Central Rappahannock Regional Library Archives

Published March 4, 2026 at 7:00AM

[Photo: CRRL]

Sponsored by the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, Kiwanis Club of Fredericksburg, and Access Eye, and presented by the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, the event brought together 14 top spellers from Caroline, Colonial Beach, Culpeper, Fauquier, Fredericksburg, King George, Orange, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland counties. Contestants represented public schools, private schools, and home schools.

Mensah secured victory by correctly spelling “ahimsa” in the final round. The Sanskrit word refers to the doctrine of non-violence, or refraining from harming others or taking life—a principle central to philosophies like Jainism, Hinduism, and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

Fredericksburg

CRRL Libraries To Close Early Monday

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 2, 2026 at 11:39AM

Central Rappahannock Regional Library Porter Branch sits at 2001 Parkway Boulevard in North Stafford.

Central Rappahannock Regional Library locations scheduled to remain open past 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, will instead close at 5 p.m. due to continued weather impacts, and the Belmont satellite location will be closed.

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Weather

Libraries Close Tuesday Due to Weather

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 26, 2026 at 6:00PM

Central Rappahannock Regional Library Howell Branch in Stafford County.

“All library locations will be closed Tuesday, January 27, due to inclement weather,” Central Rappahannock Regional Library announced. “You can still check out eBooks, eAudio, streaming video, and more from our digital collection.”

The library system encouraged patrons to use its online resources while physical branches remain closed, directing users to librarypoint.org/ebooks for access to digital materials.

Weather

Libraries Closed but Digital Access Remains

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2026 at 1:47PM

Central Rappahannock Regional Library Porter Branch sits at 2001 Parkway Boulevard in North Stafford.

“All library locations are closed Monday, January 26, due to inclement weather,” Central Rappahannock Regional Library posted. “You can still check out eBooks, eAudio, streaming video, and more from our digital collection.”

While physical branches are closed, library users can continue to access digital materials online, including books, audiobooks, and streaming content, through the library’s website.

Fredericksburg

Your Library Has a Maker Lab? Fredericksburg’s Idea Space Turns 5

By Potomac Local News

Published December 16, 2025 at 3:58PM

What does a public library look like when it becomes a hands-on hub for creativity, media production, and lifelong learning?

In this episode of PLN, Potomac Local News founder and publisher Uriah Kiser is joined by Simon Watts, Maker Lab Specialist at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, to talk about Idea Space—the library’s maker and media facility in downtown Fredericksburg—as it marks five years of serving the community.

Features

Central Rappahannock Regional Library Hosts Ninth Annual Rappahannock Writers’ Conference

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 6, 2025 at 8:13AM

“The conference will feature keynote speeches from Austin S. Camacho, author of the Hannibal Jones mystery series and the Stark & O’Brien adventure series, and New York Times-bestselling author and Emmy and Writer’s Guild of America-nominated writer-producer Tom Straw,” Central Rappahannock Regional Library announced.

The daylong event will be held Saturday, November 8, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Germanna Community College’s Fredericksburg Area Campus, Workforce and Technology Center. Sessions will include “Books and Beasties,” “Why Your Second Draft Should Be the First Time You Start to Self-Edit,” and “The Intersection of Fiction and Nonfiction—How to Blend Genres and Keep Readers Hooked.”

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg library celebrates completion of new elevator project

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 26, 2025 at 6:00PM

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library Fredericksburg Branch at 1201 Caroline Street.

“We’re excited to share that Fredericksburg Branch’s elevator replacement is finished, and the new elevator is OPEN for rides—and selfies!” the Central Rappahannock Regional Library announced. “The Library gives a huge thank-you to the City of Fredericksburg’s Public Works Department for ensuring the smooth coordination of this project.”

Features

CRRL staff explore the legacy of Universal’s Classic Monsters

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2025 at 9:03PM

Central Rappahannock Regional Library Porter Branch sits at 2001 Parkway Boulevard in North Stafford.

“Discover the world of Universal’s Classic Monsters through these blogs written by library staff,” the Central Rappahannock Regional Library shared.

The featured blog series delves into the history and cultural impact of Universal’s iconic movie monsters—including Dracula, Frankenstein’s creature, the Mummy, and the Wolf Man—highlighting how these early horror films shaped cinema and continue to inspire today’s storytelling. The posts are part of CRRL’s adult reading and film appreciation offerings available through its Explore platform.

Fredericksburg

Christy Maupin Named Chair of Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board

By Press Release

Published October 2, 2025 at 8:41AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Christy Maupin of Westmoreland County has been named Chair of Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Board of Trustees, succeeding David Ross. Dr. Janet Brown-Page of Stafford County will serve as Vice Chair.

In the past 27 years, Christy Maupin has resided in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, ultimately setting in Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County. She is well acquainted with the region the library system serves. Before retiring, Ms. Maupin gained 30 years of experience as a technical writer and editor, as well as serving as an instructional developer for adult learners.

Stafford

Howell Branch Celebrates 15 Years of Service

By Press Release

Published September 24, 2025 at 6:00PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s William J. Howell Branch is celebrating 15 years of service on Thursday, October 9. A brief ceremony with refreshments will be held at 4 p.m. The branch is located at 806 Lyons Boulevard in Stafford County. Howell Branch’s anniversary celebration is open to the public and free of charge.

Opened in 2010 as England Run Branch, the library was renamed in 2018 to honor William J. Howell, retired Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates and Stafford County resident. “Over the last 15 years, Howell Branch has become a community hub for inspiration, learning, and connection,” said Executive Director Rebecca Purdy. “The branch has grown and thrived—thanks to the incredible support from Stafford County.”