From a milestone branch anniversary and vibrant events to exciting new resources and a new sponsorship program, here is a look back at the moments that made this year an incredible success for the entire community.
Newton Branch 25th Anniversary
On Wednesday, February 25, the Library celebrated 25 years of service in Westmoreland County. Newton Branch offers a wide range of classes and events for all ages, from Grow a Reader storytimes to yoga and a monthly book club, inspiring curiosity in the community’s youngest residents while keeping adults engaged, energized, and connected through learning and shared experiences.
Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee
As part of a continued commitment to lifelong learning, Central Rappahannock Regional Library presented the 2026 Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee on Saturday, February 28, where division winners from across the region competed to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The event builds essential literacy skills while celebrating student success. Sponsored by Access Eye, Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, and Kiwanis Club of Fredericksburg.
Summer and Winter Reading Challenges
The Library keeps reading active year round through dynamic reading challenges, including the Adult Winter Reading Challenge and Summer Reading for all ages. These challenges motivate customers to build daily reading habits, explore new genres, and discover new interests. Community participation reached impressive heights across both programs in 2026, with 5,877 registrants logging 18,421 books and 2,785,858 total minutes read.
Community Foundation Grant for Summer Reading Book Prizes
The Library awarded 2,094 book prizes to youth reaching 1,000- and 2,000-minute Reading milestones, thanks to a $6,000 grant from The Robert Cullen O’Neill Memorial Fund of The Community Foundation. Summer Reading keeps young minds active when school is out, helping kids retain what they learned and preventing summer learning loss. Prize incentives encourage participants to keep reading all season long, as the Library supports regional literacy and prepares local students for academic success.
Library Fund for Literacy & Learning
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library Fund for Literacy and Learning is a permanent endowment created in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region. Gifts to this fund help the library expand literacy for all ages, provide workforce training for job seekers, and offer classes that spark new skills and interests.
New Sponsorship Program
The Library’s new sponsorship program offers businesses and individuals opportunities to invest in the programs that enrich community lives--from early literacy storytimes and youth STEM learning to creative maker tools and community events. Sponsors gain valuable local recognition while helping make more learning opportunities possible.
Local Authors Resource: Virginia Writes
Through Virginia Writes, a dynamic digital resource provided by the Library of Virginia, the Library connects local writers and readers with modern tools to create, share, and discover original eBook content: the Indie Author Project (IAP), Pressbooks Public, and BiblioBoard Library. Aspiring authors gain access to self-publishing tools, while readers can explore local stories from Virginia authors and top indie eBooks.
Lunch at the Library
In July and August, Central Rappahannock Regional Library hosted, opens a new window 3,786 free, nutritious lunches to youth 18 and under across three branch locations. Thanks to partnerships with the Fredericksburg City Public School, opens a new windows, opens a new window Mobile Cafe and Hub of Hope, this collaborative program ensured students had dependable access to healthy meals throughout the summer months.
Rappahannock Reads
Rappahannock Reads is a community-wide reading program that brings people together around the same book. By pairing the featured book with related classes and information, this program gives participants unique opportunities to connect, learn new things, and use that knowledge to enrich the community.
This year’s community read selection is Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard, by bestselling author and ecologist Dr. Douglas W. Tallamy. Running from September 2026 through May 2027, the program features book club kits, partner workshops, wildlife guides, and a reading challenge--all leading up to a live community Q&A with Dr. Tallamy on Saturday, April 10.
99 Ways to Die Author Talk
On September 23, local emergency medicine physician and best-selling author Ashely Alker, M.D., M.Sc. discussed her debut book, 99 Ways to Die and How to Avoid Them, in a conversation led by Janet Gullickson, Ed.D., principal of Growth and Journey Consulting and former president of Germanna Community College.
Rappahannock Writers’ Conference
Now in its tenth year, the Writers' Conference brings local authors and aspiring creators together to learn, connect, and grow. The full-day event features practical workshops and inspiring keynote addresses from bestselling authors Alma Katsu and Donna Andrews. Sponsored by Germanna Community College, Nate Hoffelder, and Topside Federal Credit Union.
VA250 Classes & Events
In commemoration of 250 years of America in Virginia, the Library hosted many classes and events highlighting local history and Virginia’s pivotal role in shaping the nation. Partnering with local experts and community organizations, these programs featured engaging presentations and educational opportunities that brought people together around a shared heritage, strengthening community connection and deepening historical awareness across the region.