Growing Forward at Your Local Library

The following figures compare the 21/22 fiscal year (a year still shaped by pandemic-era restrictions) to the 25/26 fiscal year. This growth reflects our community fully re-engaging with the Library. Programming up 605%, new borrowers up 341%, programs offered up 247%, and community outreach events are up 275%. If you would like a more detailed breakdown of these statistics you can get a pdf copy of People Power Our Growth by Library Director Cindy Scheu at: https://www.jrjml.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2026/08/CommunityGrowthReport.pdf.

The Library continues to expand our Seed Library; this week we have added:

• Beets – Plant in the spring from late February to April (about 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost) and in the fall from August through October, depending on your local region’s hardiness zone.
• Snap Sugar Daddy Peas – Plant standard garden (English, snap, and snow) peas is in the early spring from mid-February through March, traditionally around St. Patrick’s Day. You can also plant a second crop in August through September for a fall harvest.
• Snowball Improved Cauliflower – Plant cauliflower seeds is late winter (February to mid-March) indoors for a spring harvest, or mid-summer (late June to early August) outdoors for a fall harvest. Fall crops usually perform best in Virginia because the heads mature during cool autumn weather.
• Swiss Chard – Plant Swiss chard seeds is in the early spring (about 2 to 3 weeks before your last frost date, typically late March to April) and in the late summer (mid-July through August) for a fall harvest.

Patrons are allowed 3 items per household, per week from the Seed Library, when supplies are available. If you have extra seeds, bulbs, bareroots or other gardening related items you are encouraged to donate them to the Library’s seed library to share with others.

On Tuesday August 11th, the Library Director Cindy headed down to the Pamplin Depot for Story and Craft, she read “Give Bees A Chance”, Don’t Eat Bees” and “Swarm of Bees”, followed by snacks and a bee craft using circles of construction paper. If you are interested in any of these children’s book, they are available for checkout at the Library.

Cindy followed up with the Pamplin Depot Adult Book Club, featuring the book “The Queen of Crimes” by Marie Benedict. The next Pamplin Depot Adult Book Club will be on Tuesday, September 8, starting at 3:00 pm in the Pamplin Depot. September’s book is “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austin. Copies of the book will be available at the Town of Pamplin’s main office.

Tuesday wrapped up with the Appomattox Court House Quilt Guild meeting at the Library for a relaxing night of quilting and conversation. If your club, organization or friend’s crafting group would like to book the Library’s community room for a central place to meet up, please feel free to reach out to use.

On Wednesday, August 12th, Virginia Legal Aid stopped by the Library to host an interactive seminar on “Changes to the Housing Law”. The next interactive seminar is September 3 at 2:00 pm in the library community and will be discussing Wills.

Starting on Tuesday, September 1st, the Library will be hosting another free Raffle. This month’s raffle will be “Science Across America” as we continue to celebrate our Country’s 250 anniversary.

GED Outreach to return to the Library for the month of September on Tuesdays from 4:00 pm to 6pm on the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th. Come meet Mrs. Mills from the Appomattox County Adult Learning Center to find out more about how to get your GED with comprehensive instructions to help students successfully earn their high school equivalency credential. For more information visit their website at: https://www.acpsweb.net/o/acps/page/adult-ed.

The Library will be a guest vendor at the Town of Appomattox’s “Town Picnic” on Thursday, September 3rd, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm in Abbitt Park. Join us for crafts, bubbles and glitter tattoos as we promote Library services! Remember that September is also “Library Card Sign-up Month!

In observation of the Labor Day Holiday, the Library will be closed on Monday, September 7th. We will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8th, starting at 9:30 am. Our book depository, located at the back of the building, will remain open.

Coming on Thursday, September 17th, Jamerson Library will feature our first Film Noir Club! Meet us in the communicate room at 5:00 pm for some spine-tingling, gritty tales. It was a dark and stormy night ……… the perfect setting for sinister danger, sexy femme fatales, crime dramas, hard-boiled detectives, and fatalistic stories where heroes rarely get their happily ever-afters, mixed in with a touch of classic black and white films from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested in learning more about the genre, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has a great YouTube video to explain the grittier details at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOrgAnJNoTA .

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

• Toy Story
• Toy Story 2
• A Great Awaking
• Proud Princess
• Homestead The Series: Season 1

AUGUST 2026

August 17th, 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!

August 18th, 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 from 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.

