J. Robert Jamerson Library: A place for all!

Have you been to the local library lately? Have you ever been? If the answer to either of those questions is “no,” then… you gotta ask… “why not?”

The J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library (AKA Jamerson Memorial Library) has an awesome array of resources that are useful for everyone in the community!

Where to begin?!

Did you know that the Library has public gatherings for people of all ages? For pre-school aged children, the Library holds a weekly story and craft time where parents and toddlers can open their imaginations through the hearing of a story, and participating in a hands-on craft activity that’s relevant to each week’s theme!

These stories and activities are led by local civic groups and business representatives that enjoy community outreach. (Writer’s note: If this sounds like something your group or business would like to participate in, contact the Library for more information. It’s a fun and easy way to connect with the community!)

Additionally, the Library offers a “1,000 Things Before Kindergarten” program, as well as a Monthly Movie Matinee that’s appealing to all ages, (and is suitable for small children.)

For elementary age children as well as teens, the Library offers a monthly STEAM meeting (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) where students can had fun while learning!

The Library also offers a summer reading program in which students can earn tickets for reading throughout the summer. Later, they can turn the tickets in— in exchange for cool prizes. Reading not only occupies students’ minds during the summer, it also helps lessen the rate of summer learning loss (where students forget what they’ve learned during summer break.)

The library offers a program for adults called “Library For All.” Anyone is welcome to participate in this program, and there is a special invitation for senior citizens as well as those with physical or mental limitations to attend. This program involves making a craft to the best of one’s ability while enjoying the company of others as they complete their craft projects, too. The crafts can be as simple or as intricate as each participant would like to make it. The “Library For All” program gives anyone interested the opportunity to socialize, be creative, and have fun!

You may not even know…

Even if you never check out one book from the Library, you should get a Library card. Here’s why:

The Library offers so many cool things that are online for their members to experience!

For example… there are over 600 online classes available for free for Library cardholders! Classes are available in accounting, business basics, computer training, homeschooling, language arts, “how to”, self help, and more! Some of the classes are just for fun, some offer continuing education points, and others offer certificates upon completion. How cool is that?

Another neat feature on the Library’s website is the Libby program. You can choose from all kinds of online books to borrow (for 14 days or 21days at a time). You can read them on an internet browser, on a Kindle device, or you can download them to your computer. There’s also a great selection of audiobooks to choose from! And, it’s all free with your Library card!

Maybe books aren’t your thing. Do you enjoy looking through magazines? Through the Library’s website, jrjml.org, you can sign up for “Magzter Library", which is an app you can download that offers loads of popular magazines which you can flip through. (Writer’s note: I must admit that I got totally sidetracked discovering the magazines on this app while preparing for this article!) This app normally requires a paid subscription, but it’s free for anyone holding a library card through J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library!

There is a long list of other really cool resources that are free for you when you hold a Library card! From live homework help, to free access of Virginia legal forms, or connecting with a certified career coach, the list is extensive!! Download this clickable PDF to discover all that Jamerson Memorial Library has to offer… and, remember, it’s all available to you for free!

Library Resources.pdf

Download PDF • 93KB

(Download this Resource Guide with links to all kinds of free resources through the Library!)

Visit The Library Today!

To join the library, you must be 18 years old, or older, and live in the state of Virginia. You will need to provide an ID with your current address (or proof of your current address if the address on your ID is not current.) Minors can receive a library card when a parent or guardian applies on their behalf.

The Library’s conference room is available for meetings and not-for-profit purposes. That means, you can’t sell anything in the Library, but your business or organization can offer free community classes or hold meetings in this space. Just call the library at 434-352-5340 to reserve a time!

As of late 2022, the Library has become a fine-free library! That’s right! No more late fees when you return your books a few days late! Instead, if you borrow library-owned materials and they become 90-days overdue, you are then responsible for purchasing the item(s) from the Library at full replacement price. This gives most patrons a relief from paying those small fines for returning materials a few days late, and it helps the Library cover costs to replace items that have been permanently lost by its patrons.

Did you know…? The Library also has several computers that you can use for a variety of reasons: typing school papers, internet research, printing (for a small cost) and more! (Patrons ages 12 and under must have a parent or guardian in the building while they use the computer.) To gain access to a Library computer, simply check in at the front desk when you arrive. If you have your own laptop or device, you can also make good use of the Library’s free Wi-Fi!

Stop in and visit the Library when you have some free time. There are all kinds of neat collections (arrowheads, plants, natural artifacts) to see when you visit. The library is filled with books (including board books, fiction, nonfiction, juvenile nonfiction, large print, audio books), DVDs (including documentaries, televisions series, feature films, children’s collections, and more!)

You can also borrow craft kits including crochet kits, bow-making kits, as well as kits for making cake pops, paper beads and friendship bracelets! For young kids, there are two Leapfrog entertainment systems that can be borrowed, which are filled with pre-programmed educational games!

Borrowing materials from the library is a great way to keep yourself educated and entertained. During a time when everything else seems so expensive, the Library is a great resource, located right in heart of town (and online!) where great resources are offered to you FOR FREE!

The J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library is located at 157 Main Street in Appomattox. You can reach them by phone at 434-352-5340. Visit their website at jrjml.org to view more of their online resources. Find and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can also reach Katharine Bloodworth, the Library’s Public Services Specialist by email at katharine@jrjml.org.

Library Hours:

Monday & Friday

9:30am - 5pm

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9:30am - 8pm

Saturday

9:30am - 1pm