Here is some helpful information on Ashland Library Resources, Local Authors and Book Clubs, and Nationwide Library Issues and Resources.  Stop by the Library and let its wonderful staff help you find what you’re looking for!

Library Resources

Magazines and Newspapers in the Pamunkey Regional Library

PamCat — the online catalogue of the Pamunkey Regional Library

Herald Progress Microfilm — watch the video on YouTube

Virginia History Microfilm — watch the video on YouTube

Local Authors

Marion Watkins Herget
Herget is the author of several books, including a volume of poetry titled Ashland Remembered, (2000); A Century of Tuesdays (1997), a history of the Woman’s Club of Ashland, Virginia from 1896 to 1996; Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church: A History 1853-1993 (1992); and The Watkins Years (1981), a history of the Herald-Progress newspaper.

Nancy Ross Hugo
Hugo is former Director of Education at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens and a former garden columnist for the Richmond-Times Dispatch. She is author of Earth Works: Readings for Backyard Gardeners (University Press of Virginia, 1997), a collection of essays about plants and gardening, with many references to Ashland gardens and gardeners. Hugo and her husband John are owners of Flower Camp in Buckingham County Va, where they offer retreats and workshops.

Rosanne Groat Shalf
Shalf is the author of Ashland, Ashland: The story of a turn-of-the century railroad town (Brunswick, 1994), a history of the town.

Phyllis Theroux

Phyllis Theroux is an essayist, columnist, teacher and author. Born in San Francisco, California, she is the critically acclaimed author of numerous books, including California and Other States of Grace, Peripheral Visions, Nightlights: Bedtime Stories for Parents in the Dark, The Book of Eulogies., Serefina Under the Circumstances, Giovanni’s Light. Her lastest work, The Journal Keeper: A Memoir, was published by Grove Atlantic in March 2010.

Nancy Camden Witt
Witt was a noted painter and sculptor who lived and worked at Cross Mill Galleries near Ashland. Her last book is On Alternate Days [The Paintings of Nancy Witt] (Cross Mill Gallery, 1995).

Book Clubs

at the Ashland Library (please or visit the Library for program information):

• Morning Book Club — meets every third Friday at 10 am
• Afternoon Book Club — meets every third Monday at 1:00 pm
• Evening Book Club — meets every fourth Thursday at 7:00pm

Nationwide Library Issues

Support public library funding — Contact your Virginia legislators and let your voice be heard!

Virginia Library Association – Read about their Legislative Agenda in the Legislative Action Center.

Library Bill of Rights – The American Library Association

Freedom to Read — The American Library Association’s Statement

National Banned Books Week — The American Library Association’s annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment

Most Challenged Books - The Office for Intellectual Freedom compiles a yearly list of books that are most often banned by schools, library and the media

USA Patriot Act and Libraries — information about the impact of the Patriot Act on Libraries

Lousiana Library Association Disaster Relief Fund — for libraries damaged by Hurricane Katrina