April 2019 Newsletter

2019 Voorhees Lecture Features Pictorial Maps

The Fry-Jefferson Map Society hosts the 16th Annual Alan M. and Nathalie P. Voorhees Lecture on the History of Cartography on Saturday, April 27, 2019, with a focus on “Pictorial Maps: The Art, History, and Culture of this Popular Map Genre." Dr. Stephen J. Hornsby, director of the Canadian-American Center and professor of geography and Canadian studies at the University of Maine, will be the featured speaker. His most recent book, Picturing America: The Golden Age of American Pictorial Maps, outlines the development of this cartographic form, highlights several pictorial map artists, describes the process of creating a pictorial map, and discusses the significance of this map form to the history of Western cartography. Eliane Dotson, owner of Old World Auctions and president of the Washington Map Society, will present “Putting the 'Art' Back in Cartography," discussing various types of pictorial maps and what makes them so collectable. Additional programming throughout the day includes tours, a map exhibition, a workshop, and map appraisals. Register here: https://bit.ly/2HHhvnZ. For more information, download our flyer, or contact Dawn Greggs at 804.692.3813 or dawn.greggs@lva.virginia.gov.

Anne & Ryland Brown Teacher Enrichment Fund Supports Professional Opportunities

2019 Teacher Institute

Join Library of Virginia staff members and guest speakers for the Anne & Ryland Brown Teacher Institute, Thursday–Friday, August 1–2, 2019. This year's event will examine the history of women and their impact on the commonwealth, with a particular focus on suffrage and women’s role in social reforms. Teachers will explore how to use primary sources to enhance student learning in their classrooms, discover new digital resources, and learn about the lives of women who have shaped more than 400 years of history in anticipation of the Library’s upcoming exhibition on the suffrage movement, on display January 13–December 5, 2020. For more information or to register, visit the Brown Institute web page.

2019 Teacher Research Fellowship

Now in its 10th year, the Library of Virginia's Anne & Ryland Brown Teacher Research Fellowship was established to enhance knowledge and training in history and social science instruction in Virginia. Open to Virginia 4th–12th grade history and social science educators, the program provides an opportunity for in-depth study and the development of teaching materials in collaboration with members of the Library of Virginia’s professional staff. Over the course of the summer, Brown Fellows research a selected topic and produce educational materials based on the results of their findings. This year's focus is the history of women and their impact on the commonwealth, in support of the Library's upcoming exhibition. The application deadline is Sunday, May 11, 2019. To apply or find more information, visit the Brown Fellowship web page.

For questions about either program, contact Catherine Fitzgerald Wyatt, Education and Outreach manager, at catherine.wyatt@lva.virginia.gov or 804.692.3999.

Tier 7 Café at the Library of Virginia Opens Monday, April 15

Looking for lunch in downtown Richmond? Now you've got more options. Tier 7 Café launches at the Library of Virginia on April 15, 2019, with 10:00 AM–3:00 PM hours, Monday through Friday. Owner Tierra Terrell, who also owns Tier 7 Eatery within the Petersburg Public Library, says the café will offer "mouth-watering meals made from fresh, local ingredients."

Library visitors and staff members—as well as Capitol Square area workers and visitors—have missed having a spot for coffee or lunch within the building since the Discovery Café closed last July.

Tier 7 Café's menu choices will include salads, sandwiches, and smoothies, with favorites like crab cake sandwiches and shrimp wraps, turkey and vegan burgers, and a signature chopped salad. "Whatever you’re craving, you’ll surely find a dish to love," said Terrell. "Our goal is to serve downtown Richmond with healthy, delicious dishes and a warm, inviting atmosphere."

As an opening day offer, the café will cover meal taxes in honor of tax day, April 15. Discount cards for frequent purchases are also in the works. Tier 7 Café is now hiring. Job applicants can apply at Tier7jobs@gmail.com.

Find It Virginia Supports English-Language Learners

Find It Virginia has many digital resources to help new Virginians learn English, prepare to become citizens, and gain a deeper understanding of American culture. The following resources are available to all Virginians on www.FindItVa.com.

• Rocket Languages helps new Virginians learn English online in a self-paced platform in two languages: Spanish and Chinese. For those with basic English skills and/or who speak languages other than Spanish and Chinese, there is an easy-to-understand version in English. Rocket Languages works best when used in an environment in which a student can practice speaking aloud—requiring a microphone-enabled device.
• ReadIt! is an information database where new Virginians can find short articles on topical subjects. The translate "button" automatically translates any article into any language from its drop-down menu. Content categories include Civics and Culture, Life Skills (including citizenship requirements, etiquette, currency, etc.), Literature and Science, and Current Events.
• Universal Class options include ESL (English as a second language) Basic Grammar, ESL Basic Writing Skills, and U.S. Citizenship Test Preparation. These courses are in English with both written and video presentations of the material.

Find It Virginia, provided by the Library of Virginia, is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Rocket Languages and Universal Class require a Virginia public library card. For more information, contact your local public library or Nan Carmack at nan.carmack@lva.virginia.gov or 804.692.3792.

Show Your Support on National Library Giving Day – April 10

There's no better way to celebrate National Library Week—April 7–13, 2019—than by making a donation on National Library Giving Day, Wednesday, April 10. The Library of Virginia is part of a coalition of libraries joining forces to raise funds through an inaugural Library Giving Day campaign. This one-day online fundraising event reminds us that libraries serve as cornerstones for our communities and encourages patrons and library lovers to support their favorite libraries. Beyond well-loved books, many libraries offer innovative programs that promote lifelong learning, connect patrons to technology, and advance knowledge. Join the Library of Virginia on National Library Giving Day! We encourage you to make a gift in support of the Library of Virginia anytime through April 10 by visiting this special donation page.

Any amount is greatly appreciated. Donations starting at $50 provide all the benefits that come with membership, including an annual print subscription to Broadside, our quarterly magazine; 10 percent off all purchases at the Virginia Shops; and invitations to special members-only events and programs.

If you miss April 10, you'll have another wonderful donation opportunity on May 15—the Library of Virginia’s Third Annual Giving Day, which marks the anniversary of the dedication of the Library's current building at 800 East Broad Street. Look for more details soon.