. This daylong symposium features 15+ brand-new TED Talks focused on the evolution and future of democracy, streaming live from Philadelphia during America’s 250th anniversary. Join us for big ideas, thoughtful conversation and a shared civic moment. Free and open to the public! This program will be broken down into three sessions. Session 1 will be from 11 AM to 12:30 PM EDT. Session 2 will be from 2 PM to 3:30 PM EDT, and Session 3 will be from 4 PM to 5:30 PM EDT.

In observance of the Juneteenth Holiday, the Library will be closed on Friday, June 19th. We will reopen for normal business hours on Saturday, June 20, starting at 9:30 am. 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.

The Library may be closed on Friday, June 19th, but we will be a guest vendor at Appomattox for Equality’s 2026 Juneteenth Celebration “Honoring the Past – Celebrating the Present – Building the Future” from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Carver Price Cultural Center at 106 Patricia Anne Lane in Appomattox. Juneteenth is the oldest national commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States and guests of all races, nationalities and religions will come together for reflection, rejoicing, assessment and self-improvement. This event is FREE for the community to attend. There will be live entertainment, Kuumba Dance Ensemble, 360 photo booth, Juneteenth Bingo, arts and crafts, 50/50 raffle, various vendors, and Walker’s Fish & Chicken and more.

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 6, 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.

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

• Ken Burns America Collection: Brooklyn Bridge
• Ken Burns America Collection: Huey Long
• Ken Burns America Collection: The Congress
• Ken Burns America Collection: The Shakers
• Ken Burns America Collection: Thomas Hart Benton
• Ken Burns America Collection: Empire of the Air
• Ken Burns America Collection: Statue of Liberty

Community Calendar

June 1st, 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!

June 1st, Monday – Dinosaur documentary starting at 1:00 pm in the Library’s community room. Join us for part 1 of a four-part new dinosaur documentary series as we stomp through 165 million years of history with free snacks and drinks.

June 2nd, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Book, Activity & Craft (BAC) Day from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Library’s community room. The Library will feature a dinosaur-themed book, a dino track fossil necklace, and an adopt-a-dino event. Join us free snacks, and earn a brag tag for attending.

June 2nd, Tuesday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 5:00 pm – 7:00 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.

June 3rd, Wednesday – Fun & Craft Day in Abbitt Park from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm! Join the Library for their annual launch of Summer Reading Program. There will be games, vendors, prizes, giveaways, body glitter tattoos, and more! Bring your own t-shirt for tie-dying!

June 4th, Thursday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 11:00 am to 12:00 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.

June 4th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Book, Activity & Craft (BAC) Day from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Library’s community room. The Library will feature a dinosaur themed book and a “Fossil Fest”. Join us free snacks, and earn a brag tag for attending.

June 6th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Class for Adults starting at 10:00 am in the community room. Patrons 18 + can join us for an illuminated letters & illustrations class, turning frames, foil, hot glue and markers into impressive art. You must be pre-registered to attend this class so that we can make sure we have plenty of supplies ordered. Please register online at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration .

June 9th, Tuesday –Jamerson Library’s Book, Activity & Craft (BAC) Day from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Library’s community room. The Library will feature a dinosaur themed book, a dinosaur sun catcher, and dino discovery eggs. Join us for free snacks, and earn a brag tag for attending.

June 9th, Tuesday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 5:00 pm – 7:00 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.

June 9th, Tuesday – Appomattox Court House Quilt Guild to meet at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 5:30 pm in the community room.

June 10th, Wednesday – Griffin’s Garden Fundraiser at the Jamerson Memorial Library. Join Alexis from Griffin’s Garden from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Library for a fresh flower sale. A portion of her sales will benefit the Library. Support a local business and your local Library!

June 10th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Summer Reading Family Story & Craft Time starting at 11:00 am in Abbitt Park (located next to the Library). Join our guest reader MESH (Minicamelot’s Emotional Support Horses) and the mini horses for a horse-themed book. There will be crafts, and Kiva’s Automotive will supply the snacks! You must be pre-registered to attend this event as supplies and space are limited. Each family will take home a copy of the featured book! You can pre-register online at https://www.jrjml.org/kids-program-registration/ or in person at the circulation desk.

June 10th, Wednesday – Dinosaur documentary starting at 1:00 pm in the Library’s community room. Join us for part 2 of a four-part new dinosaur documentary series as we stomp through 165 million years of history with free snacks and drinks.

June 10th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Adult Book Club starting at 5:30 pm. This month the Library is featuring a nonfiction book titled “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End” by Atul Gawande. Medicine has triumphed in modern times, transforming birth, injury, and infectious disease from harrowing to manageable. But in the inevitable condition of aging and death, the goals of medicine seem too frequently to run counter to the interest of the human spirit. Nursing homes, preoccupied with safety, pin patients into railed beds and wheelchairs. Hospitals isolate the dying, checking for vital signs long after the goals of cure have become moot. Doctors, committed to extending life, continue to carry out devastating procedures that in the end extend suffering.

June 11th, Thursday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 11:00 am to 12:00 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.

June 11th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Book, Activity & Craft (BAC) Day from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Library’s community room. The Library will feature a dinosaur themed book, quick egg carton geodes, and an erupting volcano. Join us for free snacks, and earn a brag tag for attending.

