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Nelson Memorial Library

Nelson Memorial LibraryHours:
Monday - Tuesday: 12 - 8pm
Wednesday - Thursday: 10am - 5:30pm
Friday: 10am - 5pm | Saturday: 10am - 2pm
Sunday - Closed

Phone: 434. 263.5904
Fax: 434.263.5988
email: contact Nelson Library

Jump to: Adult Programs | Teen Programs | Kids Programs | Volunteer!

Programs for Adults:

"Master the Art of Reading" at the Library's Adult Summer Reading Program.
June 8 – August 1 more info

Brown Bag Book Club

Fourth Monday of each month (with some exceptions) from 12:30 to 2 pm. Like to Read? Like to Talk? Join us at our Book Club Group! Call the library at 263-5904 for more information.

Want to see what we've already read? Try Searching the calendar.

Brown Bag Book Club

GODS BITS OF WOODGODS BITS OF WOOD by Sembene Ousmane

July 27, 2009
12:30 pm

In 1947-48 the workers on the Dakar-Niger railway staged a strike. In this vivid, timeless novel, Sembene Ousmane envinces the color, passion, and tragedy of those formative years in the history of West Africa. Melissa Hutchinson will be presenting a slide show and exhibit of her time spent in Senegal, Africa.

Brown Bag Book Club

FOUNDING MOTHERSFOUNDING MOTHERS: THE WOMEN WHO RAISED OUR NATION by Cokie Roberts

August 31, 2009
12:30 pm

An inspirational but personal look into the trials and tribulations of historical women who helped shape our nation into what it has become exhibits the many facets of their lives and how they supported some of the founders of our country, profiling such key figures as Abigail Adams, Eliza Pinkney, Dolley Payne Madison, Deborah Read Franklin, and Catherine Littlefield Greene. Check the Catalog arrow

Brown Bag Book Club

THE HELPTHE HELP by Kathryn Stokett

September 21, 2009
12:30 pm

In Jackson, Mississippi, in 1962, there are lines that are not crossed. With the civil rights movement exploding all around them, three women start a movement of their own, forever changing a town and the way women--black and white, mothers and daughters--view one another. Check the Catalog arrow

Future Readings:

History of Nelson Memorial Library

After the War

Old Presbyterian Church
Old Presbyterian Church

Library service to Nelson County residents was provided as early as the late 1940’s by volunteers from the Nelson County Garden Club. They maintained a collection of books which had been donated as a memorial to the service men and women of World War II. The books were housed in a former Presbyterian Church (circa 1888) that was owned by the Garden Club.

In 1966, members of the Nelson County Chamber of Commerce and other county organizations met with representatives of the Virginia State Library to explore the possibility of organizing a public library and providing bookmobile service. In 1970, the Chamber commissioned the writing of a book which would tell the story of the devastation in Nelson County caused by Hurricane Camille in 1969. Proceeds from the sale of Torn Land were to by used to build a memorial library.

Encouraged by interest in public library service, the Nelson County Board of Supervisors appointed a committee in 1972 to further investigate the possibilities. They discovered that participation in a regional library system would allow Nelson County to tap into funding sources and library resources not otherwise available to them.

Early Days

In September 1972, the Nelson Memorial Branch of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library opened its doors to the public. The white-frame church building on Front Street was an immediate success. The first branch manager was Laura Turner, a former school teacher.

Circulation of books at the Nelson Memorial Library increased dramatically over the years. In 1972-73, there was a circulation of 7,157 books. In 1987-88, circulation was 46,570. Patron usage, program attendance, and bookstock has also shown large increases.

It became apparent that the library had outgrown its charming but cramped quarters. The book collection had increased greatly and there was simply not enough room for the books. Attractive programs sponsored by the Friends of the Library often drew crowds of over 100 people.

Looking for a New Home

Around 1980, the County Chamber of Commerce renewed its fund-raising efforts. They actively solicited donations to the Torn Land Fund. In 1985, the C&P Telephone Company donated one of their local buildings. Proceeds from the later sale of this building were added to the fund.

In March 1983, a group of interested volunteers met to organize a local Friends of the Library who sought to push for a new library and increased hours of operation. The Friends also sponsored many programs and fund-raising activities.

An ad hoc committee looked into building sites and funding sources for a new library building. Land adjacent to Lovingston Elementary School was later donated by the School Board.

In 1986, J-MRL and the County of Nelson were awarded a federal LSCA Title II grant through the Virginia State Library. Other funding was provided by the Nelson County Chamber of Commerce, the Torn Land Memorial Trust Fund, the J-MRL and Nelson Memorial Friends, the County of Nelson and numerous individuals and businesses. The new building would be a community effort and a source of pride for all.

The New Building

Current building
Current building

Construction began after a formal groundbreaking ceremony in January 1987. In May 1988, the move was made into the new building. Opening day was May 23 with a formal dedication held on June 26, 1988. Today the Nelson Memorial Branch is a full-service branch library open forty-two hours a week, staffed by one full-time and three part-time employees. Tanith Knight has been branch manager since 1977.

In addition to its regular offerings of books, periodicals, videos and books on tape, the Nelson Memorial Branch also provides Internet access to the public, a very popular service initiated by the Nelson County Library Advisory Committee and funded by the Torn Land Memorial Trust Fund. The meeting room, heavily used for public meetings and library programs, doubles as an art gallery with exhibits changing every two months. The Nelson County Visitors Center is located on the lower level of the library and a collection of local history materials and cemetery records is maintained by the Nelson County Historical Society.

Dedicated to the memory of the Nelson County victims of 1969’s devastating Hurricane Camille, the present-day Nelson Memorial Branch Library is a lasting memorial and, as well, a testimonial to the dreams, dedication, and hard work of the people of Nelson County who love and appreciate their library.