Eastern Shore of Virginia Public Library Foundation
Welcome! The Eastern Shore Public Library Foundation serves the public libraries of Accomack and Northampton Counties by raising funds for programs, new materials, preservation of heritage collections, library amenities and capital projects. Founded in 2009 , the ESPL Foundation is a 501(C)(3) organization, non-profit and tax-exempt
Explore our website to learn more about our upcoming projects, partners, special events and past achievements. You can also learn why public libraries are fundamental to the well-being of communities like ours.
Our Libraries Need Your Support
This is a challenging time for Virginia’s libraries. The Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services provides funds to the state Library of Virginia through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Virginia received just over $4.3 million to support critical services that particularly benefit rural libraries like ours. Threats to “zero out” IMLS likely will mean the end of important services.
To understand the impact of LSTA in our state, click here.
DID YOU KNOW HOW SPECIAL A BRICK CAN BE?
The brick walk at the Eastern Shore Regional Library and Heritage Center in Parksley is a great way to express thanks and affection for the people in your life who love our libraries and care about their future. It’s also a place where you can celebrate the achievements of young readers.
The Foundation sells three kinds of bricks installed in separate, marked sections of the walk:
Tribute: These bricks honor library supporters and loved ones both past and present.
Library Lover: You can share your warm and fuzzy feelings for special library lovers with a brick trimmed with a heart at each corner. It’s a nice Valentine (really), but any time of year is a good time to express your feelings! You can even immortalize your dog who chewed up a library book!
Reading Star: Enthusiastic young readers get a special reward when you donate a brick to our “Reading Stars Galaxy Walk of Fame.” These bricks are decorated with stars on each corner.
Click on the button below to order a Brick online, using your credit card or checking account!
Email for more information: esplibraryfundraiser16@gmail.com
IN THE KNOW!
Announcing
The Joyce Brown Milliner Internship Program
The Eastern Shore Public Library Foundation announces the Joyce Brown Milliner Internship Program, a new opportunity for young people to explore library careers. Two summer internships are available for rising high school juniors and seniors, and currently-enrolled, community college students. Each carries a stipend of $1,500 for 16 hours of work per week for eight weeks. (Internship schedules will be determined in consultation with library supervisors.) Work will take place at the main library in Parksley, Virginia. In addition, there are two Heritage Center internships--one for the fall 2025 academic semester and one for the spring 2026 academic semester. These are for advanced undergraduate or graduate students exploring careers in public history or archival practices and management. It carries a stipend of $2,500 per semester.
Starting April 15, 2025, application forms will be available at the office of the Eastern Shore Public Library Foundation, or they can be downloaded using the buttons below. If you would like to have the application mailed to you, you may contact us at esplibraryfundraiser16@gmail.com
Thanks to the farsighted generosity of Joyce Brown Milliner, the Eastern Shore Public Library Foundation is able to draw on this endowment to create this internship program. The Foundation’s endowments – invested funds that provide long-term support for library activities – are managed by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. We feel sure that Joyce Brown Milliner would be pleased to know that her fund is being used to support the librarians of the future.
Email for more information: esplibraryfundraiser16@gmail.com
2024 Annual Appeal Results
The 2024 Annual Appeal was a success!
Thanks to you, we met the goal of $20,000 -- and even went a bit over!
In the next few months, you will see the lobby of the Eastern Shore Regional Public Library building in Parksley become a comfy place to gather, read and chat with other patrons. More reading chairs will appear in quiet corners. A new study pod will meet the needs of students and workers, and nursing moms will have a quiet place just off the children’s area bookshelves.
And we hope you got a kick out of our new “dancing books” sticker! (If you simply must have another, they are available for sale at the circulation desk in Parksley.)
