Our building has an incredible legacy; Grace Arents built this to house Richmond's first free library. She was a gatherer and disseminator of ideas, which were manifested in projects that changed the social and domestic fabric of the Oregon Hill community and Richmond for the next century.
This is an exciting time at WBCH as we re-establish the Grace Arents Free Library as a library resource and idea center augmenting the WBCH programs and also opening our doors to reconnect to the entire surrounding communities. Our goal is to capture Grace Arents' passion for books, children, and nature and rekindle that sense of wonder as well as social responsibility in us all. How did this "shy" woman become a person who could express a vision that would ripple into the 21st century? We invite you to help us continue her legacy and make this one of your favorite libraries.
Library Programs
Oral History Project
Tell us your story and your connection with WBCH. We continue to seek stories and connections to Miss Arents, and stories that exemplify how her vision is still being upheld by WBCH programs through our "My Stories" oral history project, collecting stories past and present from William Byrd Community House alumni.
Hans S. Falck Lectureship on Social Responsibility
In honor of Professor Hans S. Falck and his many years of service to WBCH, the current WBCH Board has created a new lecture series inviting acclaimed speakers to discuss major social issues and challenge our thinking about how best to address the issues of our community. Starting Fall 2007.
Library Calendar:
for more information about these or future classes please contact our librarian, Patty Parks at librarian@wbch.org
YOGA
Tuesdays - 12-12:30 p.m. Instructor: Mindy Loiselle.
FREE and open to the community
BYRD HOUSE MARKET
Renegade Farmers Market,Tuesdays: 3 - ‘til dark. Meats, eggs, seasonal vegetables and fruits, bread, jams, honey...
Open to community
STORY TIME FOR TODDLERS
Every Wednesday from 10:30-11:00 a.m. Storyteller: Caroline Cox ( from the BHM)
FREE and open to the community
SPANISH
Thursdays - January 22 - March 12. 5:45-7:30pm. Instructors - Arnulf and Maria Esther Ramirez
FREE and open to the community - Textbook required
SPANISH COOKING CLASS
Spanish Immersion Class for Parents and children Saturday - February 7, 2009. 10:30am - 12pm Instructor - Elicet Von Der Lippe
$25.00 for cooking class and lunch
DOCUMENTARY NIGHT
Sponsored by community organizations: Thursday nights from 6-9 p.m.
Contact us if you want to reserve a night for your group
AFRICAN AMERICAN GENEALOGY Workshop
Saturdays - Second Saturdays of the month.1-3:00 p.m.
Feb. 14 - Viola Baskerville - Freedmen's Bureau
March 14 - Oral History Workshop - Anndrena Belcher
April 11 - African American Genealogy Research 101
FREE and open to the community
Committee to Rescue Richmond's Black History & Antiquities
Save the Richmond "Burial Ground for Negroes". This meeting follows the African American Genealogy Workshop. 3-4:30 p.m.
Ana Edwards
Who Can Use the Library
Anyone can use the library! This is your library. You can borrow books, books on tapes, videos, cd's and dvd's. You can use the computers; if you don't know how, we can teach you. Want to start a group to meet at the library? Have a program idea? Let's talk. Think of us as your idea store; come with ideas, share ideas and discover new ideas.
Volunteers
Are you curious, passionate about learning and sharing information? Would you like to spend a couple of hours a week with us? Sign up now!!
Hours
The library is open when WBCH is open. You can usually find the librarian in on Monday - Friday, 1-6. 2nd and 4th Saturdays. On Tuesday afternoon the librarian is the Laptop Librarian at the Byrd House Market, in our backyard. Or call for an appointment with the librarian.
