Summer Heat, Cool Libraries and Summer Reading

Library staff didn’t let the heat and thunderstorms stop us from planning a July packed with fun, entertaining and educational programs. It is not too late to sign up for the Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program “Unearth a Story”! There are several weeks left to read and earn prizes. The more you read the more prizes you will earn!

If your family needs a safe place to get out of this extreme and record-breaking temperatures, we encourage you to hang out with us at the Library. We have an interactive table, family games, puzzles, coloring books with crayons, computers with internet, books, newspapers and magazines to help keep you entertained. You can checkout materials to take home, or enjoy our many online services listed on our website such as Libby for ebooks, Universal Classes for continuing education, and Kanopy, a free streaming service. All you need is your library card and access to the internet to enjoy all these online services and more for free. You can visit our website at www.jrjml.org .

On Wednesday, July 1st, the Library hosted Legal Aid of Virginia for an educational seminar on “Working while on SSI/SSDI Benefits”. Luke was on hand to answer questions, and offer information and resources.

The weather didn’t stop a lot of families from coming in on Thursday, July 2nd. A Library staff member held an impromptu story time in the children’s section, and another employee gave the kids a small dinosaur scratcher craft project.

Don’t forget to join us for Dinosaur Academy in Abbitt Park on Friday, July 10, starting at 1:00 pm. It is suggested that you bring your own lawn/camp chairs. Science meets adventure – and the dinosaur are back! From stomping stegosaurs to clever velociraptors, this interactive journey brings the ancient world to life right before your eyes.

On Wednesday, July 29th, the Library will announce the winners of this year’s free Shark Week Raffle. Thanks to a generous donation of shark-themed items we will have several winners this year. You will be allowed one entry, per person, per visit.

Dress to get wet on Friday, July 31st, as we say goodbye to the 2026 Summer Reading Program and hello to the the start of the new school year. Meet us in Abbitt Park from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for a splashing good time with a huge waterslide, bubbles, games, vendors, and lots of fun! Don’t forget to bring a t-shirt to tie-dye!

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

• NUMB3RS – Season 4
• NUMB3RS – Season 5
• NUMB3RS – Season 6, The Final Season
• Scorpion – Season 1
• Scorpion – Season 2

Community Calendar

July 6th, 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!

July 7th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Book, Activity & Craft Day from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Library’s community room. The Library will feature a dinosaur-themed book, dinosaur sunset silhouette art, and dino impressions. Join us for free snacks, and earn a brag tag for attending.

July 7th, Tuesday – All Aboard! Pamplin Depot Story & Craft Time by the Jamerson Memorial Library, starting at 1:00 pm. Meet Library Director Cindy Scheu for an adventure in reading and creativity. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book for children preschool through 6 years of age, followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for younger patrons.

July 7th, Tuesday – Pamplin Depot’s Creative Class for Adults hosted by the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 3:00pm. Patrons 18+ can join us for decoupage 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 .

July 8th – Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Summer Reading Family Story & Craft Time in Abbitt Park starting at 11:00 am. Our guest reader will be Kaitlyn from Robert E. Lee Soil and Water Conservation District. She will read the a family-friendly book followed by a craft and snacks. Each family will get to take a copy of the book home. You must be pre-registered to attend this event as space, books and supplies are limited. Please register online at: https://www.jrjml.org/kids-program-registration/, or in person at the circulation desk.

July 8th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Afternoon Summer Movie starting at 1:00 pm in the Library’s community room. A young man begins a journey that will change the galaxy. Nineteen years after the formation of the Empire, our hero is thrust into the struggles of the Rebel Alliance when he meets his mentor, who has lived for years in seclusion on a desert planet, beginning his journey to chance the balance of the force.

July 8th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Adult Book Club starting at 5:30 pm. This month’s book is “The Rom-Commers” by Katherine Center. Emma Wheeler, an aspiring screenwriter and full-time caretaker for her dad, finally gets her big break: rewriting a script for her idol, Charlie Yates. But Charlie is arrogant, dismissive, and doesn’t even care about the project – he just wants it greenlit so he can move on. Worst of all, he thinks love is a scam. Emma refused to back down, fighting for herself, rom-coms, and love itself- until an accidental kiss complicates everything and the line between fiction and real life starts to blur. Copies of this month’s book are available at the circulation desk.

July 9th, 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.

July 9th, 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, dinosaur pointillism art, and build a Lego® dino. Use the Library’s Lego® bricks to build and photograph an assortment of dinosaurs, and get a free small building brick set of a dinosaur pattern to take home! Join us for free snacks, and earn a brag tag for attending.

July 10th, Friday – Jamerson Library’s Dinosaur Academy starting at 1:00 pm in Abbitt Park, located next to the Library. Science meets adventure – and the dinosaurs are back! From stomping stegosaurs to clever velociraptors, this interactive journey brings the ancient world to life right before your eyes. Please bring your own lawn chairs or blankets.

July 11th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Class for Adults starting at 10:00 am in the community room. Patrons 18+ can join us for decoupage 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 .

July 14th, 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, dino-riffic bookmarks, Join us free snacks, and earn a brag tag for attending.

