Mission Statement
The Appomattox Regional Library System will provide services and programs to the communities it serves through support of life-long learning, general information, and the exchange of ideas with effective use of traditional library resources and emerging technology.
From the Library Director
Much has happened at ARLS since it was founded in 1974. We have seven libraries, three of which are in brand new buildings since February, 2002 with a new branch currently being built in Prince George County.
Please take advantage of all we have to offer. Public Libraries are public. That means they are for you — citizens of the world. We are dedicated to supporting life-long learning, promoting the exchange of ideas, and encouraging our children to develop a love of reading.
We welcome your ideas. We want to serve you to the best of our ability. Please visit us often over the internet and in person.
Scott Firestine
Regional Library Director
About Our Library System
Library service began in the Hopewell – Prince George area in 1930 when Thomas B. Robertson established a Library Association for persons interested in forming a library. In 1931, the city formally took over operation of the library, with Mrs. Maude Langhorne Nelson as its first librarian. The John Randolph Library, as it was then known, was located in the State Planters Bank Building (now the United Virginia Bank). In 1957, the library was moved to the annex of the Municipal Building and the name was changed to honor the first librarian, Maude Langhorne Nelson.
In 1974, Prince George and Dinwiddie Counties joined the City of Hopewell to form the Appomattox Regional Library. The name of our library was chosen because the Appomattox River runs through each of the three localities which we serve.
ARLS Board of Trustees
The Library Board of Trustees is the governing body of the library system responsible for adopting policies necessary for the operation of the regional library system. There are nine volunteer trustees appointed by the respective City Council or Boards of Supervisors. Three trustees are appointed from Hopewell and three each from Prince George and Dinwiddie. Trustees serve four-year terms, with no more than two successive.
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