Spring has Sprung at the Jamerson Memorial Library

May is named after the Roman Goddess Maia, who oversees the growth of plants. May’s birthstone is the emerald, and the flower is Lily-of-the-valley. Some observances for May are: Adopt A Horse Month, Chip Your Pet Month, Gardening for Wildlife Month, Get Caught Reading Month, National Bike Month, National Photo Month, National Strawberry Month, and Tennis Month.

This month’s photo booth, located outside the Library’s front doors, features frogs and flowers for spring! We encourage patrons, families, friends, and small groups to stop by and take selfies with this popular little spot on Main Street for a bit of fun. The Library has been putting up monthly photo booths to promote walking downtown, visiting local businesses (including the Library), and adding a unique experience for visitors and locals in Appomattox.

The Jamerson Library’s Seed Library has been very popular this year! We have restocked the pollinator wildflower mix, and have added alyssum, black-eyed Susan, carrot, and turnip seeds to our selection. Patrons can come in and get 3 packs of seeds per household per week, to help promote gardening, beautification, local food security, a sense of community, and the promotion of pollinators. Be sure to checkout some gardening books while you are here. Gardening is for everyone!

The J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library is excited to inform parents/guardians that signed their kids up for free trees that they have arrived! You may pick up your tree(s) through Monday, May 4th, during normal business hours. If you cannot make it during this time please contact the Library so that we can hold your tree(s) for you, within reason. This year’s trees are white pine trees. Leftover trees will be given away to other patrons during our annual Spring Plant Swap.

On Monday, April 20th, the Sun Bonnet Sue Stitchers met up for the second time this month in our conference room for good conversation and busy hands. We encourage patrons who like to crochet, knit, quilt, embroider, or other such crafty works to join them in teaching and learning. Don’t forget the Library has several special checkout items, including how to make paper beads, a small sewing machine, and knitting and crochet kits.

On Wednesday, April 22nd, the Library hosted Deputy Thompson and K-9 officer Zelda for our weekly Story & Craft Time featuring the book “A Hero Lives in my Family”. First Responders are Heroes! Helping Heroes include: police officers, emergency medical service providers (e.g., paramedics, ER doctors and nurses), firefighters, and military personnel. They save, help, serve, and protect others! The kids enjoyed snacks while working on dog-themed crafts. Our next Story & Craft Time will be on Wednesday, April 29th, starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm.

Also on Wednesday, Library Staff attended the CVCC Student Appreciation Picnic on the CVCC Lynchburg Campus. Director Cindy Scheu was in attendance to help pass out library information, craft projects, bubbles, drawstring backpacks, and small sewing kits for emergency repairs.

Thursday, April 23rd, was all about eating books! The Library hosted their second annual “Edible Book Contest”. Patrons and staff members presented creative food art inspired by books, titles, or characters. Entries are made mostly from cake, candy, fruit and vegetables, emphasizing library puns. The winning entry was “Children of the Cornbread”.

Library Fairy MaKayla hosted the Library’s After School Crafts on Thursday, April 23rd, with some “sketchy” business. She showed students the basics of sketching 101, the Library providing all the supplies needed to encourage creative flow from inspiration to paper.

On Saturday, April 25th, the Library was a guest vendor at the James River State Park’s Earth Fest. Staff members set up a tent to give away library information, summer reading promotions, dinosaur coloring pages and other assorted crafts. Staff even participated in helping plant wildflower seeds as a part of the activities going on at James River State Park.

There are only a few days left to enter your name in our free raffle! In celebration of Spring and the return of migrating birds, the Library is hosting a “Cleared for Takeoff: Free Bird Watching Raffle”, that consists of a Flight Path tote bag, bird safe coffee, water bottle, sticker, pen & notebook set, beaded parrot keychain, planter, and other assorted items. It is one entry per person, per visit. We will announce the winner on Thursday, April 30th. This raffle is paid for in part by the Flight Path Grant.

The Library will be closed to the public on Friday, May 1st, for a professional development day. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our patrons. We will reopen on Saturday, May 2nd, at 9:30 am. The book drop, located at the back of the building, will remain open.

The Library will be hosting our annual Spring Plant Swap on Thursday, May 7th, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm in the community room. Bring in your extra or unwanted houseplants, seeds, bareroots, and cuttings to the Library and exchange them for new friends to take home. You must bring plants in order to take plants in a fair or generous exchange of greenery. A Library employee has attempted to sprout black-eyed Susans, English lavender, lemon balm, poppies, and purple cone flowers. We hope to have them available as part of the plant swap.

Spring is in full swing, but the Library is already planning ahead to summer! Staff have been working hard for the upcoming 2026 Summer Reading Program “Unearth a Story”. We will be featuring dinosaurs, archaeology, paleontology, adventurers, scientists, fossils, rocks, gardening and more! This program is open to patrons 2 years of age and up! We have a lot of programs and adventures for the whole family including the annual Fun & Craft Day in Abbitt Park, Digging Up Wonder Magic Show, a June and July Family Story & Craft Time, craft events, movie times and more!

In observation of the Memorial Day Holiday, the Jamerson Library will be closed on Monday, May 25th. We will reopen to the public on Tuesday, May 26, starting at 9:30 am. The book depository, located at the back of the building, will remain open, during this time.

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:

• Hunting Season
• M3gan 2.0
• Star Trek: Lower Decks – Season 4
• Across the River and into the Trees
• An Unexpected Valentine
• The Man Who Knew Infinity
• The Accountant
• Prediction (by the) Numbers
• Regretting You
• Predator – Badlands
• Fackham Hall
• Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare
• Criminal Minds: The First Season
• Criminal Minds: The Second Season
• Criminal Minds: Season Three
• Criminal Minds: Season Four

Community Calendar

April 28th,Tuesday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 12:00 pm to 1:00 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.