July 14th, Tuesday – Pamplin Depot Story & Craft Time by the Jamerson Memorial Library, starting at 1:00 pm. Meet Library Director Cindy Scheu for an adventure in reading and creativity. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book for children preschool through 6 years of age, followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for younger patrons.

July 14th, Tuesday – Pamplin Depot Adult Book Club hosted by the Jamerson Memorial Library 3:00pm. This month’s book is “The Rom-Commers” by Katherine Center. Emma Wheeler, an aspiring screenwriter and full-time caretaker for her dad, finally gets her big break: rewriting a script for her idol, Charlie Yates. But Charlie is arrogant, dismissive, and doesn’t even care about the project – he just wants it greenlit so he can move on. Worst of all, he thinks love is a scam. Emma refused to back down, fighting for herself, rom-coms, and love itself- until an accidental kiss complicates everything and the line between fiction and real life starts to blue. Copies of this month’s book are available at the Pamplin Town Office.

July 14th, Tuesday – Appomattox Court House Quilt Guild to meet at the Jamerson Library 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

July 15th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Summer Movie starting at 1:00 pm in the Library’s community room. The roguish yet charming Captain’s idyllic pirate life capsizes after his nemesis steals his ship, and later attacks the town of Port Royal, kidnapping the governor’s beautiful daughter.

July 16th, 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, dinosaur gardens, and dino stomp. Join us for free snacks, and earn a brag tag for attending.

July 17th, Friday – Jamerson Library presents the Amazing Mr. B “Digging up Wonder” magic show starting at 1:00 pm. Join magician Amazing Mr. B for his Digging Up Wonder show — a dino-sized adventure where ancient mysteries meet modern magic! With fossils, fun, and a few surprising twists, this show unearths the thrill of discovery. Perfect for curious kids, budding paleontologists, and anyone who loves a good laugh!

July 20th, 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!

July 21st, 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, tangram dinosaurs, and dig for treasure. Join us for free snacks, and earn a brag tag for attending.

July 21st, Tuesday – Pamplin Depot Story & Craft Time by the Jamerson Memorial Library, starting at 1:00 pm. Meet Library Director Cindy Scheu for an adventure in reading and creativity. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book for children preschool through 6 years of age, followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for younger patrons.

July 22nd, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Summer Movie starting at 1:00 pm in the community room. A futuristic team of unlikely superheroes protect the galaxy from danger.

July 23rd, 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, dinosaur dirt cups, and hot dinosaur egg. Join us for free snacks, and earn a brag tag for attending.

July 24th, Friday – Special Story Time starting at 11:00 am at the Jamerson Library. Join Virginia mother and daughter author duo Rachel and Jordan Arnette as they present their book “Jojo’s Journey: Let’s go to Kindergarten”. Join Jojo as she begins her exciting Journey into Kindergarten! Jojo is both nervous and curious as she steps onto the school bus for the very first time. With the help of her loving parents and her teacher, Mrs. Wish, Jojo learns that being brave opens the door to fun, friendship, and new adventures. From classroom games to making her very first best friend, Jojo discovers that kindergarten is a place where everyone belongs and every day is filled with something new to learn and love. Rachel and Jordan will be giving away free mini coloring books and offering copies of their book for sale.

July 28th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library presents Worm Farming and Composting Basics from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. This event is open to patrons of all ages. A worm farm is a sustainable, low-maintenance way to manage organic waste, while creating premium, nutrient-rich fertilizer. By processing kitchen scraps, worms divert waste from landfills and generate organic castings and liquid fertilizer that naturally promote plant health, soil aeration, and disease resistance. This program is paid for by the Infinite Sums Grant.

July 28th, Tuesday – Pamplin Depot Story & Craft Time by the Jamerson Memorial Library, starting at 1:00 pm. Meet Library Director Cindy Scheu for an adventure in reading and creativity. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book for children preschool through 6 years of age, followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for younger patrons.

July 29th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Infinity Monsters Crafts for all ages starting at 4:00 pm in the Library’s community room. Enjoy the endless options to create your own build-a-monster and snacks! This program is paid for by the Infinite Sums Grant.

July 29th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Class for Adults starting at 6:00 pm. Math matters including in nature and flowers! Join us in making an infinity flower art piece. You must be pre-registered to attend this event as supplies and space are limited. Please register online at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration . This program is paid for by the Infinite Sums Grant.

July 30th, Thursday – Jamerson Library Infinity Kaleidoscope craft for patrons of all ages starting at 4:00 pm in the Library’s community room. Make and take your very own kaleidoscope, with free snacks! This program is paid for by the Infinite Sums Grant.

July 30th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Air Clay Bowls Creative Class for Adults (Part 1) from 6:00 – 7:30 pm in the Library’s community room. Use your fingers and your imagination to create clay bowls. You must be pre-registered to attend this event as supplies and space are limited. Please register online at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration .

July 31st, Friday – Jamerson Library’s Final Splashdown in Abbitt Park! Join us as we say goodbye to the 2026 Summer Reading program with a splash! Dress to get wet and meet us in the park, next to the Library, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Don’t forget your towels and a change of clothes. There will be games, waterslides, bubbles and more. Bring a t-shirt for tie-dying!