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The Library of Virginia e-Newsletter
April 2011


News

Click any excerpt below to read the full article.

Victoria's Secret Poetic Principles Moving to the Library of Virginia

Poet Kate Daniels will read from her work, answer questions, and sign books on April 27 as Poetic Principles takes up its new home at the Library of Virginia. Originally a program co-sponsored by New Virginia Review and the VMFA, which was the host of the events, the reading series will now take place at the Library, which has replaced the VMFA as co-sponsor and as host. New Virginia Review's role is unchanged. The program begins at 6 PM and is free and open to the public...

Remote Access to Databases

For many years, Library of Virginia users have enjoyed on-site access to the Historical Washington Post (1877–1994), Heritage Quest, Civil War Era, and American Periodical Series databases. The Library is now pleased to also offer remote access to these resources. From the Library’s Web site, select the appropriate subject category and link under Research Databases and eBooks and enter your Library of Virginia library card number when prompted...

Meet the Library's Docents

At some point, you have probably passed through the lobby of the Library of Virginia and witnessed a tour group following one of our docents. Patrons listen intently as our docents lead them through the Library's exhibitions, excitedly gesturing with their hands to make a point. Who are these volunteers who help make the history and exhibitions at the Library come to life? And what brought them here? We asked some of these docents to share a little about themselves...

Visit Your Local Library and Celebrate National Library Week April 10–16

Libraries across the commonwealth will be celebrating National Library Week from April 10 through 16. Sponsored by the American Library Association, National Library Week has been an annual celebration since 1958 of the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians. All types of libraries—school, public, academic, and special—participate. The theme this year is Create Your Own Story @ Your Library...

The Chesapeake Bay and the War of 1812 Exhibition Opens November 7

On November 7, 2011, the Library of Virginia will present The Chesapeake Bay and the War of 1812 to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and to explore the importance of the Chesapeake. The exhibition will address Virginia's role in the War of 1812, including the Chesapeake and Leopard affair of 1807 (impressment of American citizens as one cause of the war), the British blockade of the Chesapeake Bay, and the military engagement at Craney Island...

Papers of Genealogist Bayne Palmer O'Brien Available at the Library

The Library of Virginia recently acquired the papers of Bayne Palmer O'Brien (b. 1920), of Northumberland County and Richmond, Virginia, containing genealogical research she undertook on behalf of various clients, many of whom were seeking admission to a particular genealogical or patriotic society. The papers cover the years from 1962 until 2001...

Snapshot: A Day in the Life of Virginia's Libraries

Libraries all over Virginia will hold a “Snapshot Day” between April 17 and 30 to collect information and photographs that illustrate the impact that Virginia libraries make in their communities on a typical day...

Jewelry Sale Starts April 1

All jewelry in the Virginia Shop will be 20 percent off for the month of April—online and in the shop—including Virginia-made jewelry from local artists such as Susan Brookes Design and Historically Inspired Designs. This is high-quality, affordable, hand-crafted jewelry. No coupon necessary. This sale does not apply to state seal merchandise...

SHRAB Offers Training to Local Historical Societies

On May 9 the Virginia State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) will sponsor a free workshop at the Library of Virginia for active members, staff, and volunteers of Virginia’s local historical societies...

Virginia Memory's Digital Collections and Civil War 150 Legacy Project Make Oxford's Favs List

Virginia’s history and culture have always been of interest to people around the world. Through the Library of Virginia’s acclaimed Virginia Memory Web site, the reach of the Library and its incomparable collections has grown. On February 18, our Virginia Memory: Digital Collections and Virginia Memory: CW 150 Legacy Project sites were featured on the "delicious" page of the Web site for the...

IMLS to Develop Guidelines for Public Access Technology Needs

“What are the characteristics of a successful digitally-inclusive community?" More than 70 organizations with deep knowledge about public access technology and the diverse educational and information needs of communities will spend the next few weeks considering that question...
Fun & Free at the Library
All events are free and take place from noon until 1 PM in the conference rooms at the Library of Virginia unless otherwise noted.

