August is named after the very first Roman emperor (and grandnephew of Julius Caesar) Augustus Caesar. August’s birthstone is the peridot and the flower is the gladiolus. A few of the observances for August are American Adventures Month, Back to School Month, Clear The Shelters Month, National Read A Romance Novel Month, and Personalized Learning Month.

On Tuesday, July 22nd the Library introduced the book “Broadway Bird” by Alex Timbers as a part of Story, Craft & Activity Time. Louisa is a tiny parakeet with a HUGE dream: to be a Broadway star. But no matter what she does, everyone keeps telling her she’s too small to make it big! When a chance at her big break comes, Louisa learns that no matter how small you are, with a little talent and a lot of hard work, you can do anything – even be on Broadway! The kids enjoyed snacks while making masquerade masks using felt, glitter glue, sticky gems, and colored yarn. The activity was doing improve Broadway characters using their imagination. If you are interested in the book, it will be available for checkout soon.

On Wednesday, July 23rd the Library played a movie about a team of singing, dancing all-stars. The ever-optimistic koala, and his friends have big dreams of staging their most dazzling show yet in the glittering entertainment capital of the world!

On Thursday, July 24th Library Fairy MaKayla read the book “Olivia Acts Out” as a part of Story, Craft & Activity Time. The kids enjoyed snacks while showing their creative side by making their own puppet theaters using crayons, sticky gems and glitter glue. Afterwards they used their theaters to put on their own puppet show!

Friday, July 25th was a bittersweet day as we wrapped up our 2025 Summer Reading Program, “Color Or World” with the last event, a theater workshop hosted by Sara Conner from Longwood University. Sara read the book “B is for Broadway” by John Robert Allman. The kids listened and sang along to some famous Broadway tunes, created sock puppets and experimented with “white lights” by using skittles candy to learn how color effects lighting in productions. The kids also go to perform impromptu plays with their sock puppets.

Ding Ding Ding!! And the winners of the Summer Reading Art Show categories are as follows: Drawing – Marleigh Scruggs, Painting – Rochelle Hertzler, Fiber Art – Presley Wiley, Photography – Abi Perry, 3D – Kaylee Meadows, Artistic Interpretation – Finn Schaefer, and Overall – Marleigh Scruggs.

And the winners of the 2025 Summer Reading Program are as follows: Purple Group (2 – 5 years of age) – Evangeline Gallagher, Blue Group (6 – 10 years of age) Georgia Schaefer, Green Group (11 – 17 years of age) Amy Haugh, and the Yellow Group (18+) Tricia Bell. We would like to congratulate all our winners!

The Library staff is taking a deep breath and a much deserved break as the 2025 Summer Reading Program is now over. You have until Friday, August 1st to spend all your earned Summer Reading Tickets.

On Friday, August 8th the Jamerson Memorial Library will host the Hillcat’s mascot, SouthPaw in our community room from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Join SouthPaw for a Story & Craft Time at 2:00 pm, followed by a meet & greet. Parents, bring your cameras or phones, take photos and enjoy refreshments while meeting this famous green kitty! SouthPaw will be here to help celebrate the love of reading and the all-American game of baseball! If there are any available free tickets to the Sunday, August 17th Hillcats vs the Shorebirds game, we will be giving them away at this event!

Enjoy the Perseid Meteor shower by checking out the telescope at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library! Did you know that the Library owns a Zhumell Z114 telescope that is available as one of our “special checkout”? These “special checkout” items may include, but are not limited to, equipment, books, tools, DVDs, devices, and other materials that can be checked out under one barcode. You are allowed one “special checkout” at any given time for 1 week with 1 renewal (if the item is not on hold) to patrons 18 years of age or older with a library account in good standing. Some “special checkout” items may come with a limited quantity of supplies for patrons to use, such as paper, yarn, thread, or other materials, as a courtesy, and only when supplies are available. To find out more about the Perseid meteor shower visit NASA at: https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/meteors-meteorites/perseids/ .

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 at 434.352.5340.

Article / Photo Submitted by
Katharine G. Bloodworth
Public Services Specialist
J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library

Community Calendar

July 29th, Tuesday – Wave Goodbye to Summer – Dress to get wet and meet the Jamerson Memorial Library in Abbitt Park from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm for a splashing good time! This is a family-friendly event to bid summer adieu!

August 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/.

August 8th, Friday – Hillcats’ SouthPaw to be at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library, in our community room from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Join SouthPaw for a Story & Craft Time at 2:00 pm, followed by a meet & greet. Parents, bring your cameras or phones, take photos and enjoy refreshments while meeting this famous green kitty! SouthPaw will be here to help celebrate the love of reading and the all-American game of baseball! Remember that you can earn a free baseball ticket to the Sunday, August 17th game, if you are a registered participant in our Summer Reading Program.

August 9th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Outlet Class for Adults (18+) starting at 11:00 am in the community room. Learn to blend oil pastels to create a Tree of Life artwork. You must be pre-registered to attend. You can register online at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration/ .

August 11th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Sue Stitchers to meet at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 10:00am. 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 19th, Tuesday – Understanding Alzheimer’s Meeting starting at 3:00 pm in the Jamerson Library’s community room. This month’s theme is Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior. Gain valuable insights into understanding behaviors linked with dementia. Explore typical triggers for these behaviors and discover effective strategies to assess the individual’s requirements. Learn how to intervene in a manner that promotes their well-being and quality of life. Equip yourself with practical knowledge that empowers you to provide better care and support for those affected by dementia. Join us in this educational session and make a positive difference in the lives of others. This program is sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association of Central and Western Virginia.

August 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.

August 21st, Thursday – Jamerson Library Retro Movie Night starting at 6:00pm in the community room. Join the Library for a family-friendly film about a young boy who borrows a mysterious, ornately-bound book, he never dreamed that turning a page would draw him into a shimmering fantasy world of racing snails, hang-glider bats, soaring luckdragons, puckish elves, a Childlike Empress, a brave warrior and a slab-faced walking quarry. Refreshments will be served.

August 23rd, Saturday – Jamerson Library to be at the Wolfswood Faire, hosted by Wolfbane Productions! All ye Lords, Ladies and peasants come seek us out in the woods as we participate in a fun-filled day of medieval games, sword fights, live performances, music, and dancing, but watch out for wolves! Look for our blue tent at 681 Country Club Road in Appomattox from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For information about the Wolfswood Faire visit the Wolfbane website at: https://www.wolfbane.org/wolfswood-faire .

August 26th, Tuesday – Parent Support Group at the Jamerson Library starting at 6:30 pm. Are you the parent or legal guardian of a special needs child? Did you know that there is a support group for you in Appomattox? We will meet in the community room of the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library (157 Main Street). For more information contact Alyssa Holland at [email protected].

August 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.