The Stafford Board of County Supervisors will hold a special meeting at 4 p.m. (not 3 p.m.) on Friday, December 6, 2024. The meeting will occur at the government center at 1300 Courthouse Road, just hours before the board participates in the county’s Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.
The meeting follows a statement issued by Aquia District Supervisor Monica Gary on Facebook. Gary apologized for her role in Mary Becelia’s removal from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) Board of Trustees earlier this year.
Gary stated on Facebook that Becelia’s removal stemmed from misunderstandings, poor judgment, and deliberate actions by the board. She admitted to motioning for Becelia’s removal, which the board unanimously approved, and later described the action as both unjust and illegal. Gary’s statement acknowledged that misconduct is the only legal basis for removing a trustee and that Becelia’s actions did not meet that threshold.
The controversy stems from July 2024, when Becelia was removed from her role as a trustee. Becelia said Gary contacted her, requesting her position on a hiring committee tasked with finding a replacement for the library’s executive director. Becelia declined, stating that it was not her decision to relinquish the seat.
The CRRL has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
The FXBG Advance reported that the Stafford Board of Supervisors had provided differing accounts of the events leading to Becelia’s removal. Gary’s recent apology, shared publicly on Facebook and directly with Becelia, emphasized her intent to address the situation and make amends.
Further details on the agenda for the meeting have not been disclosed. The meeting is open to the public.
Gary ran for the Virginia State Senate in 2023 as an independent and was lost to Tara Durant (R). She won her seat on the Stafford Board of Supervisors in 2021.
The library board consists of representatives from CRRL-member jurisdictions Fredericksburg and Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties. Stafford, the largest system user, has two seats on the board.
Garrisonville District Supervisor Pamela Yeung also represents Stafford County as a trustee board member.
Press release:
There’s still time to swing by your library and get ready for the holiday season! Here’s the schedule:
- Wednesday, November 27: Libraries close early at 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, November 28: Closed for Thanksgiving Day.
- Friday, November 29: Closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.
- Saturday, November 30: Dale City, Dumfries, Independent Hill, Lake Ridge, and Nokesville Libraries will be closed for the holiday weekend.
Heads-up! Chinn Park Library will be closed from Monday, November 18, through Sunday, December 8. Stop by today to stock up on books and resources!
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library will hold the eighth annual Rappahannock Writers’ Conference on November 9, featuring keynote speeches from Laura Di Franco and John Gilstrap. The conference is open to adults and teens at all writing levels, with classes covering various writing topics.
Press Release:
Central Rappahannock Regional Library will hold their eighth annual Rappahannock Writers’ Conference on Saturday, November 9, 8:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., at the Germanna Community College Fredericksburg Area Campus, Workforce and Technology Center.
The conference will feature keynote speeches from Laura Di Franco, author and CEO of Brave Healer Productions, and New York Times-bestselling author John Gilstrap.
The conference is aimed at adults and teens at all writing levels, from those who are considering writing a book for the first time to experienced authors with many books already published. It includes relevant information for authors of all genres of fiction and nonfiction.
Saturday’s attendance is capped at 160 in person and virtual at 250. There are also special in-person-only evening workshops on Friday, November 8, at Howell Branch. While the Friday and Saturday in-person sessions are full, people may join the waitlists and sign up to attend virtually. Virtual attendees will receive a link by email to connect to select streaming sessions, as well as the featured speaker presentations. See the list of streaming sessions here.
In-person check-in on Saturday, November 9, begins at 8:15 a.m., and the conference begins at 8:45, with a keynote speech by Laura Di Franco, to be followed by classes, lunch, and a 1:00 keynote speech by John Gilstrap. After book signings and speaker meet-and-greets, there will be two more class sessions, running until 4:15.
Class topics include: the writing craft for both fiction and nonfiction, screenwriting, developing minor characters, poetry, creating audiobooks, blogging, querying an agent, writing for children, and many more.
