Congratulations to everyone for making it through the summer and summer reading! It has been impressive to see all your creative work in decorating and programming. Well done!
Day by Day Virginia and Day by Day Virginia (Spanish) have been taken down while we review accessibility and content. We are evaluating the early literacy resources the Library of Virginia offers and considering alternative projects.
Dial a Story
Every Wednesday, a new story will be shared with listeners across the Commonwealth. From recent picture books and timeless fairy tales to inspiring folk tales and stories that celebrate equity, diversity, and inclusion, there’s always something magical to discover. Our volunteer readers are the heart of this program that offers a unique blend of picture books and telephone technology to boost reading readiness.
Dial a Story Books: September 2026
09/02/2026
All Kinds of Special / Tan Special by Tammi Sauer
Readers: Tyler FS Phillips and Hanni Nabahe
09/09/2026
Pokko and the Drum / Pokko y el tambor by Matthew Forsythe Readers: Morgan Esterhuizen and Aryn Dagirmanjian
09/16/2026
The Peanut Man / Manisero by Carmen Agra Deedy
Readers: Shannon Hull and Katherine Chiriboga
09/23/2026
This Is a Story / Este es un cuento by John Schu Reader: Lynde Roberts
09/30/2026 I Like the Wind / Me gusta el viento by Sarah Nelson Readers: Connie Piper and El Simmons
CSLP Updates
Inspired by the Theme and Slogan Listening Sessions, CSLP is hoping to gather some information on what manual elements member libraries find helpful, what is not being used, what changes may be appreciated, etc.
If you're interested in participating, the registration links for each date are here:
No matter what your tastes are, a library card hits all the right notes!
Check out a classic story or hit shuffle and try something new. Find harmony at your library’s book clubs, movie nights, crafting classes, and author talks. A headphone kind of day? Find your focus
in a study room or vibe out in a cozy nook. Compose your future with new skills in your library’s makerspace or check out instruments and tools in the Library of Things. No matter what rhythm you find yourself in, there’s a seat in the front row at the library for you. This September, B sharp, and sign up for a library card!
Creative Commonwealth Sticker Competition
The Creative Commonwealth Sticker Competition is a creative opportunity for students across Virginia to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. This contest invites students in grades K–12, as well as collegiate students enrolled in Virginia colleges and universities, to design an original sticker that reflects the spirit of Virginia’s history, culture, and contributions to the nation in honor of the Semiquincentennial.
Submissions may be created through hand-drawn or digital artwork, allowing students flexibility in how they express their ideas.
Submission Deadline: October 1, 2026 Winners Announced: October 12, 2026
Book News
2026 Cardinal Cup Award Winner
The Virginia Library Association is pleased to announce the 2026 Cardinal Cup Award winner and honors.
The winning titles are selected by the Cardinal Cup Committee who work to honor the most distinguished books for young readers published in the past year in the areas of history, historical fiction, or biography.
Alyssa Colman will accept her award during the Opening Session of the 2026 VLA/VLACRL Annual Conference on Monday, October 19, in Norfolk, Virginia. She will also present a session later that day on her work.
VLA The Virginia Library Association (VLA) is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of the Graphic Novel Diversity Award (GNDA) in the Youth category. Now in its tenth year, the GNDA celebrates diversity captured within the pages of graphic novels and recognizes outstanding works that reflect and uplift a wide range of experiences.
Selected by the Graphic Novel Diversity Award Committee, this year’s Youth division includes one winner and five honor titles that exemplify excellence in storytelling, illustration, and representation.
2026 Youth Honor Titles
Absolutely Everything by Damian Alexander (Graphic Universe, ISBN: 979-8765608524)
Dan in Green Gables by Rey Terciero; art by Claudia Aguirre (Penguin Workshop, ISBN: 978-0593385586)
Fitting Indian by Jyoti Chand; art by Tara Anand (HarperAlley, ISBN: 978-0063237537)
Hey, Mary! by Andrew Wheeler; art by Rye Hickman (Oni Press, ISBN: 978-1637156384)
Iyanu: Child of Wonder Library Edition Vol. 1 by Roye Okupe; art by Godwin Akpan and Chima Kalu (Dark Horse Books, ISBN: 978-1506752327)
38th Annual Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards
Comic-Con International is proud to announce winners of the 38th annual Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. Named for the pioneering comics creator and graphic novelist Will Eisner, the Eisner Awards, considered the “Oscars” of the comic book industry, were given out in 32 categories for works published in 2025.
Best Publication for Early Readers: All the Hulk Feels, by Dan Santat (Abrams Fanfare/Marvel)
Best Publication for Kids: The Cartoonists Club, by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud (Scholastic Graphix)
Best Publication for Teens: This Place Kills Me, by Mariko Tamaki and Nicole Goux (Abrams Fanfare)
Featured Programs
Your library program can be featured here! Please submit a photo and description of your favorite program!
Upcoming Important Dates & Celebrations
National and State Conferences 2026
September 16-19: Association for Rural & Small Libraries (Montgomery, AL)
October 1-3: ALSC National Institute (Buffalo NY)
October 18-20: Virginia Library Association (Norfolk)
November 4-6: Virginia Association of School Librarians (Williamsburg)
December 5-8: NAEYC (Washington DC)
Library of Virginia: Library Development 800 E. Broad St., Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-692-3610 https://vpl.lib.va.us