Best of CRRL: Highlights from an Amazing Year
Throughout 2024, Central Rappahannock Regional Library added innovative collections and ways of delivering services to better meet the needs of the community. All the while, the library has continued to provide access to reliable information and support for readers of all ages.
Stay tuned for our annual 2024 Staff Picks list and People's Choice!
New Executive Director, Rebecca Purdy
Rebecca started at CRRL shelving books while in high school. She studied and grew into her later roles as Youth Services Librarian, Youth Services Coordinator, and Deputy Director.
On October 1, after a national search, she was chosen to be CRRL's Executive Director and bring her passion for learning and years of experience to the job, ensuring our libraries are welcoming and inclusive spaces.
Lunch at the Library
During the summer, the library provided 3,610 meals to children and teens through our partnerships with Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and Fredericksburg City Public Schools Mobile Cafe.
Library of Things Early Literacy Kits
Early & Emerging Readers Kits are a colorful way to practice pre-reading and reading skills while having fun! These kits feature games, worksheets, and, of course, books!
Summer & Winter Reading Challenges
We offer reading challenges for all ages throughout the year to help you develop a great habit and keep it going.
- 4,066 signed up
- Adults logged 8,223 books
- Children and teens logged 2.3 million minutes
Use the Beanstack app to join in the fun and earn digital badges!
New Privacy Pods
Privacy pods are used for many purposes, such as private spaces for study, virtual meetings, telehealth appointments, job interviews, and much more.
Rachel's Dream
887 copies of Rachel's Dream: A Young Girl's Quest for True Freedom, were distributed to Fredericksburg City school students. This project was done in partnership with Dr. Marceline Catlett, Fredericksburg City Schools’ Superintendent; local author Steve Watkins; copy editor Linda Billard; former James Monroe High School art teacher Phillip Carter; and Virginiana Room volunteer Nancy Moore.
Library Branch Anniversaries
In 2024, two of our branches (Salem Church and Fredericksburg) celebrated milestone anniversaries of public service with refreshments and fun activities.
Fredericksburg turned 55, and Salem Church turned 30!
LOTE4Kids Database
This new database has 4000+ children's digital picture books (both eBooks and audiobooks) in more than 65 languages, together with English translations.
hoopla digital Binge Passes
hoopla BingePass lets you, well, binge! Entire collections of streaming content are at your fingertips with just one borrow.
Seed Library
"Check out" heirloom, non-hybrid seed packets from our Seed Library. The initiative began this year in March and lives at the Fredericksburg Branch.
Plant them and let some of them grow to maturity. When you harvest the next generation of seeds, return some to the library so other people can check them out.
Your Library Website in Translation
We have added the Google Translate widget to the website. Choose one of over 120 languages, and your page will reload automatically in that language.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility
Our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility page explains the library's mission and philosophy as an anti-censorship, anti-discrimination, anti-racist organization. CRRL provides materials for everyone in the community.