Besides Di Franco and Gilstrap, other authors who are scheduled to be teaching and on panels include: Traci Hunter Abramson, Bill Blume, Alex R. Crawford, Paige Edwards, J.S. Furlong, William LJ Galaini, Steve Giegerich, Chandra Gore, Jeffrey James Higgins, David Keener, Wendy Latella, Mike Maggio, S.C. Megale, Tom Milani, James Noll, Rick Pullen, Elizabeth Spencer Spragins, Meredith R. Stoddard, Ksenya Swinton, Tara Taffera, Tracy Wainwright, Sarah Warburton, Steve Watkins, Linda J. White, Ellie Whitney, Martin Wilsey, and Stacy Woodson.
The conference is sponsored by Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Germanna Community College, Literature & Latte, and Topside Federal Credit Union.
For a complete list of classes, or to register, visit librarypoint.org/rappahannock-writers-conference.
Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) invites the public to attend Community Meet-and-Greet events with newly appointed Executive Director Rebecca Purdy. As she steps into her new role, Purdy is eager to hear feedback from the community and answer questions about how the library system can continue to serve the region effectively.
Purdy, a longtime CRRL staff member, brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the library system. During her recent interview with Potomac Local News, she shared insights into her vision for the library’s future, highlighting plans to build on successful programs like the “Library on the Go” initiative and expand access to innovative technologies, such as 3D printers and other maker lab resources.
When asked about her goals, Purdy said, “It’s important to continue providing the services our community relies on while introducing new programs that meet evolving needs. I want to hear directly from the people who use our libraries daily to ensure we’re on the right track.”
The Meet-and-Greets offer a unique opportunity for community members to meet Purdy in person, share their thoughts on library services, and suggest improvements. These drop-in events will take place across the region:
Tuesday, October 22, 12:30-2:00 p.m. at Porter Branch (Stafford County)
Tuesday, October 29, 3:00-4:30 p.m. at Salem Church Branch (Spotsylvania County)
Tuesday, November 12, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Fredericksburg Branch
Thursday, December 5, 3:00-4:30 p.m. at Cooper Branch (Colonial Beach)
During the interview, Purdy emphasized the importance of adapting the library to the community’s changing needs, especially in a post-pandemic world. She noted that the CRRL has expanded its digital services, introduced a “Library of Things,” and is working to bring new technology closer to users. “We have great plans to continue evolving our services,” she said, “but we want community input to guide us.”
In addition to these new initiatives, Purdy spoke about her focus on maintaining the library’s reputation as a community hub for people of all ages. Programs like the “Mother Goose Story Hour” for infants and job interview spaces for remote workers have become essential for many residents.
Here’s the full interview:
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors requests additional financial transparency from the Rappahannock Regional Library system.
During the board's meeting on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Garrisonville District Supervisor Dr. Pamela Yeung raised the issue of needing more detailed financial data to be included in the library's quarterly reports. Stafford County contributes $7 million annually to the library, which also receives funding from other local jurisdictions in the Fredericksburg region.
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The Central Rappahannock Regional Library has introduced privacy pods designed for study, virtual meetings, and telehealth appointments.
Press release:
Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) has expanded the availability of privacy pods–private spaces for study, virtual meetings, telehealth appointments, and job interviews–that can be reserved by customers with CRRL cards.
Privacy pods at Fredericksburg, Salem Church, and Porter branches opened on Thursday, August 29. Fredericksburg Branch has two Zenbooth solo pods (capacity 1), and Salem Church and Porter each have one Zenbooth duo pod (capacity 2). These privacy pods were made possible by a generous donation from the Trust of Christopher Finley and Mary Campbell Finley.
Privacy pods are also available at CRRL’s Westmoreland County branches thanks to support from the Library of Virginia and a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Newton and Cooper branches have a Zenbooth solo pod (capacity 1), and Montross Branch has a Zenbooth quad pod (capacity 4).
For more information about CRRL privacy pods, meeting rooms, and study rooms, visit librarypoint.org/room-request.
