Appointments No Longer Required!

Good news! As of Friday, May 28, 2021, appointments are no longer needed to use our 2nd-floor reading rooms. We can’t wait to welcome more of you back to the building. The Library is currently open Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, which includes the Virginia Shop. The Library follows health and safety protocols based on the latest guidance from the Governor’s Office, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Face coverings are encouraged in the building—fully vaccinated visitors are not required to wear them, but are welcome to do so. Our Special Collections Reading Room still requires an appointment (call 804.692.3703 or email specialcoll@lva.virginia.gov).

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Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Virginia Constitution

The current version of the Constitution of Virginia, which went into effect on July 1, 1971, replaced a regressive constitution that had been in place since 1902 and marked an important step forward for all Virginians. The Library is partnering with others across the state this year in engaging Virginians in thoughtful reflection about our constitution and its advances in civil rights, local government, education, and environmental conservation. Learn more here. Join us as we celebrate the 50th anniversary with an in-person panel discussion on Thursday, July 1, 2021, and a three-day display (June 29–July 1, 2021, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM) of original copies of Virginia’s Constitutions of 1776, 1869, 1902, and 1971.

PANEL DISCUSSION
Looking Back, Looking Forward:

The 50th Anniversary of the Virginia Constitution
Thursday, July 1, 2021 | 3:30–5:00 PM

Library of Virginia Lecture Hall | Free

A. E. Dick Howard (Warner-Booker Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Virginia) moderates a conversation about the advances made possible by Virginia’s current constitution and the work that still remains. The panel includes Henry L. Chambers Jr. (professor of law, University of Richmond), Catherine Ward (University of Virginia School of Law, Class of 2022), and Brian Cannon (director of campaigns, Institute for Political Innovation). Limited seating is available. This event will also be live-streamed—watch for details to come.

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Summer Reading & Meals Programs Serve Virginia Communities

Virginia's public libraries continue to pivot to serve their communities and ensure that children keep reading and learning all summer long. Summer reading programs prevent summer learning loss and promote individual exploration among students. This year's summer reading program theme, "Tails and Tales," encourages readers of all ages to explore the animal kingdom through fiction and nonfiction. Check with your local public library for details about specific program plans. This program is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Virginia's public libraries also help provide summertime food security through collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education. This year, meal programs funded by No Kid Hungry will vary from site drive-by distribution to supporting school bus route delivery of food and books. Text "food" to 877-877 to find a meal program near you.

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Governor Northam Announces Library of Virginia Board Appointments

Governor Ralph Northam recently announced new appointments to the Library Board. Barbara Vines Little, of Orange, has been reappointed to a second term on the board. The governor has also appointed two new members, Dr. Robert L. Canida II, of Lynchburg, and Lana Real, of Aylett, to their first terms on the board. Dr. Canida, who worked for many years at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, currently serves as the diversity and inclusion officer for the University of Lynchburg. Real, who moved to Virginia last year from Arizona, is a library media specialist for the King William County Public Schools. We are delighted to welcome them to the Library Board.

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