Dinosaur Invasion, Summer Reading, Fun & Craft Day, Programs and Donations

Another HUGE shout out to ACLA (Appomattox County Library Association) who applied for and received a Dollar General Literacy Grant for Summer Reading 2026. The total awarded amount of $2,250 will be used toward this year’s Summer Reading Program! ACLA has been working hard to support the Library through fundraising, volunteering, and donations for all the extra programs and events that the Library has been planned.

The 2026 Summer Reading Program has officially started! It is not too late to join us for an opportunity to read books and earn prizes. You can download the Beanstack app on Google Play or the Apple store.

Steps to create an account through Beanstack on the computer:

1. Go to www.jrjml.org and click on the Beanstack tab.
2. Scroll down and click on “Register an Individual or Family”. If you haven’t used Beanstack previously, select “no”.
3. 18+, click the “register yourself” button.
4. Follow the prompts to create your Beanstack account.
5. Once you create your account, select the challenges you want to participate in.
6. If you don’t want to add another adult, select “no,” if you’re done with your account.
7. If you’re a parent or guardian wanting to add a child, select “yes.”
8. Follow the prompts to register your child.
9. You can add more readers under your account by clicking “add reader.”

Steps to log minutes and books through Beanstack on the computer:

1. Select the challenge(s) in which you want to log minutes and books.
2. Click the “log reading” button.
3. Search for the book by title or author.
4. Select the book once it has been found.
5. Type in how long you spent reading the book. *
6. Remember to switch between readers to log minutes.

*Reading counts if you’re reading for yourself, to someone else, your stuffed animals, or even plants!
If you have any questions, come to the library and a staff member will be happy to help you!

We have had a busy week at the Library with lots of programs and events. On Monday, June 1st, the Library hosted part one of a four-part documentary series on dinosaurs in our community room with free refreshments.

On Tuesday, June 2nd, Library Fairy MaKayla turned in her fairy wings for scales for a BAC to the Library program featuring a Book, Activity, and Craft. She featured the book “How to Catch a Dinosaur”, by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton. The kids enjoyed snacks while making a dino track fossil necklace, and the activity was an adopt-a-dino project.

On Wednesday, June 3rd, the Library hosted our annual “Fun & Craft Day” in Abbitt Park! There were plenty of vendors with crafts, educational displays, free giveaways, games, photo booths, and lots of fun. We would like to thank everyone who sponsored, showed up as a vendor to help us promote local services including the Library, or participated in this annual event! It is estimated that 300+ showed up for glitter tattoos, tie-dying, signing up for Summer Reading, an art bus, military recruiters, lemonade, freeze pops, candy, friends and fun! A BIG THANK YOU to the Town of Appomattox for allowing us to use the park, and providing ice-cold bottled water. We have posted photos and videos on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/JamersonMemorialLibrary.

On Thursday, June 4th, the Library welcomed Methodist Daycare for a dinosaur adventure hour, filled with craft projects, activity sheets, and lots of books being checked out for the Summer Reading Program!

Also on Thursday, June 4th, the Library hosted a BAC to the Library program featuring the book “Berenstain Bears’: Dinosaur Dig” by Jan & Mike Berenstain, followed by creating a interactive fossil book, engineering a marshmallow dinosaur, paper bag vines, and of course snacks!

On Saturday, June 6th, Library Director, Mrs. Cindy Scheu hosted the Library’s Creative Class for Adults. This month’s craft was to create illuminated letters and illustrations using photo frames, a glue gun, foil, and markers into a work of art. Our next Creative Class will be on Saturday, July 11th, starting at 10:00 am.

Exciting news! We’ve just added new plants to our current Library plant sale. We have added American primrose. The American primrose (genus Primula) refers to dozens of native perennial wildflower in North America. They thrive in moist, well-draining soil and partial shade. Whether you’re looking for a new houseplant or something for the garden, we have you covered. Stop by soon—once these are gone, they’re gone! All proceeds support the library.

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 will 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, 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 6th, 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

• Freakier Friday
• Home
• The Pilgrims
• Infinity Train: Book One
• The Imitation Game
• Goodwill Hunting
• The Oxford Murders

Community Calendar

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 for free snacks, and earn a brag tag for attending.

June 19th, Friday – Jamerson 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.