Williamsburg Neighbors

WRL Writers' Club: Should You Publish an Audio Version of Your Book?
2025-12-15 08:09 (America/New_York) | Stryker Center at the Williamsburg Regional Library, 412 N. Boundary Street, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
Are you a writer? Whether or not you’re published, you can benefit from this supportive writer’s group. Listen to informative talks on a variety of writing-related topics and meet other writers and aspiring writers. Led by local author/editor Brian Forrester. For ages 13+.
This month’s topic:
Have you ever wondered if your story deserves to be heard as well as read? Are you unsure if investing in an audiobook is worth it?
In this practical workshop, you’ll learn:
Why audiobooks are transforming the publishing world
The top-selling genres and what that means for your book
How professional narrators elevate your story
The audiobook production process for both author and narrator
How much it costs to create an audiobook
This free Williamsburg Regional Library workshop is presented by professional narrators Elizabeth Wiley and Jess Moran. Elizabeth is an award-winning narrator with a decade of experience in a wide range of audiobook genres and is a Professor Emerita of the College of William & Mary where she taught Acting, Voice & Speech, Dialects, Physical Theatre, and Shakespeare Performance. Jess has professional training in the Shenandoah Conservatory and has produced numerous narrations for a variety of books, growing her reputation in character development.
The workshop is led by Brian Forrester, the author of two young adult novels and an award-winning copywriter for a Williamsburg marketing agency. His newly released book is Color The Sky With Song.

Paranormal Investigations in Museums and Historic Sites (JCCL)
2025-12-15 08:09 | James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Rd., Williamsburg, VA, 23188, United States
Do you believe in ghosts? Have you watched ghost hunters on TV shows? Have you wondered how people investigate the paranormal? If you love museums and history you will love this unique public lecture.
Conservator and museum consultant David Harvey will explore the ground where the paranormal and museums meet. What is the paranormal? How do you research what is going on? How are investigations done? There is a growing demand for paranormal investigations and programs at museums and historic sites. Museums and historic sites need policies, what are the pros-and-cons to these activities?
David Harvey lives in Los Angeles. He has a long career in history and conservation. David worked at Colonial Williamsburg for 20 years. Then he went on to be the head of objects conservation at the University of Denver, and then as the senior conservator of objects and architecture for a private firm in Los Angeles. He has been the principal conservator and museum consultant for his own business since 2008. He develops and teaches online courses for museum and conservation professionals around the world. David has also been a paranormal researcher and consultant for 20 years, and has investigated iconic historic sites such as The Queen Mary, Alcatraz, Preston Castle, The Stanley Hotel, Columbia State Historic Park, and has done over 60 residential cases.

Reign & Rebellion Special Exhibition
2022-11-05 - 2023-09-05 | Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Jamestown Settlement (2110 Jamestown Road) & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (200 Water Street, Yorktown, VA), Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
Discover Virginia through the lens of the Stuart monarchy, whose royal foothold impacted and influenced early America and shaped the struggles and determination of those who lived in the colony in the 17th and 18th centuries. This two-fold special exhibition presented at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown spans the centuries and makes connections between the past and our present, to illuminate how the Stuarts — and their legacies in Virginia — are closer than you think.
Reign & Rebellion intertwines groundbreaking moments in Virginia’s history, provocative personal stories and showstopper artifacts that lay the path of Virginia’s road to Revolution. With approach of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the exploration of the Stuart dynasty has never been more relevant.

Williamsburg Womens Chorus
2023-08-08 - 2023-09-08 | VA
Hi Ladies, do you love to sing and wished you belong to a singing group? Look no further the Williamsburg Womens Chorus (WWC) would love to have you join us. We have our first rehearsal on Tuesday September 5 from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm.
Please contact Beckie Davy @ bdavy@brutonparish.org. We would love to have you join us!
The next WWC concert will be at the following venue:
Sunday November 12 at 4:00 pm
Williamsburg Presbyterian Church
215 Richmond Road
Williamsburg, VA

Preschool Dance Party
2023-09-02 11:00 | Stryker Center, 412 N. Boundary St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
What do you get when you add balloons and bubbles to music? A fantastic preschool dance party! Put on your dancing shoes and join us for an exciting hour of songs, movement, rhymes, and just plain fun. Parents, it’s a great time for you to share your best moves with your little ones as well.