For specific locations, times, and details on the events listed below please visit our calendar of events. For more information, call 804-692-3592.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Time: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
2011 Voorhees Cartography Lecture
The 2011 Voorhees Lecture features two speakers. Richard W. Stephenson, retired Library of Congress specialist in American cartographic history, will discuss "Jed Hotchkiss and Albert Campbell: The Army of Northern Virginia's Preeminent Mapmakers." Cassandra Farrell, Library of Virginia map specialist and senior research archivist, will speak on "Highlights from the Library of Virginia's American Civil War Map Collection." There will be a special one-day exhibition of maps relating to the talks, as well as behind-the-scenes tours of the Library. The exhibition will be open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and the lectures will begin at 1:00 PM. The event is free and box lunches will be available for purchase at noon. To register, please call 804-692-3813.

Virginia Convention (1861: Richmond), Records, 1861—1961 (bulk 1861), Accession 40586, State Government Records Collection, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia Saturday, April 16, 2011

Time: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Place: Lobby
Display of the Ordinance of Secession
The Library of Virginia houses a unique and important document related to Virginia’s Civil War history—the Ordinance of Secession. Because of its age and fragile condition, this rare piece of Virginia history is rarely on public display.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Time: 2:00–3:00 PM
Place: Live broadcast on WCVE Richmond PBS
A Commonwealth in Crisis: The Virginia Secession Debates
In recognition of the 150th anniversary of Virginia's secession from the United States, William W. Freehling, historian and author, will discuss the debates and the significance of the Virginia Convention of 1861. The event will include a reenactment of speeches made as Virginia’s leaders wrestled with the question of whether secession was wise, legal, necessary, or in Virginia’s interest. This program is being filmed for live broadcast on WCVE Richmond PBS. Sponsored by the Community Idea Stations.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

A Look Inside the Civil War 150 Legacy Project
Laura Drake Davis and Renee Savits, archivists for the Civil War 150 Legacy Project, will discuss this exciting partnership between the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission and the Library of Virginia to locate and scan privately held original manuscript material concerning the Civil War.

Victoria's Secret Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Time: 6:00–7:00 PM
Poetic Principles Featuring Poet Kate Daniels
Kate Daniels, a Richmond-born poet and graduate of the University of Virginia, will read from her work, answer questions, and sign books as Poetic Principles takes up its new home at the Library of Virginia. An associate professor of English at Vanderbilt, Daniels was recently named the winner of the 2011 Hanes Award for Poetry by the Fellowship of Southern Writers for her work to date. She is the author of A Walk in Victoria's Secret (2010), Four Testimonies (1998), The Niobe Poems (1988), and The White Wave (1984). Originally a program co-sponsored by New Virginia Review and the VMFA, which was the host of the events, the reading series will now take place at the Library, which has replaced the VMFA as co-sponsor and as host.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Researching Your Civil War Ancestor
William B. Bynum, reference archivist at the Library of Virginia, will discuss sources and strategies for finding information on Civil War soldiers in the collections of the Library of Virginia, including federal records, private papers, and publications, both printed and electronic.

Soul of a People Thursday, April 28, 2011

Time: 5:30–7:30 PM
Place: The Virginia Shop
"Books on Broad" Featuring David A. Taylor: Soul of a People
David A. Taylor, whose articles have appeared in Smithsonian and the Washington Post, will join us to discuss his book Soul of a People: The WPA Writer’s Project Uncovers Depression America, a 2010 Virginia Literary Awards Finalist. His work was made into a documentary by the Smithsonian Channel, a segment of which will be shown during Books on Broad. Light refreshments (wine and cheese) will be served from 5:30 to 6:15 PM, followed by author talk and documentary from 6:15 to 7:15 PM, and book signing from 7:15 to 7:30 PM.

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