June 11th, Thursday – Be a smart cookie at the Sweet Sarah’s Bakery Jamerson Library Fundraiser in the parking lot from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Come to Main Street, shop local, get cookies and other sweet treats from Sweet Sarah’s trademark vintage camper and visit the Library. A percentage of Sweet Sarah’s sales will be donated to the Library.

June 12th, Friday – Jamerson Library presents Tampa Taiko Drums starting at 1:00 pm in Abbitt Park! Tampa Taiko is a fun-filled, interactive program that covers the history of taiko, the music of Japan, modern drumming performance, and drum making, using discarded barrels that have been recycled into taiko drums. This event is free and open to the public of all ages. To learn more about Tampa Taiko, visit their website at: http://www.tampataiko.com .

June 13th, Saturday – Jamerson Library to be a host Library for Ted Democracy Live! We will livestream TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures to help connect communities across the country to the vital conversations about the future of democracy taking place in Philadelphia during America’s 250th birthday celebrations. This daylong symposium features 15+ brand-new TED Talks focused on the evolution and future of democracy, streaming live from Philadelphia during America’s 250th anniversary. Join us for big ideas, thoughtful conversation and a shared civic moment. Free and open to the public! This program will be broken down into three sessions. Session 1 will be from 11 AM to 12:30 PM EDT. Session 2 will be from 2 PM to 3:30 PM EDT, and Session 3 will be from 4 PM to 5:30 PM EDT.

June 15th, 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!

June 16th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Book, Activity & Craft (BAC) Day from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Library’s community room. The Library will feature a dinosaur-themed book, dinosaur dioramas, and dino scramble. Join us free snacks, and earn a brag tag for attending.

June 16th, Tuesday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 5:00 pm – 7:00 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.

June 17th, Wednesday – Griffin’s Garden Fundraiser at the Jamerson Memorial Library. Join Alexis from Griffin’s Garden from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Library for a fresh flower sale. A portion of her sales will benefit the Library. Support a local business and your local Library!

June 17th, Wednesday – Dinosaur documentary starting at 1:00 pm in the Library’s community room. Join us for part 3 of a four-part new dinosaur documentary series as we stomp through 165 million years of history with free snacks and drinks.

June 17th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library to host ACG Hospice for an interactive seminar on “Life Planning & Hospice Care” starting at 10:30 am in the Library’s community room.

June 18th, Thursday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 11:00 am to 12:00 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.

June 18th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Book, Activity & Craft (BAC) Day from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Library’s community room. The Library will feature a dinosaur themed book, dino masks, and a Jurassic discovery tour. Join us free snacks, and earn a brag tag for attending.

June 19th, Friday – Jameson Library to be a guest vendor at Appomattox for Equality’s 2026 Juneteenth Celebration “Honoring the Past – Celebrating the Present – Building the Future” from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Carver Price Cultural Center at 106 Patricia Ann Lane in Appomattox. Juneteenth is the oldest national commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States and guests of all races, nationalities and religions will come together for reflection, rejoicing, assessment and self-improvement. This event is FREE for the community to attend. There will be live entertainment, Kuumba Dance Ensemble, 360 photo booth, Juneteenth Bingo, arts and crafts, 50/50 raffle, various vendors, and Walker’s Fish & Chicken and more.

June 20th, Saturday – Jamerson Library to be a guest vendor at the James River State Park’s Batteaux & Banjos Festival starting at 10:00! James River State Park is located at 104 Green Hill Drive in Gladstone Virginia. We will be giving away Library and Summer Reading information, crafts, a Bigfoot photo booth, and more!

June 23rd, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Book, Activity & Craft (BAC) Day from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Library’s community room. The Library will feature a dinosaur themed book, create your own petroglyphs, and a dino excavation. Join us for free snacks, and earn a brag tag for attending.

June 23rd, Tuesday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 5:00 pm – 7:00 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.

June 24th, Wednesday – Griffin’s Garden Fundraiser at the Jamerson Memorial Library. Join Alexis from Griffin’s Garden from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Library for a fresh flower sale. A portion of her sales will benefit the Library. Support a local business and your local Library!

June 24th, Wednesday – Dinosaur documentary starting at 1:00 pm in the Library’s community room. Join us for part 4 of a four-part new dinosaur documentary series as we stomp through 165 million years of history with free snacks and drinks.

June 25th, Thursday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 11:00 am to 12:00 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.

June 25th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Book, Activity & Craft (BAC) Day from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Library’s community room. The Library will feature a dinosaur-themed book, write like an Egyptian, and gemstone dig. Join us for free snacks, and earn a brag tag for attending.

June 25th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Summer Blockbuster Movie Night starting at 6:00 pm. Join us for this classic PG-13 movie about genetically engineered dinosaurs that run amok at an island park. We will serve free refreshments.

June 26th, Friday – Jamerson Memorial Library presents Rodney’s Raptors starting at 1:00 pm in Abbitt Park. Rodney Stotts will showcase live birds of prey, and provide interesting facts about raptors, what they are, their care, individual needs and other questions by patrons. To find out more about Rodney and his raptors, you can visit their website at:https://www.birdmanrodney.com/home

June 30th, Tuesday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 5:00 pm – 7:00 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.