Bigfoot, Fall and Community Outreach

It’s BIGFOOT week at the Library! The employees have already seen signs of this big fella, or gal, all around the place. Stop by to get your photo taken at the photo booth, find out what your Bigfoot name is, or pick up an activity sheet.

This Library has taken an active role in our community for nearly 3 decades and currently we are working in conjunction with Friends of Holliday Lake by displaying their “Stained Glass Vision” quilt they are raffling off to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and Friends of Holliday Lake. This beautiful quilt was donated by Celeste of Country Lane Quilter in honor of her dear friend Lorraine. Lorriane, who has since passed away from cancer, started this quilt and it was finished by Celeste and friends in her memory. If you would like to see the quilt in person we encourage you to stop by the Library. For chances on this quilt, you may purchase tickets at the Library, or you may contact Celeste at 603-547-5903 or visit the Friends of Holliday Lake’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080228708707

The Jamerson Library, in conjunction with Neighborhood Forest, is offering a free indoor plant program to engage youth by providing them with a small piece of nature to care for and watch grow inside their homes. Indoor plants offer many benefits similar to those of trees, including purifying the air, improving health and well-being, enhancing concentration/focus, and more. This Fall, the Neighborhood Forest will be giving over 10,000 succulents to children to nurture inside their homes! The Jamerson Library encourages parents/guardians to register their children by October 28th for a free succulent kit. We expect these kits to arrive by mid-November, all participants will be contacted when the kits arrive. Please register your kids at: https://www.neighborhoodforest.org/parent-registration-fall-program/?school=75646

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and on Tuesday, October 14th and Wednesday, October 15th, a witness advocate from the County office was at the Jamerson Library to offer information and resources on domestic violence and advocacy information. They will return on Friday, October 23rd, in the Library’s community room from 9:30 am – 11:30 am to offer support, resources, and a safe environment to report and seek help from domestic violence.

Parting is such sweet sorrow as the Library says goodbye to Trot and Spot, the two book buses that have been visiting us during their Fall run. They will of course return to offer kids preschool through high school the opportunity to borrow a book from these horse and dog painted buses. These buses are sponsored by the Appomattox Literacy Intervention Project (A.L.I.P.). A.L.I.P. is a non-profit charitable organization which began in 1996 in order to promote literacy throughout Appomattox County. You find out when Trot and Spot will return visiting there Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/110865145620774 or keeping up with the Library’s own social media accounts.

On Tuesday, October 14th the Library Fairy MaKayla hosted the Tween Steam “Mad Scientist” program. The kids conducted a multitude of experiments including walking colors, and fizzy cauldrons while enjoying snacks! Due to November observances the next Tween Steam will be on Tuesday, December 9th at 4:00 pm.

On Wednesday, October 15th the Library hosted their Preschool Story & Craft Time, featuring the book “Lawrence in the Fall” by Matthew Farina. The kids enjoyed making paper plate leaf wreaths with lots of embellishments, will enjoying snacks. When Lawrence Fox’s teacher announces that students will be presenting things they collect at show-and-tell, Lawrence panics. All of his classmates have impressive collections: coins, combs, marbles…but Lawrence doesn’t have anything to share. Luckily, Papa knows where to find something magical: the deep, dark woods. Lawrence is scared at first, but as he grows more comfortable, he starts to recognize the uniqueness of the forest and its creatures. Here, amid the towering trees and their array of colorful leaves, Lawrence just may find a splendid, one-of-a-kind collection of his own. Our next Story & Craft Time will be on Wednesday, October 22nd, with a single Family Style Story & Craft Time at 11:00 am. The Library will feature the book “My Monsterpiece” by Amalia Hoffman. Our craft project will be to build-a-monster followed by snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

Also on Wednesday Mr. Craig York hosted a haunted reading of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” in the Library’s community room. A chilling first-person account of an unnamed narrator who insists on his sanity while confessing to the murder of an old man he lived with. His next performance will be on Tuesday, October 21st, starting at 6:00 pm, featuring “The Cask of Amontillado”. We strongly suggest a mature audience for this program.

It was all about midnight margaritas for the Thursday, October 16th’s Jamerson Library’s Retro Chick Flick Movie. Staff served faux margaritas using coconut water and drink mixes, service snacks while patrons enjoyed a movie about two sisters who have always known they were different. Raised by their aunts after their parents’ death, the sisters grew up in a household that was anything but typical. . Our next Jamerson Library Retro Movie will be hosted on Thursday, November 20th, starting at 6:00 pm.

We only have about on week (October 31st) for Penny and her posse! They are still ridding strong around Appomattox. If you find Penny, or a member of her posse (a cat shaped rubber duck) you are encouraged to bring them back to the Library and exchange them for a Penny Pincher Posse Prize. We will continue to hide Penny and members of her posse around town until all the kitty-ducks have vanished. To keep this fun and interactive game going we encourage you to return the kitty-ducks. Once they are gone, the game is over.

In observation of Election Day the Library will be closed on Tuesday, November 4th. We will reopen for normal business hours on Wednesday, November 5th, starting at 9:30 am. The book drop, located at the back of the building, will remain open.

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
Assistant Library Director
J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library

The Library receives a steady supply of new and donated items, we would like to highlight the following:

DVDs:
    True Blood: The Complete Fifth Season
    True Blood: The Complete Sixth Season
    True Blood: The Complete Seventh Season (Final Season)

Community Calendar

October 20th, Monday – Sun Bonnet Stitchers will 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 is 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!

October 20th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 1:00 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.

October 21st, Tuesday – United Healthcare presents a 2026 Medicare Information meeting at the Jamerson Library from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm to discuss the upcoming changes in Medicare.

