By Brooke Saba McDowell, Coordinator
Imagine windows, almost as high as the trees that they look out upon a spacious, yet warm and modern atmosphere, with wood slated walls reminiscent of a modern ski resort, surrounded by books, quiet though bustling activity, and the feeling of home. Powhatan County Public Library (PCPL) is a true intergenerational institution for exploration in books, connections, activities, and even the wild. Beyond the windows of the library are playgrounds among the forest, gentle walking paths and even sports fields.
Here at the PCPL, older adults and any individuals who are members of the library can rent out backpacks for days of adventure. These include rentable backpacks for knitting and crocheting, disk golf, yoga, Virginia State Parks, and bird watching. These backpacks are filled with just about anything one would need for these types of explorations.
A partnership between the Library of Virginia, Virginia State Parks, and the Science Museum of Virginia make the Virginia State Parks backpack available to 135 libraries in Virginia.
These partnerships make the outdoors more accessible to folks across the Commonwealth by breaking down the financial barriers to entry while encouraging observation and exploration. The backpack includes free parking, a free day pass, pocket guides, lists of activities, a dip net, magnifying glass and other elements for a curiosity filled time at the State Parks.
So, although the Virginia State Parks backpack program is not unique to Powhatan, it is a truly wonderful gift for the community. The other backpacks are wonderful too, and those are unique to the Powhatan community. Highlighting the backpack programs is important because these programs encourage access to activities that connect residents of the county to nature, encourage curiosity, inspire physical activity and one could suggest the possibility for improved wellness as well.
Powhatan County Public Library (PCPL) also hosts a smorgasbord of events for older adults and intergenerational collaborations. On March 11th the library hosted their regular Astronomy Lecture Series facilitated by the Richmond Astronomical Society, which includes opportunities to look at the stars and wonder about the possibilities beyond our ozone. Library For All is a lively monthly meeting for older adults with differing abilities and the people who assist them. This group has discussions, designated activities or games and crafts and is a space for the caregivers and the older individuals to increase their social interactions and make friends. There are also engaged Quilting Groups that meet regularly at the PCPL. Volunteer opportunities with the library are abundant and any individuals interested in participating in the extraordinary work by the Powhatan County Public Library, are encouraged to connect with the library staff to learn about the available opportunities.
The library acts as the meeting house for the residents of Powhatan county. Powhatan County Public Library also hosts a smorgasbord of events for older adults and intergenerational collaborations. On March 11th the library hosted their regular Astronomy Lecture Series facilitated by the Richmond Astronomical Society, which includes opportunities to look at the stars and wonder about the possibilities beyond our ozone. Library For All is a lively monthly meeting for older adults with differing abilities and the people who assist them. This group has discussions, designated activities or games and crafts and is a space for the caregivers and the older individuals to increase their social interactions and make friends. There are also engaged Quilting Groups that meet regularly at the PCPL. Volunteer opportunities with the library are abundant and any individuals interested in participating in the extraordinary work by the Powhatan County Public Library, are encouraged to connect with the library staff to learn about the available opportunities. The library acts as the meeting house for the residents of Powhatan county.
Imagine windows, almost as high as the trees that they look out upon a spacious, yet warm and modern atmosphere, with wood slated walls reminiscent of a modern ski resort, surrounded by books, quiet though bustling activity, and the feeling of home. Powhatan County Public Library (PCPL) is a true intergenerational institution for exploration in books, connections, activities, and even the wild. Beyond the windows of the library are playgrounds among the forest, gentle walking paths and even sports fields.
Here at the PCPL, older adults and any individuals who are members of the library can rent out backpacks for days of adventure. These include rentable backpacks for knitting and crocheting, disk golf, yoga, Virginia State Parks, and bird watching. These backpacks are filled with just about anything one would need for these types of explorations.
A partnership between the Library of Virginia, Virginia State Parks, and the Science Museum of Virginia make the Virginia State Parks backpack available to 135 libraries in Virginia.
These partnerships make the outdoors more accessible to folks across the Commonwealth by breaking down the financial barriers to entry while encouraging observation and exploration. The backpack includes free parking, a free day pass, pocket guides, lists of activities, a dip net, magnifying glass and other elements for a curiosity filled time at the State Parks.
So, although the Virginia State Parks backpack program is not unique to Powhatan, it is a truly wonderful gift for the community. The other backpacks are wonderful too, and those are unique to the Powhatan community. Highlighting the backpack programs is important because these programs encourage access to activities that connect residents of the county to nature, encourage curiosity, inspire physical activity and one could suggest the possibility for improved wellness as well.
Powhatan County Public Library (PCPL) also hosts a smorgasbord of events for older adults and intergenerational collaborations. On March 11th the library hosted their regular Astronomy Lecture Series facilitated by the Richmond Astronomical Society, which includes opportunities to look at the stars and wonder about the possibilities beyond our ozone. Library For All is a lively monthly meeting for older adults with differing abilities and the people who assist them. This group has discussions, designated activities or games and crafts and is a space for the caregivers and the older individuals to increase their social interactions and make friends. There are also engaged Quilting Groups that meet regularly at the PCPL. Volunteer opportunities with the library are abundant and any individuals interested in participating in the extraordinary work by the Powhatan County Public Library, are encouraged to connect with the library staff to learn about the available opportunities.
The library acts as the meeting house for the residents of Powhatan county. Powhatan County Public Library also hosts a smorgasbord of events for older adults and intergenerational collaborations. On March 11th the library hosted their regular Astronomy Lecture Series facilitated by the Richmond Astronomical Society, which includes opportunities to look at the stars and wonder about the possibilities beyond our ozone. Library For All is a lively monthly meeting for older adults with differing abilities and the people who assist them. This group has discussions, designated activities or games and crafts and is a space for the caregivers and the older individuals to increase their social interactions and make friends. There are also engaged Quilting Groups that meet regularly at the PCPL. Volunteer opportunities with the library are abundant and any individuals interested in participating in the extraordinary work by the Powhatan County Public Library, are encouraged to connect with the library staff to learn about the available opportunities. The library acts as the meeting house for the residents of Powhatan county.
