Beyond the Shelves

Fall is in the air at Roanoke County Public Library! In this episode of Beyond the Shelves, we wrap up summer with a look at this year’s Summer Reading stats and celebrate everything our readers accomplished. We also chat with Bayleigh about how earning a degree in film helped spark her interest in becoming a librarian. Then, we preview what’s coming this fall, including the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale, Mystery Night, and more seasonal events happening across RCPL.

Looking to embrace those 90’s Summer vibes? Em Poertner and Caitlin Gills check in on their Roanoke County Bingo cards. Focusing on free events and everything you get with your library card, there’s a lot of ways to get out in Roanoke Countyfor a screen free summer.

LIBRARY BINGO CARD

ROANOKE COUNTY BINGO CARD

Check out the Hollins Library Construction Project

VA250 EVENTS AT THE LIBRARY

Revolutionary Stories for Kids

Marbleized Papers

Virginia in the Revolutionary War

OTHEREVENTS

Tavern Stage

Vinton Fourth of July Celebration

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On the next episode of Beyond the Shelves, Caitlin and Bayleigh are catching up on all things RCPL! Hear about the changes coming to the Hollins Library, important updates like the library’s new phone number, what to expect for Summer Reading, and plenty more library news, events, and behind-the-scenes fun along the way. Tune in and get ready for a summer full of stories, programs, and community connections!

In our next Beyond the Shelves episode, we’re diving into everything happening at your library this season! We chat about the new library catalog and how it makes finding your next read easier than ever, share details on the Kids Winter Reading, learn about the upcoming Teen Art Show, and preview the upcoming Local Author Fair. Tune in for a cozy conversation full of library updates, inspiration, and community highlights you won’t want to miss.

Kick off the new year with Beyond the Shelves! In this episode, we’re sharing what we’re most excited about in 2026—from upcoming programs to fresh ideas at the library. We also review the brand-new Library BINGO card and how you can play along, plus highlight the Winter Reading Program, including a fun perk for kids: the chance to score free tickets to a Rail Yard Dawgs hockey game. Tune in to hear what’s ahead and how you can make the most of the library this winter and beyond.

It’s the grand finale of the 2025 Beyond the Shelves podcast! Join Em (from the Public Information Office) and Caitlin as they wrap up the year with a look back at some of the season’s most festive holiday happenings across the County and Library. They’re also crafting a 2026 Library BINGO card —packed with fun goals for the year ahead. And don’t miss a very special guest all the way from the North Pole, stopping by to read a classic holiday tale that’s perfect for cozy Christmas Eve listening. Tune in for cheer, stories, and a joyful sendoff to 2025!

This month on Beyond the Shelves, we’re wrapping up fall and diving into the holiday season! Join us as we recap all the Halloween fun at the library and with Roanoke County Parks and Recreation. We’re joined by special guests Alex North from Parks and Recreation and Kelsey Frey, our Community Outreach Librarian, to share favorite moments, community highlights, and a peek behind the scenes.

We’ll also look ahead to the most wonderful time of the year — from the Roanoke County Tree Lighting on December 1 at the South County Library to preparations for Illuminights at Explore Park. Tickets go on sale soon for Illuminights!

Plus we have a special announcement about our December episode. It'll be coming out later in December, so be sure to have your notifications turned on so you'll be alerted when it is posted here and on RVTV's YouTube channel.

Tune in for a fun and festive episode filled with community spirit, laughter, and plenty of holiday cheer!

October is one of our favorite months, and this episode of Beyond the Shelves is packed with fall fun at Roanoke County Public Library! We’re chatting about the Friends of the Library’s big Fall Book Sale, our western-themed Mystery Night, and all the spooky (and not-so-spooky) Halloween happenings for all ages. Plus, October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and we’ve partnered with Roanoke County’s IT Department to bring you programs that will help you stay safe online. Tune in for a mix of autumn vibes, library events, and tips for the digital world!

This month, we’re celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month! In our latest episode, we share why a library card is the most powerful tool in your wallet—from unlocking books, movies, and music to accessing digital resources, community programs, and more. Tune in and discover all the ways your Roanoke County Public Library card can open doors for you this September and beyond! Plus, we are recapping the Summer Reading Program, talking about upcoming fall events, and having some laughs.

Summer Reading officially wrapped on August 2, but we’re not slowing down! In this episode, we’re talking about what’s next — including our brand-new mural concept contest that invites YOU to be creative. Tune in to hear how you can get involved and why this project is so exciting for our community.

Join us Beyond the Shelves as we keep the creativity going!