Inside the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative
RPL’s Ginter Park Branch is the JRA’s next area of focus. | Photo via James River Association
The James River Association’s Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative will be updating infrastructure at RPL’s Ginter Park Branch.
The project is half a decade in the making. It began in 2019 with the implementation of a green infrastructure plan at Westover Hills Branch Library. Plants have now been installed in several locations, including the Broad Rock, North Avenue, and West End branches.
In 2022, JRA staff members evaluated what stormwater management and infrastructure practices should be used at each branch going forward. Input was collected from library users and stakeholders. Working with RPL, the Dept. of Public Utilities, and Four Winds Design, JRA finalized the plans.
One of the goals of this project is to help library properties deal better with stormwater runoff. Greener infrastructure can help prevent pollutants from winding up in the James after rainstorms. At Ginter Park, project leaders are looking into changes like rain gardens and conservation landscaping.
The project will involve a push for community engagement, kicking off with a public meeting at the Ginter Park Branch on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. Whether or not you can attend the meeting, the JRA is asking the public to complete an online questionnaire before March 15.
Have a question about the initiative? Send Justin Doyle from JRA an email.
Events
Wednesday, Feb. 7
Transit Talk: Public Comment Workshop | Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 5:30-8 p.m. | RPL Main Branch, 101 E. Franklin St., Richmond | Free | Learn about some local and state initiatives related to transit and get tips for how you can engage your representatives.
Share the Love Book Swap | Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 6-8 p.m. | Hatch Local Food Hall, 400 Hull St., Richmond | Free | Bring 3-5 gently used books and trade for new treasures, plus enjoy happy hour specials from 3 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 8
“I Am Not Your Negro” | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $9 | This 2016 documentary is based on the writings of James Baldwin.
Friday, Feb. 9
Kendall Street Is For Lovers | Friday, Feb. 9 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry, 2729 W. Broad St., Richmond | $15 | Spread the love with the Virginia jam band and openers Rigometrics and Bebbus.
“Sanctuary Road” | Friday, Feb. 9, Sunday, Feb. 11 | Times vary | Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center, 600 E. Grace St., Richmond | $20-$100 | See the opera by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Paul Moravec based on the remarkable writings of abolitionist William Still.
Saturday, Feb. 10
Stop Light Party | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 12-6 p.m. | Ruff Canine Club, 1924 Ellen Rd., Richmond | $10| Grab a red, yellow, or green bandana at the door for your dog and see if you can find more than puppy love at this Valentine’s event.
Poetry Workshop with Jamil Jasey | Saturday, Feb. 10-Saturday, June 8 | Times vary | RPL Hull Street Branch, 1400 Hull St., Richmond | Free | Teens, pre-teens, and their families will love this six-session poetry workshop.
Riverrock has announced its 2024 music lineup. The Brown’s Island outdoor and music festival will feature Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe Tiny Universe, the Sam Grisman Project, and Palmyra.
Plan Ahead
Kings Dominion will open its doors for the 2024 season on March 23. The theme park has released its full calendar for 2024, which includes dates for the Grande Carnival, Halloween Haunt, and WinterFest.
Sports
Individual game tickets for the Kickers’ 2024 season are on sale now. Up the Roos on opening night March 23 with tickets starting at $17. Find more Mardis Gras events on our calendar.
Drink
Bingo Beer Co. is hosting a Mardi Gras party this Saturday, Feb. 10. The event will feature beads, masks, live music, and professional photos.
Eat
Beloved Virginia restaurant Texas Inn is opening a location in Richmond. The 88-year-old eatery has two locations in Lynchburg and one in Harrisonburg. (Richmond BizSense)
History
The Times-Dispatch shared an interactive timeline remembering Civil Rights activist and tennis great Arthur Ashe. Born and raised in Richmond, Ashe was the first Black man selected to the U.S. Davis Cup team. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Cause
Now through Feb. 16, Virginia Physicians for Women is collecting much-needed athletic apparel (think: new youth-sized sports bras + running shoes) to help girls participate in Girls on the Run at local elementary, middle, and high schools. See how to donate + why VPFW is joining the cause.*
Finance
Get trusted financial advice with Money Pickle, the service that connects you directly with experienced financial advisors to help with your investment + retirement planning needs (all through a complimentary video meeting). Take control of your financial future in 2024 by scheduling a free consultation.*
Kids
☀️ Summer camp signups begin
City summer camps open for signups
Pine Camp Community Center hosts several summer camps, focusing on everything from basketball to outdoor filmmaking. | Photo by RICtoday
Signups for Richmond’s city-run summer camps opened on Monday, Feb. 5. The day camps are held at parks and community centers around the city, and range from arts and crafts to sports.
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