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Images of attendees at First Fridays

Virginia Literary Awards Adds a New Children’s Literature Award

In partnership with William & Mary Libraries, the Library of Virginia is accepting nominations for a new award honoring excellence in the field of children’s literature with a focus on Virginia. The Children’s Virginia Literary Award will recognize picture books and middle-grade works for reading levels up to age 12, and will be presented at the Library's annual Virginia Literary Awards.
 
Fiction or nonfiction books by authors with a connection to Virginia and books set in Virginia are eligible for the award, which includes a $2,500 monetary prize. Nominations are due by March 31, 2024.

Nominations for the Virginia Literary Awards for fiction, nonfiction and poetry are due by March 1, 2024.

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Swearing in photograph

Mary S. Prentice (left) is sworn in as a new member of the Library of Virginia Board by Kelly Gee (right), Secretary of the Commonwealth, in December at the Patrick Henry Building in Richmond.

Mary S. Prentice Appointed to Library Board

Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed Mary S. Prentice, of Lynchburg, an associate professor at Liberty University’s Helms School of Government, to the Library of Virginia Board on Dec. 1, 2023. Dr. Prentice has a doctorate in political science from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in library science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She has taught library science collection development and management and information literacy courses at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Florida State University; and the University of Maryland Global Campus. We welcome her to the Library! 

 
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Images of attendees at First Fridays

First Fridays at LVA Continue in 2024

Quarterly First Fridays events at the Library of Virginia return on Feb. 2 with the theme Virginia Stories: Portraits. Join us at 5 p.m. to view a display by Virginia artists as well as related items from our collections. You can also create shadow portraits in our makerspace, enjoy refreshments, explore our Indigenous Perspectives exhibition and visit the Virginia Shop for books and gifts. For more information, contact Nan Carmack at 804.692.3792 or nan.carmack@lva.virginia.gov.

To submit artwork for the Library's First Fridays events, please complete this application.

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AI generated image combined with historic document

Envision Your Ancestors

with AI

Imagine ancestors who would never have had their portrait painted or photograph taken in a free hands-on workshop on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 10 a.m. Participants will learn about Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative project and other historic records in the Library’s collections and then experiment with artificial intelligence image-generating tools using descriptions from the records. Participants may either bring their own historic records describing ancestors or use a description from the Virginia Untold records during the hands-on portion.

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Visitors browse the Indigenous Perspectives exhibition

Visit Indigenous Perspectives in the Exhibition Gallery

Our free multimedia exhibition at the Library of Virginia highlights the commonwealth’s Indigenous history and how the tribes remain a vital part of Virginia’s culture today. Indigenous Perspectives, which continues through Aug. 17, 2024, explores the voices and experiences of Virginia’s tribal communities. 

View excerpts from video interviews with citizens of Virginia’s tribes, archival records from the Library’s collection that were collaboratively selected by the tribes and Library staff members, and objects contributed by the tribes — such as eel pots, regalia and quilts — that reflect their traditions and culture. Citizens of the 11 federally and state-recognized tribes in Virginia shared their perspectives on related items in the collections, which include maps, treaties, land records and other governing documents.

Indigenous Perspectives is presented by Amazon, with additional support from the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, Virginia Humanities, and the Anne Carter Robins and Walter R. Robins Jr. Foundation.

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Can Can Cafe salad

Warm Up with Coffee and a Sweet or Savory Treat at Can Can Café

Enjoy coffee, fresh-baked pastries, soup, salad, sandwiches and more at Can Can Café at the Library of Virginia! Place your order online and skip the line for pickup! Online ordering is available during the Café’s regular hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. And don’t forget to take advantage of the free parking in our underground garage. 

Order Here
 
LEARN ABOUT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE LIBRARY
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Tuesday, Jan. 16

Common Ground Virginia History Book Group | 24 Hours in Charlottesville

Saturday, Jan. 20

Making History with LVA (In-Person)

 
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Our Contact Information
The Library of Virginia Foundation
800 E. Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
804-692-3900
https://www.lva.virginia.gov/

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