October 21st, Tuesday – Farmers Bank of Appomattox will be in the Jamerson Library’s community room starting at 5:00pm for a “Popular Bank Scams & How to Protect Yourself” seminar. We encourage anyone with a bank account to attend.

October 21st, Tuesday – Mr. Craig York presents a spine-tingling tale by Edgar Allen Poe, The Cask of Amontillado, at the Jamerson Library starting at 6:00 pm. Montresor lures his rival, Fortunato, into the catacombs under the pretense of tasting a rare amontillado wine to get revenge for an insult. We strongly suggest a mature audience for this program.

October 22nd, Wednesday – Family Story & Craft Time at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library starting at 11:00 am. The Library will feature the book “My Monsterpiece” by Amalia Hoffman. Our craft project will be to build-a-monster followed by snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend with the understanding that this program is intended for preschool patrons.

October 22nd, Wednesday – Beat Boredom with Board Games & Puzzles at the Jamerson Library from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Due to an early-release school day, the Library will be opening its community room to kids of all ages for snacks, games, and puzzles!

October 22nd, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Cookbook Book Club starting at 6:00 pm in the community room. This month’s theme is “Almost Homemade”, recipes that use pre-made or store-bought convenience foods, which are then combined with a few fresh ingredients to save time and effort. This program is intended for adults. Bring your favorite cookbook, recipe card or internet suggestion and make a dish to share. The Library will have plates / bowls, plastic ware and napkins, but you must bring your own serving utensils. This program is intended for adults, don’t forget to bring in copies of your recipe for others!

October 23, Thursday – Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy at the Jamerson Library. A Witness Advocate from the County office will be in the Library’s community room from 9:30 am – 11:30 am to offer support, resources, and a safe environment to report and seek help from domestic violence.

October 23rd, Thursday – After school Crafts With MaKayla at the Jamerson Library starting at 4:00 pm. Meet us in the community room, this month’s theme is “Haunted Houses”, and yes, we will be serving snacks.

October 23rd, Thursday – ACLA Meeting at 6:00 pm in the Jamerson Library’s community room. The Appomattox County Library Association (ACLA) will have its first meeting to reactivate this important 501(c)(3) friends of the library-style organization. If you are interested in supporting your local library, we encourage you to attend.

October 27th, Monday – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 1:00pm – 3:00pm. 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.

October 27th, Monday – Legal Aid at the Jamerson Library starting at 4:00 pm. Representatives from Virginia Legal Aid Society will present information about common legal issues, including general guidelines, applicable eligibility, and helpful tools.

October 28th, Tuesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Crafts for patrons 13 – 19 years of age, starting at 3:30 pm in the community room. We will be featuring Halloween and fall-themed craft projects and serving snacks!

October 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.

October 30th, Thursday – Library to be a guest vendor at the Elementary School’s Fall Festival from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Stop by our booth from the latest edition of the Library’s newsletter and other Library information, a craft project, activities sheets and more.

November 3rd, – GED Outreach @ the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. From 1:00pm – 3:00pm. 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.

November 4th, Tuesday – Library Closed in observance of Election day.

November 5th, 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.

November 6th, Thursday – United Healthcare presents a 2026 Medicare Informational meeting at the Jamerson Library from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm to discuss the upcoming changes in Medicare.

November 10th, Monday – Bonnet Stitchers will 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 is 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!

November 11th, Tuesday – Library Closed in observance of Veterans Day.

November 12, 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.

November 12th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Christmas Photos from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the community room. Family, friends and small groups bring your cameras or phones to have your photos taken against a Christmas fireplace backdrop surrounded by a Christmas tree and other props. Well-behaved pets are welcome, but must be kept in a crate or on leash until your scheduled appointment. Perfect for cards, screensavers, mugs, mouse pads and more! Photos will be taken by a staff member, if you do not have a phone / camera we will take photos on your behalf, and email them to you. Please call the Library at 434.352.5340 to reserve your time slot as appointment times are limited.

November 12th, Wednesday – Jamerson Library’s Teen Book Club in the Library’s community room starting at 3:30 pm. This month’s book is “The Lake” by Natasha Preston. Esme and Kayla once were campers at Camp Pine Lake. Now they’re back as counselors-in-training. Esme and Kayla did something terrible when they were campers, a secret they have kept all these years. They get a message: The lake never forgets. The secret they’ve kept buried for so many years is about to resurface. Patrons 13 – 19 years of age can find out more by picking up a copy and joining us for the Teen Book Club.

November 13, Thursday – 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 and 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/.

November 13th, Thursday – Jamerson Library’s Book Club for Adults will meet in the Library’s community room at 5:30 pm. This month’s book is “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” by Rachel Joyce. Meet Harold Fry, recently retired. He lives in a small English village with his wife, Maureen, who seems irritated by almost everything he does, even down to how he butters his toast. Little differentiates one day from the next. Then one morning the mail arrives, and within the stack of quotidian minutiae is a letter addressed to Harold in a shaky scrawl from a woman he hasn’t seen or heard from in twenty years. Patrons 18+ years of age can find out more by picking up a copy and joining us for the Jamerson Library’s Book Club for Adults.

November 15th, Saturday – Jamerson Library’s Creative Class for Adults starting at 11:00 am in the community room. This month we will be introducing patrons 18+ years of age the art of scrapbooking and junk journaling. Just in time for the upcoming holidays, learn how to turn your photos and memorabilia into fun and crafty pages using fancy papers, stickers, glue, punches, and other embellishments to create your very own photo album / junk journal. You must be registered at: https://www.jrjml.org/adult-program-registration/ to attend.