April 28th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Crafts. It is BYOB (Bring Your Book), for Book Bedazzling staring at 3:30 pm in the Library’s conference room. The Library will supply glue, embellishments, and snacks!

April 29th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

April 30th, Thursday – Spot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 9:50 am to 11:00 am. Bark up a good book! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this dalmatian-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 Spot year-round.

May 2nd, Saturday – GED Meet & Greet – Learning About GED at the Jamerson Memorial Library from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Come meet Doriane Mills from the Adult Education Center, the GED representative for Appomattox County. Ask questions, learn more about getting your GED or enrolling in local classes. Light refreshments will be served.

May 4, 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!

May 4th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 pm–3:00 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.

May 5th, 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/.

May 5th, Tuesday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 12:00 pm to 1:00 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.

May 6th, Wednesday – Girl Scouts Story & Craft Time at the Jamerson Library, starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. This month’s guest reader will be the Girls Scouts of Virginia Skyline. They will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

May 6th, Wednesday – Legal Aid of Virginia to meet at the Jamerson Memorial Library, starting at 2:00 pm. This month’s interactive seminar will be on unemployment benefits.

May 6th, 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/.

May 6th, Wednesday – 250th Anniversary of America presentation “Reconsidering Early American Anglo-Indigenous History and its Legacy” by Lisa Crutchfield, starting at 6:00pm in the Library’s community room. When we think of the Indigenous history of North America, our minds often go to the Old West. But what of our colonial and revolutionary Indigenous history east of the Mississippi? What were the parameters of interaction during those early years and what effect would they have on the subsequent 250 years since the formation of the United States of America? In this presentation, historian Lisa Crutchfield invites the audience to discover and reassess the prominent roles Indigenous people played in early colonial history, reflect on how we recover and present that narrative, and consider what the legacy of that interaction is in our modern world. Lisa Crutchfield is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Lynchburg and a historian of early America and the Atlantic World.

May 7, Thursday – Spot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 9:50 am to 11:00 am. Bark up a good book! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this dalmatian-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 Spot year-round.

May 7th, Thursday – Jamerson Memorial Library’s Spring Plant Swap from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. What is a plant swap? It is when you bring your extra or unwanted houseplants, seeds, bareroots, and cuttings to the Library and exchange them for new friends to take home. You must bring plants in order to take plants in a fair or generous exchange of greenery.

May 9th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Class for Adults starting at 11:00 am in the library’s community room. This month’s craft will feature book flower displays with flower pens. Please preregister at https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration to attend.

May 11th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 pm – 3:00 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.

May 12th, Tuesday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 12:00 pm to 1:00 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.

May 12th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Tween STEAM starting at 4:00 pm in the Library’s conference room. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics! Enjoy a fun interactive and educational program while enjoying snacks and good company.

May 12th, Tuesday – Appomattox Courthouse Quilt Guild to meet at the Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 5:30 pm in the community room.

May 13th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Story & Craft Time starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. Our guest reader will be Robert E. Lee Soil and Water Conservation District. They will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

May 13th, Wednesday – Kanopy Movie at 6:00pm in the community room. Help celebrate the 250 Anniversary of America by joining us for a patriotic movie and snacks! This is a family event to celebrate the American Spirit!

May 14, Thursday – Spot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 9:50 am to 11:00 am. Bark up a good book! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this dalmatian-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 Spot year-round.

May 18th, 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!

May 18th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 12:00 pm–3:00 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.

May 19th, Tuesday – Trot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 12:00 pm to 1:00 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.

May 20th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

May 20th, Wednesday – 250th Anniversary of America presentation “The Religious Conflicts of Europe’s Confessional Era by Benjamin Esswein, starting at 6:00 pm in the Library’s Community Room. The religious conflicts of Europe’s confessional era set in motion a migration that would fundamentally shape the American republic. Driven from their homelands by persecution, groups such as the Puritans, Huguenots, Quakers, and Moravians carried with them a vision forged in the Protestant Reformation — one centered on the primacy of individual conscience and faith free from state coercion. Their convergence in the American colonies produced something unprecedented: a society built not from a single religious tradition, but from the shared conviction that faith could not be compelled. This unique pluralism became the engine of colonial growth and civic identity, and ultimately found its most enduring expression in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution — transforming the suffering of Europe’s religious dissenters into the foundation of a nation unlike any the world had seen before. Benjamin Esswein’s field of study is Early Modern Europe and the Reformation. He deals directly with Central and Eastern Europe, the Austro-Ottoman Borderlands in the sixteenth and early seventeenth century.

May 21st, Thursday – Spot the Book Bus at the Jamerson Library from 9:50 am to 11:00 am. Bark up a good book! Preschool through high school-aged youth can borrow a book from this dalmatian-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 Spot year-round.

May 21st, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Early Dismissal Games & Puzzles 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Meet your friends after school at the Library’s calibration tables on the main floor for some fast paced games, cards, and puzzle challenges. There will be snacks!

May 22nd, Friday – Jamerson Library’s Early Dismissal Crafts 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Join the Library in celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America by making patriotic crafts just in time for Memorial Day and Summer Vacation! Don’t forget to join our 2026 Summer Reading Program “Unearth A Story” starting on Monday, June 1st!

May 27th, Wednesday – Preschool Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Library will feature an age-appropriate book followed by a simple craft project and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

June 3rd, Wednesday – Fun & Craft Day in Abbitt Park! Join the Library for their annual launch of Summer Reading Program. There will be games, vendors, prizes, give-a-aways, body glitter tattoos, and more! Bring your t-shirt for tie-dying!