Central Rappahannock Regional Library

Fredericksburg

Library Director Rebecca Purdy to Host Community Meet-and-Greets

By Uriah Kiser

Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) invites the public to attend Community Meet-and-Greet events with newly appointed Executive Director Rebecca Purdy. As she steps into her new role, Purdy is eager to hear feedback from the community and answer questions about how the library system can continue to serve the region effectively.

Purdy, a longtime CRRL staff member, brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the library system. During her recent interview with Potomac Local News, she shared insights into her vision for the library’s future, highlighting plans to build on successful programs like the “Library on the Go” initiative and expand access to innovative technologies, such as 3D printers and other maker lab resources.

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Originals

Stafford County Board of Supervisors Seeks More Financial Data from Rappahannock Regional Library

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

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors requests additional financial transparency from the Rappahannock Regional Library system.

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Fredericksburg

Library Board of Trustees Elects Chair and Vice Chair, Appoints Executive Director

By Aya Karouane
Rebecca Purdy was appointed Executive Director of the Central Rappahanock Regional Library System [Photo: CRRL]

Press Release:

Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Board of Trustees held elections at their September 9 quarterly meeting and elected David Ross as Chair and Christy Maupin as Vice Chair.

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Fredericksburg

CRRL Director Martha Hutzel to Retire After Nearly 40 Years of Service

By Kelly Sienkowski

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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Fredericksburg

21st Annual Claudia Emerson Teen Poetry Contest Celebrates Young Poets

By Kelly Sienkowski
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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Features

CRRL-Con Returns: Howell Branch Library to Host 10th Annual Comic Convention

By Uriah Kiser

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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News

Stafford to begin kindergarten registration March 6 at area libraries, online

By Potomac Local News
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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Locals Only: This Stafford County library branch is closing. Here’s why

By Uriah Kiser
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.

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Features

Regional library (CRRL) deactivates X (formerly Twitter) account due to low engagement

By Uriah Kiser
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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