Frogs, Birds, Science Across America, and Library Card Sign-up Month

September comes from the Latin word septem “seven,” because this was the seventh month of the early Roman calendar. September’s birthstone is the sapphire and the flower is the aster. Some of September’s observances are: Eat Chicken Month, Happy Healthy Cat Month, Hunger Action Month, Library Card Sign-up Month, National Service Dog Month, Update your Resume Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th), National Waffle Week (6th-12th), National Keep Kids Creative Week (20th-26th), Labor Day (7th), National Day of Service and Remembrance (11th), Rosh Hashanah (11th-13th, Sundown), Roald Dahl Day (13th) Constitution Day (17th), Talk Like A Pirate Day (19th), R.E.A.D. in America Day (26th), and National Coffee Day (29th). For more interesting, fun, or educational observances please follow our social media pages as we will post links, recipes and more.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a national campaign to remind everyone about the power and value of free library services. The J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library invites all those in Appomattox and surrounding communities to stop by and get their cards this month. Getting a library card is fast, easy, and free, just show a valid ID and proof of address, and a friendly staff member will be happy to issues you one. Minors under 18 years of age must have a parent/guardian apply for a card for themselves, and minors will be issued a card linked to the responsible party’s account. Stop by the library, located on Main Street, and open the door to a world of learning.

Rocking it with Dr. Krystal and Nature is Lit, a popular social media naturalist and science educator. She has teamed up with the Library to bring you a collaboration video on gray tree frogs and Cope’s gray tree frogs. Nature Is Lit is where science meets storytelling. From bizarre animals to groundbreaking research, we’re here to make nature make sense and show how much we still don’t know. Because the natural world isn’t just beautiful…it’s powerful, complex, and lit! Check out her video on the Library’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/aC8_eDqFDUo .

On Tuesday, August 25th, the Library’s director made tracks to the Pamplin Train Depot for a Story & Craft. She read the the books “Harriet Dancing”, “The Night of the Hedgehog” and “Our Friend Hedgehog” followed by snacks and a construction paper hedgehog craft.

James River was our guest for the Wednesday, August 26th’s Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time. Ranger Tess read the book “Otter” by Sandy Ransford and Bert Kitchen. Followed by snacks and a opossum paper bag puppet craft, because otters and opossums are cute!

Patrons “hopped” on over to the Family Summer Movie Night on Thursday, August 27th. The Library featured an animated comedy adventure about an animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use a new technology to “hop” her consciousness into a lifelike robotic beaver and communicate directly with animals. Our next Family Movie Night will be on Thursday, September 24, starting at 6:00 pm. This “Super” movie is about brothers that 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. The Library will serve free snacks, this movie is rated PG.

The Library went to the birds on Friday, August 28st, hosting Rodney Stotts for a Book Signing and Meet & Greet. Rodney is one of the few African American master falconers. He brought along with his Harris Hawk, Agnes. Patrons purchased 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. The Library does have a copy of his book available for checkout.

As a part of the Library’s continued celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, there will be a free “Science Across America” raffle starring on Tuesday, September 1st. It is one entry per person, per visit to the Library, open to everyone of all ages! We will announce the winner of this raffle on Monday, September 28th. Good luck!

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, 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.

Starting Thursday, September 17th, the Jamerson Library will feature our first Film Noir Club! Meet us in the community room at 5:00 pm for some spine-tingling and 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 .

Appomattox County Schools and the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library are hosting a Fall Festival. Meet us in Abbitt Park on Saturday, September 26th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This is a community family-friendly event to promote local services. There will be vendors, games, and fun! Service animals are welcome, but please leave your pets at home.

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:

Adult Nonfiction

• Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor by Caleb E. Campbell
• The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Beth Allison Barr
• The Bible Told Them So: How Southern Evangelicals Fought to Preserve White Supremacy by J. Russell Hawkins
• Politics Without Politicians: the Case for Citizen Rule by Hélène Landemore
• I Am Not a Robot: My Year Using AI To Do (Almost) Everything by Joanna Stern
• The Gales of November: the Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald by John U. Bacon
• The Only Plane in the Sky: an Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M. Graff
• Rebels at Sea: Privateering in the American Revolution by Eric Jay Dolin

Juvenile Fiction

• Rise of the Rebels (the Last Immortals #2) by Kit Brooks
• The Chismosas Only Book Club by Laekan Zea Kemp
• Shim Jung Takes the Dive by Julia Riew

Young Adult Fiction

• My Wonderful Disgrace by Angourie and Kate Rice
• Hear Ye Mortals by Yamile Saied Méndez

Juvenile Graphic Novels

• Nine-Tail Trouble (Monster Locker #2) by Jorge Aguirre & Andrés Vera Martínez

Juvenile Nonfiction

• Diamond Fever!: a True Crime Story in the Wild West by Steve Sheinkin

Adult Fiction

• One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter
• Quantum Tempest: a Novel of the Oregon Files (Clive Cussler’s Oregon Files #19) by Mike Maden
• For Richer For Poorer: a Novel by Danielle Steel
• Midsummer Mysteries: Tales from the Queen of Mystery by Agatha Christie
• A Mother’s Love by Danielle Steel

Community Calendar

September 2026

September 1st, Tuesday – All Aboard! Pamplin Depot Story & Craft Time hosted 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, this process allows you to 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 – PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) to be at the Jamerson Library from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. PEATC provides tools and information to empower parents/guardians of students with disabilities (birth – 26 years of age) with services and support, research-based information and training, and opportunities for strategic partnerships and advocacy for systemic improvement. For more information on PEATC please visit their website at: https://peatc.org/.

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 – Virginia Legal Aid Society to be at the Jamerson Library, starting at 2:00 pm in the Library’s community room. This month’s interactive educational seminar will be on Wills.

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 it is integrated 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 hosted 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 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, this process allows you to 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 hosted 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 present 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 17th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Evening Noir starting at 5:00 pm in the Library’s community room. A viewing and discussion of the classic film “Quicksand!” (1950) starring Peter Lorre and Mickey Rooney. Dan (Micky Rooney) commits a minor theft in an effort to impress a femme fatale, which leads to a spiral of violence and betrayal. Peter Lorre stars as a blackmailing arcade owner with ties to the woman of Dan’s dreams.

September 22nd, Tuesday – All Aboard! Pamplin Depot Story & Craft Time hosted 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 forks/spoons and napkins, but you must bring your own serving utensils.

September 23rd, Wednesday – Jamerson Library to be a guest vendor at the CVCC Fall Student Appreciation Picnic from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. Calling all Central Virginia Community College students, join us at the Lynchburg campus for library-related information, crafts, bubbles and more!

September 23rd, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm in the Library’s community room. 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 – Jamerson Library to be a guest vendor at Appomattox Cars & Coffee at 310 Founder’s Lane, the Virginia Metal Fabrication Building (formerly 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 26th, Saturday – The Jamerson Library will be working closely with the Appomattox County 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 celebrating the 250th anniversary of our great nation with games, activities, community outreach and more. This event is free to everyone and service animals are welcome, but please leave your pets at home.

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. The library will have preschool through adult books for sale at 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 hosted 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.