Library Terrace Project Begins!
Big things are happening at the library! We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the Friends of the Staunton Library are undertaking a renovation of our backyard to create an accessible terrace for library events and public enjoyment. The project involves a makeover of the yard at the north end of the building to create a patio space, hardscape seating built into the hillside and a new accessible path to the raised terrace area.
On Tues., July 30, work began to remove some trees in preparation for this exciting project. Because of the scope of the project and to ensure that the area will be accessible to people who use wheelchairs, walkers and strollers, some of the existing trees must come out. The Friends have pledged to plant a new tree for each one that is removed as part of this renovation.
This project is made possible in its entirety by a generous estate gift left to the Friends of the Staunton Library by former Friends board member Julia Kiessling. Julia served on the Friends board from 2018 - 2019 and was the newsletter editor during her term. She enthusiastically gave her time and effort in support of the public library. We are humbled by her gift and grateful for the opportunity to use these funds to provide a revitalized and welcoming community space for the residents of Staunton.
We'll continue to post updates as this project progresses. For more information, read the full press release or visit the Terrace Project webpage.
Plan Your Next Outing
with SPL Culture Passes!
Do you have friends or family visiting? Are you planning a date night? With more than just books, Staunton Public Library gives you access to museums, theater and more. Check out these items at SPL with your library card and plan your next excursion!
Step into the life and times of one of America's most influential presidents. Immerse yourself in the World War I trench exhibit, take a peek at Wilson’s Pierce-Arrow limousine, walk the halls in the house where he was born and learn more about what makes Wilson a consequential and controversial president. Our newest culture pass grants admission for two adults to the guided manse tour and the self-guided museum tour at The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum. Passes can be checked out for one week to any Valley Libraries cardholder in good standing.
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Did you know you can check out a pass for free admission to the Frontier Culture Museum? Costumed interpreters show the life and customs of the indigenous Native American tribes in Virginia, the arrival of the German, English and Irish settlers along the Great Wagon Road and the painful journey of the enslaved Africans to the first permanent British colony in North America. Visitors may also interact with a blacksmith at an Irish Forge, woodworkers, tailors, and yarn spinners and learn how the early settlers of America cooked and worked the land.
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Be immersed in the plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries at the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre. Generously offered by the American Shakespeare Center, this pass allows adult borrowers in good standing to book two free seats for any showing on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday nights during the season. Passes are currently available for Macbeth and The Importance of Being Earnest.
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Sign up for Wowbrary to receive an email every Wednesday morning that features the library's newest titles. Be among the first to know what just hit the shelves! Or create a custom alert to find out when your favorite author publishes something new.
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Events sponsored by the Staunton Public Library are open to all and offered at no charge. The Library welcomes people of all abilities. Please alert us at least five business days in advance to request an accommodation.
Food may be served during some library programs; contact us if you have questions or concerns. Library events may be photographed and recorded for promotional materials for the City of Staunton and City-approved third parties.
For more information or assistance, please call 540.332.3902 or email us at library@ci.staunton.va.us.
Join Us Tomorrow for a Little Lunch Music:
Clymer & Kurtz
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Thurs., Aug. 1 at 12 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Meeting Room
Bring your lunch or enjoy pizza provided by the Friends of the Staunton Library while you listen to live music.
Singer-songwriters Maria Clymer and Christopher Kurtz present a melodic program of contemporary folk Americana music, featuring vocals, acoustic guitar, and piano. Their music has been described as " subtle and always imaginative."
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Wed., Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. & Thurs., Aug. 22 at 12 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Meeting Room
Visit the This is Home photojournalism exhibit at the Library in August, with two opportunities to attend the This is Home presentation by Staunton native Chris Lassiter of the Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge. Lunch provided by the Friends of the Staunton Library for Thursday’s event.
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Events for Adults
Adult programs take place in the 2nd Floor Meeting Room unless noted otherwise.
True Crime Discussion Club: Thurs., Aug. 1 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Discuss real-life cases, share recommendations, and more on the 1st Thursday of each month. Sponsored by the Friends of the Staunton Library.
The Woolpack, Yarncrafts Club: Mon., Aug. 12 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Bring your current knitting, crocheting or other fiber arts project and work together in good company. All skill levels are welcome. On the 2nd Monday of each month.
Geri-Fit: Exercise for Older Adults: Wednesdays, Aug. 14, 21, & 28 at 11 a.m. Designed exclusively for older adults, Geri-Fit helps rebuild strength that's been lost through the aging process. Having more muscle and strength helps ensure that we will have a higher level of function as we continue to age. Most exercises are done seated - no dancing or getting on the floor. Bring a set of light dumbbell weights, a resistance band and water. Weekly on Wednesdays. No Geri-Fit on Aug. 7.
Memory Cafe: Thurs., Aug. 15 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. Engage, enjoy, relax! A Memory Cafe is a fun-filled place for anyone with dementia or memory changes and their caregivers to help them remain socially engaged with others traveling the same journey. Enjoy conversation, activities, snacks, live music and more. Sponsored by Trinity Episcopal Church. On the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Adult Book Groups: Monthly selections are available to pick up at the 1st Floor Desk.
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Afternoon Classics: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Monthly selections from classics to drama to contemporary fiction.
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Great Books: 2nd Fridays at 2 p.m. Featuring the Great Books program set up by the University of Chicago. Come join us and add your insight to the discussion.
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Redbeard’s Readers: 3rd Sundays at 3 p.m. at Redbeard Brewing Company, 120 S. Lewis Street. You go. Read books. Drink beer. A variety of fiction and nonfiction selections. Ages 21+.
Teen and Tween Events
Teen Anime Club: Wednesdays, Aug. 7 & 21, 4 - 5 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Watch anime, read manga, play games and enjoy Japanese treats at this laid-back club for students in grades 6 - 12. Sponsored by the Friends of the Staunton Library. Ages 11 - 18
Children's Events
Please note: There will be no Children’s Programs the weeks of August 4 & 11. Kids’ programs resume August 19. Children's programs take place in the Ground Floor Program Room unless noted otherwise.
Weekly Events
Mother Goose Time: Mondays & Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. A short interactive program for ages 0 - 2 and their caregivers featuring songs, rhymes, puppets and board books.
Big Kid Books: Mondays & Wednesdays at 11 a.m. A fun interactive storytime for ages 3 - 5 and their caregivers featuring picture books, puppets and songs.
All Together Now: Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Children ages 0 - 5 and their caregivers will have a blast with our giant-sized story books, cuddly puppets and silly songs.
Sandbox Storytime: Tues., Aug. 27 at 10:30 a.m. at the NatureRidge Natural Playground at Montgomery Hall Park (weather permitting). For ages 0 - 5, families and caregivers.
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