WRL's Art House Cafe Film Series
2023-09-05 14:00 | Williamsburg Library Theatre, 515 Scotland St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
This film series brings art house film flavor to your Tuesdays. Plus, meet new friends, hear from special guests who are film experts, enjoy light refreshments, and have a discussion after the film.
September 5, 2:00-3:50 p.m.: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (2023)
A bright, young girl moves to a new school and must contend with different friends, ideas, and burgeoning adolescence. Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, and Kathy Bates star in this drama based on Judy Blume’s classic young adult novel. PG-13, 1hr 46m.
September 12, 2:00-3:30 p.m.: The September Issue (2009)
Celebrate New York Fashion Week with the classic documentary that gave us an insider’s look at Anna Wintour’s Vogue and the preparation of its annual fall fashion bible. PG-13, 1hr 30m
September 19—no film
September 26, 2:00-3:55 p.m.: Finding Your Feet (2017)
When her marriage falls apart, a snobby woman must move in with her estranged bohemian sister. Despite difficulties, she soon finds a new perspective on life in this British comedy that stars Imelda Staunton, Celia Imrie, and Timothy Spall. PG-13, 1hr 51m

WRL's Cena con Cuentos
2023-09-05 17:00 - 18:30 | Grove Christian Outreach Center, 8800 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
Cena con Cuentos es un programa de lectura en español para familias hispanohablantes con niños de 0 a 10 años de edad. Se ofrece dos veces por mes: el primer martes en Grove Christian Outreach Center (8800 Pocahontas Tr) y el tercer martes en el Stryker Center (412 N Boundary St), de las 5 a las 6.30pm. Cada vez habrán actividades, leeremos cuentos, y desgustarán de una deliciosa cena para toda la familia. La participación es gratuita. Para inscribirse por favor contáctese con Sara Meldrum, bibliotecaria de niños, por SMS al 571-310-0802 o por email a smeldrum@wrl.org.
Cena con Cuentos is a storytime program in Spanish for families that speak Spanish at home with children from ages 0 to 10. It is offered twice a month: the first Tuesday at Grove Christian Outreach Center (8800 Pocahontas Tr) and the third Tuesday at the Stryker Center (412 N Boundary St), from 5 to 6:30 PM. Each program combines stories, songs, activities, and dinner for the whole family. Participation is free. To sign up please contact Sara Meldrum by text at 571-310-0802 or email at smeldrum@wrl.org.

WhoDunnits: A Mystery Book Group - "Booked to Die"
2023-09-05 18:30 | James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Rd., Williamsburg, VA, 23188, United States
This month, WhoDunnits will be reading Booked to Die by John Dunning.
Denver cop and rare book collector Cliff Janeway is introduced in this engrossing whodunit from two-time Edgar nominee John Dunning. Janeway investigates the murder of his book scout friend, who was tracking down a valuable find when his life was brought to an abrupt conclusion. Dunning delves into the cut-throat world of Denver’s antiquarian book trade with meticulous detail in what Kirkus Reviews called “a lively, seductive primer on how to open a bookstore, spot a first edition, warehouse it, price it, and enjoy it for its own sake.”
WhoDunnits is a discussion group devoted to mysteries of all kinds and meets the first Tuesday of every month.

Bestsellers: David Epstein
2023-09-06 14:00 | James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Rd., Williamsburg, VA, 23188, United States
David Epstein (Range; The Sports Gene) says that concentrating on a specialty doesn’t always produce the best results. Instead, he thinks experimenting and inefficiency bring creativity and new solutions.
Thanks to a grant from the Friends of WRL Foundation, Williamsburg Regional Library is forming a new book group to hear from bestselling authors and talk about their work. After watching interview highlights from the new Library Speakers Consortium database, we’ll discuss the writer’s books and style and other topics.
Bestsellers: A Book Group meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at the James City County Library.