August 19th, Wednesday – Griffin’s Garden Fundraiser at the Jamerson Memorial Library. Join Alexis from Griffin’s Garden from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm outside the Library’s front doors for a fresh flower and other handmade flower creations sale. A portion of her sales will benefit the Library. Support a local business and your local Library!

August 19th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. This week’s guest reader will be the Appomattox Court House National Historic Park. They will read an age-appropriate book, followed by crafts and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

August 21st, Friday – Jamerson Memorial Library to host Rodney Stotts for a Book Signing and Meet & Greet starting at 2:00 pm in the Library’s community room. Come meet one of the few African American master falconers, and his Harris Hawk, Agnes. You can purchase a personally signed copy of Rodney’s book “Bird Brother: A Falconer’s Journey and the Healing Power of Wildlife”, an inspiring true story of pursuing dreams, redemption and second chances.

August 22nd, Saturday – Jamerson Library to join Wolfbane’s Wolfswood Faire from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Lords and ladies, join us for a fun-filled day of medieval games, sword fights, live performances, music, delicious food, cold drinks, and dancing at 618 Country Club Road Appomattox, VA 24522. Find our tent for library-related information. This year we will be participating in Trinket Trading (the exchange of small tokens among attendees), glitter tattoos, bubbles, and other giveaways. To learn more about the Wolfswood Faire visit their website at: https://www.wolfbane.org/wolfswood-faire.

August 25th, 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 patrons 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.

August 26th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. This week’s guest reader will be the James River State Park. They will read an age-appropriate book, followed by crafts and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

August 27th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Family Movie Night starting at 6:00 pm in the Library’s community room. In this animated comedy adventure, an animal lover seizes an opportunity to use a new technology to “hop” her consciousness into a lifelike robotic beaver and communicate directly with animals. As she makes amazing discoveries, she befriends a charismatic beaver and must rally the entire animal kingdom to face a major, imminent, human threat. This movie is rated PG.

August 31st, 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!

September 2026

September 1st, 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 patrons 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.

September 1st, Tuesday – Jamerson Library to host Pamplin Depot’s Creative Class for Adults starting at 3:00 pm in the depot’s community room. This month’s project is to use cyanotype paper, a light-sensitive sun printing paper that produces monochromatic Prussian blue images. . Invented in 1842, you place objects or negatives on the paper, expose it to sunlight, and rinse it in water to create distinct white and deep blue silhouettes. You must register at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration to attend.

September 1st, Tuesday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 4:00 pm – 6:00 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.

September 2nd, Wednesday – Griffin’s Garden Fundraiser at the Jamerson Memorial Library. Join Alexis from Griffin’s Garden from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm outside the Library’s front doors for a fresh flower and other handmade flower creations sale. A portion of her sales will benefit the Library. Support a local business and your local Library!

September 2nd, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm in the Library’s community room. This week’s guest reader will be James River State Park. They will read an age-appropriate book, followed by crafts and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

September 2nd, Wednesday – Girls Who Code at the Jamerson Library starting at 4:00 pm in the community room. Girls Who Code is a club designed to help young women learn about science, technology, engineering, math, and how they integrate into their everyday lives. The Jamerson GWC Club welcomes new members from 3rd grade to 12th grade. Please register at https://www.jrjml.org/girlswhocoderegistration/.

September 3rd, Thursday – Jamerson Library to be a guest vendor at the Town of Appomattox’s Town Picnic starting at 5:30 pm in Abbitt Park. We will be promoting library services, doing body glitter tattoos and giving away craft projects and bubbles.

September 4, Friday – Due to the school systems early release day, the Jamerson Library will host Board & Card Games, Puzzles and Snacks starting at 1:00 pm. Grab your siblings and friends for some fun in the Library’s community room!

September 8th, 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 patrons 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.

September 8th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Pamplin Depot Adult Book Club starting at 3:00 pm in the Pamplin Depot’s community room. This month’s book is “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austin. Wit meets romance in a timeless tale of hearts and manners. Step into the elegant world of Regency England, where love must find its way through pride, prejudice, and propriety. At the heart of this beloved classic is the fiercely intelligent and independent Elizabeth Bennet, whose spirited clash with the brooding Mr. Darcy unfolds into one of literature’s most celebrated romances. Copies of this book are available at the Pamplin Town Office.

September 8th, Tuesday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 4:00 pm – 6:00 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.

