Celebrate Virginia Authors at the 23rd Annual Literary Awards Virtual Events, October 13–17

The Library of Virginia Literary Awards, sponsored by Dominion Energy, will be held virtually this year with a week of author conversations and special events beginning Tuesday, October 13, 2020. Anchoring the week is the Library of Virginia Literary Awards Celebration on Saturday, October 17, with our nominated authors, presenters, special guests, and featured speaker Douglas Brinkley, a U.S. presidential historian and best-selling author.

The Library of Virginia Foundation has received over $15K in challenge support from some of our generous donors. That means your support is matched 1:1. Gifts help support programs, special projects, conservation efforts, and exhibitions. Those who wish to help us meet this challenge can contribute here.

Literary Awards Finalist Books Available at the Virginia Shop

Purchase a copy of your favorite 2020 Literary Awards finalist books online at the Virginia Shop.

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Don’t Miss the Final Virtual Voorhees Lecture of 2020

English Impressions of "Virginia" & Its Inhabitants before Jamestown: English Mapping & Iconography of the New World is the theme of the 17th Annual Alan M. and Nathalie P. Voorhees Lecture on the History of Cartography. The final lecture, 17th-Century Maps of Virginia, Maryland & the Southeast, 1590–1720, will be held on Thursday, October 22 with the Library’s senior map archivist, Cassandra Britt Farrell.

Senator Jennifer McClellan Leads a Panel Discussion on Voting Rights

Join Virginia State Senator Jennifer McClellan and historians Lauranett Lee and Megan Taylor-Shockley on Thursday, October 8, 2020, for a fascinating virtual talk on the timely topic of voting rights. Entitled “Unfinished Business: What the 19th Amendment Didn't Do,” this panel discussion explores the struggle for the vote that remained for many citizens after the passage of the 19th Amendment.

Happy Archives Month!

Every year during October, the archival community in the commonwealth celebrates American Archives Month to raise public awareness about the importance of preserving and sharing cultural and historical documents from families, communities, states, and the country at large. Archivists reach out to their communities during this month to make connections and educate the public about the value of archives and their work in caring for and making them accessible. Archives are unique assets that allow society to tell its story, hold governments accountable, and safeguard the rights of its citizens.

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From the UncommonWealth blog:

Are You Ready to Vote? How to Cast Your 2020 Ballot in Virginia

Citizens in the United States have many democratic principles and practices to be thankful for, and among these, voting in our elections remains an important direct means of expression. 2020 has changed so many methods of communication and voting may feel confusing. Social distancing raises many questions about how, where, and when to vote. The Library of Virginia created this guide to help you make sure you’re ready.

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