Press Release:
Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Board of Trustees held elections at their September 9 quarterly meeting and elected David Ross as Chair and Christy Maupin as Vice Chair.
Chair:
David Ross has previously served on the Board for 5 years and served on the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors for 12 years. He has an undergraduate B.B.A. in Finance from Iowa State University and a M.S. degree in Systems Management from the Naval Postgraduate School. Mr. Ross is a retired Marine aviator and, for the past 14 years, has been a program manager in the software development field.Vice Chair:
Over the past 27 years, Christy Maupin has lived in the City of Fredericksburg, then Spotsylvania County, and now the Town of Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County. She has a B.A. in English from Mary Baldwin University and, before retiring, 30 years of experience as a technical writer and editor and instructional developer for adult learners. She was married to local attorney Ron Maupin from 1999 until his death in 2009.Library Board of Trustees members are appointed by and represent their jurisdictions, donating their time as advocates for the public. Trustees work closely with the Library Director and Deputy Director to determine library policy, adopt budgets, and support library legislation on a state and national level. Trustees also promote the library’s services, classes, and events in their interactions with the community.
The full list of the Board of Trustees can be found at librarypoint.org/board-of-trustees.
Additionally, the board also appointed Rebecca Purdy as Executive Director, effective October 1, following a national search.
Press Release:
The Board of Trustees of Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) has selected Deputy Director Rebecca Purdy as Executive Director after a national search which attracted over 40 applicants. The position was advertised with the American Library Association, Virginia Library Association, Virginia Municipal League, Virginia Association of Counties (VACO), and Indeed.
Rebecca Purdy first started at CRRL in 1984 as a Library Page, shelving books and working her way up to her current role as Deputy Director, which she has held since 2016. Purdy is a graduate of the University of Mary Washington and has a Master of Library and Information Science from The Catholic University of America. Purdy is a graduate of Leadership Development at the Virginia Institute of Government, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Government at the University of Virginia; the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Fredericksburg; Public Innovators Lab for Libraries; and the American Library Association’s Leadership Institute.
Purdy has worked at the library in several Youth Services positions, including Youth Services Coordinator. In her early days as a librarian, Purdy served as Young Adult Librarian at Fredericksburg Branch and created Café Book, an innovative school partnership book discussion program that is still ongoing. Café Book began at one school with approximately 30 participants and currently is in 17 schools serving hundreds of students. As Young Adult Librarian, Purdy also started the Johnny P. Johnson Teen Art Show, which celebrated its 29th year in 2024.
At Fredericksburg Branch, Purdy managed as Youth Services Department Head for almost ten years. During this time, she conducted a system-wide staffing evaluation to manage the reassignment of over 80 staff members to support the newly opened Howell Branch. She also mentored new leaders within the library and created CRRL’s first management training.
In her role as Youth Services Coordinator, Purdy administered youth services for the entire library system and advocated for CRRL in radio interviews, print columns in the Free Lance-Star, and in the professional journal, Voice of Youth Advocates. She administered Summer Reading, Back to School orientations, and CRRL’s support of Stafford’s 350th Anniversary. Purdy worked with local agencies and secured funding to bring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) exhibitions and programs to the community. Purdy integrated early childhood research into library programs and established Learn & Play rooms in all branches.
Purdy became CRRL’s Deputy Director in 2016, where she was instrumental in the opening of Spotsylvania Towne Centre Branch, CRRL’s joint use library at Germanna’s Barbara J. Fried Center, IdeaSpace, and two satellite locations in Spotsylvania County. Purdy worked on multiple facility projects, including the move of CRRL’s administrative offices from Fredericksburg Branch to the Library Administration Center and renovations and expansions at Fredericksburg and Porter branches. Purdy’s responsibilities included developing a successful COVID Response Plan, collaborating with a consultant on CRRL’s Strategic Plan, drafting policy updates, managing fiscal reports and budgets, increasing internal communication among staff, and multiple hiring, training, and emergency response projects.
