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Homefront to Frontline Exhibition Extended Through Nov. 26 |
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“Homefront to Frontline: Virginia’s WWII Story” has been extended into November. This lobby display, online exhibition and collection of online resources commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II explores the personal war stories, sacrifices and contributions of Virginians. Archival materials, posters, photographs, letters and documents bring to life the experiences of those who served in the military as well as those who supported the war effort at home. Visit by Nov. 26, 2025, to view the lobby display. |
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Nominations for the 2026 Virginia Literary Awards & Art In Literature Award Are Now Open |
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Nominations are now open for the 2026 Virginia Literary Awards and the Art In Literature: The Mary Lynn Kotz Award. The Virginia Literary awards honor Virginia writers and celebrate their contributions to literature. Recognizing Virginia authors in the categories of nonfiction, fiction, poetry and children's literature — and to nonfiction authors for works about a Virginia subject as well — the awards are presented at an annual gala that has become the Library's signature event and an eagerly anticipated cultural tradition in Richmond.
Art In Literature: The Mary Lynn Kotz Award, presented in conjunction with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, recognizes an outstanding book written primarily in response to a work (or works) of art while also demonstrating literary quality on its own merit. The Kotz Award submission deadline is Dec. 31, 2025, while the submission deadline for the other Virginia Literary Awards categories is March 1, 2026. |
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| Student Creative Expressions Contest Submissions Due Nov. 16 |
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| High school students in Virginia are invited to participate in Dominion Energy’s and the Library of Virginia’s 2026 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Student Creative Expressions Contest. In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, students will honor outstanding African Americans from our Strong Men & Women biographies who have worked tirelessly to make the promise of certain unalienable rights — life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness among them — a reality. Contest entry formats include creative writing, performance or digital projects. Submissions are due Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. Winners will receive an Apple MacBook Air and $1,000 for their schools. |
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Virtual Talk Examines Redlining in New Deal America |
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| Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at noon for a free virtual talk on the digital resource “Mapping Inequality: Redlining in New Deal America” presented by Robert K. Nelson, the project’s director. Hosted through the University of Richmond, the project features interactive versions of 1930s redlining maps produced by the federal government. This event is part of the Library's programming related to our exhibition “House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History,” on view through Feb. 28, 2026. Exhibition-related programming is provided with support from Virginia Humanities and the Mellon Foundation. |
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| Historian Gregory Wilson To Discuss the Kepone Environmental Disaster |
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| In December 1975, Virginia Governor Mills Godwin closed the James River to fishing in response to the Kepone environmental disaster caused by pesticide contamination. Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at noon for a free talk by historian Gregory Wilson, author of “Poison Powder: The Kepone Disaster in Virginia and Its Legacy,” exploring Kepone's impact on Virginia’s environment in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the disaster. This event is co-sponsored by the James River Association and the Virginia Environmental Endowment. |
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Film Screening & Discussion Explore Stories of Displacement |
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| Join us on Friday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. for a free screening of the documentary film “Rock Castle Home” followed by a discussion with the film’s director and executive producer, Charles D. Thompson Jr. In the mid-1930s, Rock Castle Gorge became part of the National Park Service’s plan to lure tourists to the newly constructed Blue Ridge Parkway, requiring the farm families living there to be moved. Rock Castle descendants today work to hold onto their past through photographs and stories. This event is part of the Library's programming related to the exhibition “House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History,” on view through Feb. 28, 2026. Exhibition-related programming is provided with support from Virginia Humanities and the Mellon Foundation. |
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“House to Highway” Symposium Recordings Available for Viewing |
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The Library of Virginia hosted a free day-long symposium on Oct. 25 inspired by the exhibition “House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History,” which explored themes such as urban renewal, historic preservation and Black history. Sessions included presentations from historians, a workshop on historic preservation and a panel discussion on grassroots historic preservation efforts. “House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History” is on view at the Library through Feb. 28, 2026. Exhibition-related programming is provided with support from Virginia Humanities and the Mellon Foundation. Recordings of the day’s event are available for viewing and you can see photos from the day here. |
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| Yearbook images from Highland Springs High School, 1976 (top), and Thomas Edison High School, 1974 (bottom). |
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| Collections Highlight: Virginia Yearbooks Digital Collection |
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| In 2025, 151 yearbooks from high schools across the Commonwealth have been added to the Virginia Yearbooks Digital Collection, with another 50 scheduled to be added by the end of the year. These include scans of yearbooks from the collections of Virginia Beach Public Library, Richmond Public Library and the Library of Virginia. Thank you to Lyrasis and the Institute of Museum and Library Services for their continued support of this project! |
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| Bring Virginia Home for the Holidays |
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| Wrap up something truly special this season! At the Virginia Shop, you’ll find unique holiday gifts — local flavors, Virginia-made goods, books, ornaments and one-of-a-kind treasures you won’t find anywhere else. Make your holiday shopping a celebration of Virginia! Visit in person Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or shop online anytime! |
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