Top Ten Tips for Using Your New iPhone or iPad
2023-09-06 14:00 - 15:30 | James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Rd., Williamsburg, VA, 23188, United States
If you just got a new iPhone or iPad and are stumped about how to use its many features, then this class is for you! It will cover several of the basic features including how you can download & use WRL apps to access ebooks, digital audiobooks, and magazines. Even if your i-device is not brand new and you’re totally stumped, then come join us. The class will focus on iOS 15.
Class size is limited to 5 people. Please register by calling 757.741.3300, and select option 2 to sign up.

WRL Computer Class: Beginning Excel
2023-09-06 14:30 | Williamsburg Library, 515 Scotland St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
Learn how to open, save and input data in Microsoft Excel. Prerequisites: ability to use a mouse and keyboard. Seating is limited, please register by calling 757.741.3300, and select option 2 to sign up.

Fellowship in a Ring: A Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Group (JCCL)
2023-09-06 18:30 - 20:00 | James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Rd., Williamsburg, VA, 23188, United States
Fellowship in a Ring is a group dedicated to science fiction and fantasy books, films, television, and pop culture. A suggested reading list is provided prior to each meeting. Readers are also welcome to share other science fiction or fantasy titles or simply join in the group conversation.
Contact nhollands@wrl.org or anorfolk@wrl.org for a suggested book list, or send a request to join the Facebook group for details.

Computer Class: Beginning Word (JCCL)
2023-09-07 14:00 | James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Rd., Williamsburg, VA, 23188, United States
Learn the basics of word processing in Microsoft Word, including working with documents and formatting text. Prerequisite: ability to use a mouse and keyboard, some familiarity with Windows.
Seating is limited. Register by calling 757.741.3300, option 2.

WRL's Teen Advisory Group
2023-09-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Williamsburg Library, 515 Scotland St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
WRL’s teen volunteer group meets the first Thursday of the month to share ideas for library services and work on various tasks. Application and orientation required. Visit www.wrl.org/teens/teen-volunteers/ for more information.

Life, Love, Family, and Food: An Author Talk with Lidia Bastianich
2023-09-07 19:00 | Online, Online
Lidia will preview and talk about her newest cookbook Lidia’s From Our Family Table to Yours: More Than 100 Recipes Made With Love For All Occasions: A Cookbook. In this inviting, deeply personal new cookbook, she shares the dishes she cooks for those she loves the most. This is the first book Lidia has written since the death of her mother, Nonna, who was beloved not only by Lidia’s family but also by millions of cookbook and TV fans.
Register and view virtually at libraryc.org/wrl
These live events have interactive Q&A so viewers can ask questions directly to the author. All previous events are available for viewing on demand at libraryc.org/wrl.
This program was made possible by the generous support of the Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation.

Sewing Saturday: Pumpkin Table Runner
2023-09-09 09:45 - 12:00 | Abram Frink Jr. Community Center, 8901 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
Jazz up your autumn table with a pumpkin table runner. Learn the basics of machine applique. Supplies provided. Beginner sewers welcome! Bring your own machine (in good working order) or borrow one of the library’s sewing machines. Note: You will need to complete this project on your own outside class time. Space is limited.
Reservations are required. Call 757.741.3324.

WRL's Backgammon Club
2023-09-09 10:00 - 12:30 | Williamsburg Library, 515 Scotland St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
Players of all levels are invited to join a casual group to roll the dice in the popular game of strategy and luck. WRL will have a couple of boards on hand, but if you have one, bring your own backgammon board. 2nd Saturdays through January, with a fun tournament in February.

Putting Your Garden to Bed for the Winter
2023-09-09 10:15 | James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Rd., Williamsburg, VA, 23188, United States
Dennis Hewston, Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener, will talk about the how, why, and what to do to winter your garden to ready it for a great spring.
The In the Garden series of informative talks given by the James City County/Williamsburg Master Gardener Association covers a variety of topics about plants and local gardening.

