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Director Martha Hutzel (Photo: CRRL)

After almost forty years, Library Director Martha Hutzel will retire from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) on Sept. 30. Hutzel was appointed director in 2016 after several prior positions at different library branches, including branch manager and head of circulation.

Hutzel said she was inspired to become a librarian “by [her] mother, who is still living at 102, and by [her] father, both of whom loved books and reading and set that example for their 13 children.” After completing chores on the dairy farm she grew up on, she and her siblings were allowed to read whatever they wanted. In the 1980s, Hutzel moved to Fredericksburg and immediately got a library card and part-time job at the Fredericksburg location. She said the staff “welcomed me with open arms and I fell into them.”

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The winners of the 2024 Claudia Emerson Teen Poetry Contest (Photo: CRRL)

Central Rappahannock Regional Library held its 21st annual Claudia Emerson Teen Poetry Contest in June.

The event was named in memory of Claudia Emerson, an advocate for teen poets.  Emerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former professor at the University of Mary Washington, played a key role in the annual Teen Poetry Contest. She judged the contest and hosted Teen Poetry Night, providing thoughtful feedback to young poets. In 2022, she was named a Changemaker in the Virginia Women in History program.

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The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) is gearing up to host its much-anticipated annual event, the 10th Annual CRRL-Con, at the Howell Branch Library in Stafford County. Scheduled for Saturday, May 18, from noon to 4 p.m., this event promises a jam-packed day of entertainment for comic enthusiasts of all ages.

Library spokesman Sean Bonney shared, "CRRL-Con has become a staple event in our community, bringing together fans of pop art, comics, anime, manga, and cosplay. It's a celebration of creativity and storytelling."

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

Stafford County Public Schools will commence kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 academic year on March 6. Parents and guardians of children who reach the age of five by September 30, 2024, are encouraged to complete the online registration process.

Several documents are requisite for enrollment, including a driver's license or photo ID for the parent or guardian, the child's official birth certificate, current physical and updated immunization records before the school's opening, and proof of residence or domicile. The latter entails providing a deed, lease, or tax bill, along with two additional current documents, such as utility bills tied to the home, employment verification, tax documents, or other official correspondences.

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Germanna Community College Barbara J. Fried Center in Stafford County.

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) is set to cease operations at the Barbara J. Fried Center Joint Use Branch on Friday, February 16, 2024. The decision, according to a library spokesman, stems from several factors.

Firstly, the library usage at the Barbara J. Fried Campus branch of Germanna Community College on Old Potomac Church Road, near Stafford Hospital, did not meet the anticipated levels. Additionally, the current Fried Center location is scheduled for closure in late 2024, with plans to relocate to a new site just off Route 610 in North Stafford. The library system already operates the Porter Branch Library, off Parkway Boulevard, near where the new campus will sit.

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

In a move to streamline its social media presence, Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) announced the deactivation of its X (formerly Twitter) account. The decision was made in response to low user engagement on the platform. Sean Bonney, a spokesman for the library, provided insight into the decision, stating, "CRRL focuses on connecting with users in our service region, and unfortunately, the X account did not generate the desired level of engagement."

According to Bonney, CRRL, which serves the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland, commits to reaching its community through various channels. While the X account has been deactivated, the library assured that its events, services, and news will continue to be actively promoted on CRRL's other social media accounts. There are no plans to add or remove any additional accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Flickr.

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

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library will reduce hours at some of its library locations.

Several area jurisdictions, including Stafford and Spotsylvania counties and Fredericksburg, contract with CRRL to provide library services.

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

Central Rappahannock Regional Library: "Bring your chairs or blankets to join us Monday nights at Fredericksburg Branch for Music on the Steps. This concert series, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, is in its 38th year and features a wide range of talent for relaxed summer evenings."

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

Prince William County Public Libary: "Prince William Public Libraries’ 2023 Summer Reading program is centered around kindness, friendship, and unity with the theme, “All Together Now.” From June 20 – August 20, come into any of our 12 libraries to register for Summer Reading. You can also register online at pwcva.gov/library or through the Beanstack Tracker app on your smartphone."

"This year’s Summer Reading program has something for all ages. Game cards are uniquely designed for Babies and Toddlers, Preschool – Grade 5, and Grades 6 – 12, with fun activities to complete that encourage participants to learn more about library services and programs and to read books to meet goals and win prizes. This year’s program also includes a challenge for adults by encouraging them to complete activities or read books all summer."

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