Central Rappahannock Regional Library Archives

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.”

Podcast

Summer Reading & 40 Years of Music on the Steps | Central Rappahannock Regional Library

By Potomac Local News

Published June 5, 2025 at 2:30PM

In this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, host Uriah Kiser sits down with Tracy McPeck and Darcy Caswell from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) to dive into the incredible programs happening this summer.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Art Exhibition Highlights Mental Health Recovery

By Potomac Local News

Published April 29, 2025 at 3:00PM

Rappahannock Area Community Services Board will present its “Art of Recovery” exhibition from May 2 to 31 at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library in Fredericksburg. The exhibit features artwork created by individuals living with mental health conditions and coincides with National Mental Health Month. An opening reception will be held on May 2 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Here’s the full press release:

Fredericksburg

Stafford Middle School Student Wins 2025 Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 4, 2025 at 1:31PM

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) hosted the 2025 Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 1, at James Monroe High School.

The competition, sponsored by Access Eye, Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, and the Kiwanis Club of Fredericksburg, featured 14 division winners from across the region.

Fredericksburg

2025 Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee Set for March 1

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 25, 2025 at 3:59PM

[Image: James Monroe High School]

Fifteen division winners from across the region will compete for a chance to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Access Eye, the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, and the Kiwanis Club of Fredericksburg sponsor this annual event.

CRRL has organized the Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee since 2017, continuing the tradition previously sponsored by The Free Lance-Star for many years.

News

Dr. Janet L. S. Brown-Page Appointed to Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 8, 2025 at 5:20PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:19AM

Dr. Janet L. S. Brown-Page has been appointed to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees to represent Stafford County. She replaces Mary Becelia, who was removed in 2024. The Board oversees library policies across Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland counties. Brown-Page, a retired federal senior manager and mediation expert, brings extensive experience in human and community relations. Her appointment follows the censure of Stafford Supervisor Monica Gary, accused of political maneuvering in Becelia’s removal.

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Business

A Creative Surprise: Metro Nova Designs a New Fundraising Initiative

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published February 7, 2025 at 9:00AM | Updated February 7, 2025 at 1:02PM

Metro Nova Creative is adding a creative twist to fundraising in downtown Fredericksburg: Business owner Dan Craddock announced that his team will surprise a different non-profit organization each quarter with unique designs on t-shirts, stickers, and merchandise.

Their first selection for 2025 is the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL). Fans can visit Metro Nova Creative’s online store each quarter of 2025 to see the latest designs for their new fundraising efforts, and to purchase the merchandise. The sales from the merchandise will go to the nonprofit to be used as needed.

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News

Stafford Board Names Janet Brown to Library Post, Apologizes to Former Member

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 22, 2025 at 5:11PM | Updated January 25, 2025 at 11:19AM

Janet Brown was appointed Stafford County’s citizen representative to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors during their January 21, 2025, meeting. Brown’s appointment comes as the county looks to strengthen ties with the regional library system and improve its collaborative efforts to enhance library services.

Brown, a longtime Stafford resident and active community member, brings a wealth of experience in civic engagement and public service. “I am honored to represent Stafford County and look forward to working with the library board to ensure our community has access to the best resources and services,” Brown stated following her appointment. Her term will begin immediately.

The appointment follows a challenging period for the county’s relationship with the library board. During the same meeting, Chairman Deuntay Diggs issued a public apology to former library board member Mary Becelia, who was removed from her position under allegations of misconduct.

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Breaking News

Central Rappahannock Regional Library to Close Early Wednesday Due to Icy Roads

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 8, 2025 at 2:57PM

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

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) will close all its locations early at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, citing icy road conditions that make travel hazardous. This decision follows a two-day closure of all CRRL locations earlier this week due to heavy snowfall that blanketed the region.

The library system made the announcement at midday on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of staff and patrons.

Breaking News

Central Rappahannock Regional Library to Remain Closed Tuesday

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 7, 2025 at 1:33PM

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) announced that all its locations will remain closed today, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, citing “continued dangerous road conditions.”

This decision comes after the library had initially planned to open at 1 p.m. on Tuesday following a delayed start due to inclement weather. The announcement was first made on Monday, January 6, in response to winter storms that have left roads icy and treacherous throughout the region.