WRL Makerspace: Glowforge 101
2023-09-09 11:00 | Williamsburg Library, 515 Scotland St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
Learn the basics of how the Glowforge works and designing items in the software! Spots are limited so please call 757.741.3300 option 2 to register. For ages 18+.

Writing Workshop: Chronicles of a Fiction Writer
2023-09-09 14:00 | Williamsburg Library, 515 Scotland St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
AKA “What I wanted to leave my eleven grandchildren, and what I actually left my eleven grandchildren and why.” Author Paul Martin will discuss the process of writing his children’s book The Adventures of Chuka: challenges faced and lessons learned.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament (JCCL)
2023-09-09 14:00 - 16:00 | James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Rd., Williamsburg, VA, 23188, United States
Fight to victory with your favorite character. Bring your friends and join a bracket. For ages 11-18.

Dewey Decibel Concert Series: Jae Sinnett Trio
2023-09-09 19:30 | Williamsburg Library Theatre, 515 Scotland St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
Fresh off the heels of his highly successful CD Commitment, Jae Sinnett returns to his favorite venue to perform with his trio featuring pianist Allen Farnham and bassist Terry Burrell. Commitment spent seven weeks in the top five on the national Jazzweek Radio Chart! Come out to hear the trio perform great classics and their compositions.
Tickets: $5 (Friends of WRL $4) This pricing is made possible by the Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation.
For information on purchasing concert tickets, call 757.741.3370.

Books & Brews
2023-09-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Frothy Moon Brewhouse, 1826 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, Virginia
Book signings and Ask the Author panels from several local artists, all in a brewhouse setting!

Beanbag Book Club
2023-09-10 13:30 | James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Rd., Williamsburg, VA, 23188, United States
Each month during the school year we celebrate emerging literacy by reading and participating in fun activities based on a different early reader book. There is no commitment to attend every meeting. Includes a copy of the book to keep. For ages 5–8.
In September, we’re reading Humphrey’s Really Wheely Racing Day by Betty G. Birney.
Space is limited; pick up a free ticket at the children’s desk beginning 30 minutes before the program begins.

Amateur Radio License Class
2023-09-11 09:00 - 2023-10-26 12:30 | VA
The Williamsburg Area Amateur Radio Club is offering a FREE class for those interested in obtaining their General Class Amateur Radio License. Classes will be on Mondays and Fridays, Sep 11 – Oct 26, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm at the James City-Bruton Fire Station in Toano, VA. If interested send an email to HamRadioClass@yahoo.com for details. Registration deadline is Sep 1.

Lacemakers: Lace School Days and their Holidays (Stryker)
2023-09-13 11:00 | Stryker Center at the Williamsburg Regional Library, 412 N. Boundary Street, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
The Williamsburg Lacemakers will be providing a lecture about the required training it took to become a lacemaker and the few days they had off. Lacemaking demo provided.
Located in room 128 of the Stryker Center.

Dewey Decibel Concerts: Peninsula Concert Band (WL)
2023-09-13 19:00 | Williamsburg Library Theatre, 515 Scotland St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
The Peninsula Concert Band will perform a variety of music including march, classic, and popular music. The band is made up of volunteers and has been performing in the Tidewater area for 72 years. Their mission is to educate, entertain, and enrich the community.
Free admission, no tickets required.

Computer Class: Intermediate Word I (JCCL)
2023-09-14 10:00 | James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Rd., Williamsburg, VA, 23188, United States
Take the next step in your Word knowledge with this Intermediate level class. Seating is limited; please register by calling 757.741.3300, and select option 2 to sign up.

WRL's Throwback Thursday Film Series
2023-09-14 14:00 | Williamsburg Library Theatre, 515 Scotland St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, United States
September 14: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), 2:00-3:50 p.m.
Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor star in Tennessee Williams’s drama about a Southern clan whose simmering unhappiness is brought to light when they are forced to reunite at the behest of the family patriarch. Burl Ives, Judith Anderson, and Madeleine Sherwood costar under the direction of Richard Brooks. NR, 1hr 48m.
Free admission. Doors open 1 hour prior to showtime.