Purdy has served the Virginia Library Association in several roles, including on the Children’s and Young Adult Roundtable and as Secretary for the Executive Committee. Nationally, Purdy’s work with the American Library Association includes serving with the Association for Library Service to Children’s Liaisons with National Organizations Serving Children and Youth. Purdy’s regional and local roles include serving with Capitol Choices: New and Noteworthy Books for Children & Teens, Smart Beginnings Rappahannock Area, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Network of Enterprising Women, and on the Executive Board of the University of Mary Washington’s Women’s Leadership Colloquium.
Rebecca Purdy will start in the role of Executive Director October 1. CRRL’s current Director Martha Hutzel retires September 30.
After almost forty years, Library Director Martha Hutzel will retire from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) on Sept. 30. Hutzel was appointed director in 2016 after several prior positions at different library branches, including branch manager and head of circulation.
Hutzel said she was inspired to become a librarian “by [her] mother, who is still living at 102, and by [her] father, both of whom loved books and reading and set that example for their 13 children.” After completing chores on the dairy farm she grew up on, she and her siblings were allowed to read whatever they wanted. In the 1980s, Hutzel moved to Fredericksburg and immediately got a library card and part-time job at the Fredericksburg location. She said the staff “welcomed me with open arms and I fell into them.”
After working part-time for several years, Hutzel decided to pursue her Master’s in Library Science and work full-time. “That was when I really stepped into my love of CRRL and the career of librarianship. I had wonderful mentors at CRRL a few decades back and they had a very positive influence on my career.”
Hutzel said serving as President of the Virginia Library Association, a professional library association with 9,000 members, opening IdeaSpace on Princess Anne St., and opening a library branch inside the Spotsylvania Towne Centre have been highlights in her career.
The advent of technology over the decade changed how librarians work and serve customers, but Hutzel said they still offer “the face-to-face human interaction that so many customers come into the library to find.” The cataloging system, CRRL website, and publicly accessible catalog have all been online for decades, she added. The library has also added non-book offerings like e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines. Hutzel said the library also has circulated Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebooks for free, “Tech on the Go: kits and craft kits.
Hutzel is looking forward to spending time with her seven grandchildren and traveling. The library’s Board of Trustees will conduct a nationwide search for Hutzel’s replacement.
Central Rappahannock Regional Library held its 21st annual Claudia Emerson Teen Poetry Contest in June.
The event was named in memory of Claudia Emerson, an advocate for teen poets. Â Emerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former professor at the University of Mary Washington, played a key role in the annual Teen Poetry Contest. She judged the contest and hosted Teen Poetry Night, providing thoughtful feedback to young poets. In 2022, she was named a Changemaker in the Virginia Women in History program.
Winners were awarded cash prizes and were invited to read their work at Claudia Emerson Teen Poetry Night. Entries were be judged by local poets Laura Bylenok and David Anthony Sam.
Entries were separated by grade level, and all winners are listed on the library’s website.
The first prize winner for grades 9-12 is Molly P.
Each night,
I look up to the sky
and search for that storyOf you and I
Which you claim
to be written
In the stars
Dancing above.There is sifting sand
Escaping
From your fingertips.We are stuck, in this glass coffin,
Filled with sand.As you say:
We are running out of timeBut, how can we run out
of something we never had?This life, this time
Has always been borrowed.We were born running out of time
Each breath bringing us closer to the lastOur grave: our promised cradle
We are too dim for the brilliance
Of the universe.Or maybe, our passion is so bright,
It would outweigh the darkness’
Greed to be seen.Perhaps.
But now they have forgotten us:
The stars and sand and darkness.Time has passed, memories are gone.
After all, there is nothing and no one to remember
The story of you and IWe are out of time
The last speck of sand has settled
Over our broken and still breaking bodies.I look up
at the starsDisappearing
Into the abyssWishing for
More time.”