September 9th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm in the Library’s community room. This week’s guest reader will be Holliday Lake State Park. They will read an age-appropriate book, followed by crafts and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

September 9th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Adult Book Club starting at 5:30 pm in the Library’s community room. This month’s book is “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austin. Wit meets romance in a timeless tale of hearts and manners. Step into the elegant world of Regency England, where love must find its way through pride, prejudice, and propriety. At the heart of this beloved classic is the fiercely intelligent and independent Elizabeth Bennet, whose spirited clash with the brooding Mr. Darcy unfolds into one of literature’s most celebrated romances. Copies of this book are available at the circulation desk.

September 10th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Adult Puzzle Challenge. Join the Adult Puzzle Challenge at the Library starting at 6:00 pm in the community room. Form a team of two to four adults (18+) to compete, each team will take home a free copy of Demelsa Haughton’s Rabbit Recital puzzle. Space is limited, so sign up early via the Adult Program Registration Page at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration/.

September 12th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Class for Adults, starting at 10:00 am in the Library’s community room. This month’s project is to use cyanotype paper, a light-sensitive sun printing paper that produces monochromatic Prussian blue images. . Invented in 1842, you place objects or negatives on the paper, expose it to sunlight, and rinse it in water to create distinct white and deep blue silhouettes. You must register at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration to attend.

September 15th, 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 patrons 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.

September 15th, Tuesday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 4:00 pm – 6:00 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.

September 16th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm in the Library’s community room. A staff member will read an age-appropriate book, followed by crafts and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

September 16th, Wednesday – Read to a miniature horse at the Jamerson Library starting at 1:00 pm. MESH (Minicamelot’s Emotional Support Horses) will be at the Library so that patrons who need a boost in confidence can read to a miniature horse! There will be crafts and snacks. To find out more about MESH visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1395773075130418.

September 17th, Thursday – Jamerson Memorial Library and the Library of Virginia presents a live streaming event at 2:00 pm in the Library’s community room. Join us for an empowering, eye-opening virtual conversation with renowned wellness expert Yasmine Cheyenne as we discuss her transformative new book, The Comeback Era: From Limiting Beliefs to Living Without Limits. For more information visit the Library’s website at: https://libraryc.org/jrjml/196698.

September 17, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Film Noir Club. Meet us in the community room at 5:00 pm for some spine-tingling, gritty tales. It was a dark and stormy night ……… the perfect setting for sinister danger, sexy femme fatales, crime dramas, hard-boiled detectives, and fatalistic stories where heroes rarely get their happily ever-afters, mixed in with a touch of classic black and white films from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested in learning more about the genre, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has a great YouTube video to explain the grittier details at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOrgAnJNoTA.

September 22nd, 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 patrons 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.

September 22, Tuesday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 4:00 pm – 6:00 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.

September 22nd, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Cookbook Book Club starting at 5:30 pm in the Library community room. Just in time for fall and holiday cooking, this month’s theme will be crockpot cooking. This program is intended for adults. Bring your favorite cookbook, recipe card or internet recipe, and make a dish to share along with copies of the recipe used. The Library will have plates / bowls, plastic ware and napkins, but you must bring your own serving utensils.

September 23rd, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm in the Library’s community room. This week’s guest reader will be the local Monroe Masonic (Lodge #301) They will read an age-appropriate book, followed by crafts and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

September 24th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Family Movie Night 6:00 pm in the Library’s community room. Brothers adventure to solve everyday problems in a kingdom, meet a new friend and look forward to a special birthday party. A call for help sends this crew across the galaxy to face new worlds, and unexpected threats. This movie is rated PG.

September 26th, Saturday – The Jamerson Library will be working closely with the Appomattox School System to bring the community together for a patriotic fall festival on Saturday, September 26th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in Abbitt Park. Continue to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great nation with games, activities, community outreach and more. This event is free to everyone, service animals are welcome, but leave your pets at home.

September 26th, Saturday – Jamerson Library to be a guest vendor at the Appomattox Cars & Coffee at 310 Founder’s Lane, the Virginia Metal Fabrication Building (old Thomasville) from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. Join us for cool cars, hot coffee, great conversation and more. The Library will be providing library-related information, body glitter tattoos, and giving out crafts and bubbles!

September 28th, (Monday) through October 3rd, (Saturday) – Jamerson Library Book Fair! Get as excited as you were as a child, and join us for a nostalgic style book fair in the Library’s community room during normal business hours. Preschool through adult books with an average cost of $2.00 to $10.00 per book. It is suggested that you bring cash or check, as we cannot guarantee the ability to accept credit/debit card.

September 29th, 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 patrons 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.

September 29th, Tuesday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 4:00 pm – 6:00 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.

September 30th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm in the Library’s community room. A staff member will read an age-appropriate book, followed by crafts and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.