Thomas Balch Library

Thanks to Mrs. Bagdasarian & guest Ms. Christiansen from @BalchLibrary. Our newspaper students loved digging through historical local papers from as far back as 1820 while looking into LCHS history and scanning some of our decades-old student newspapers. @lchslibrarians @LCHS1954

The Fall / Winter 2023 Edition of Balch Column is now Available! leesburgva.gov/home/showpubli…

The Dog Days of summer, those sultry days when Sirius, the Dog Star, rises at the same time as the sun - generally July 3 and August 11, may be just behind us, but there is still time to submit a photograph to Thomas Balch Library's Bark-chive.

Included is a portrait and biography of Richard Henry Lee. Did you know? His grandson, Richard Henry Lee (1794-1865) served as Mayor of Leesburg from 1822-1823.

Happy Independence Day! Looking for something cool to do while waiting for the fireworks? Why not check out our new catalog thomasbalchlibrary.on.worldcat.org We found "Biographical Sketches of the Signers of the Declaration of American Independence" by B.J. Lossing [E221 .L756 1866].

Join us this Friday for a pop-up exhibit and fun activities! Stop by the Donaldson Cabin this First Friday 5-7 for a glimpse of life in Leesburg and Loudoun in the 1700’s.

@HistoryHerring It was a team effort! 😄 Keep an eye out for Lord Voldecart who is also in the video. Coming soon: Rolleen

Which one of y'all put googly eyes on the cart and named it Dolly Carton? 😂 @BalchLibrary #Twitterstorians #FavoriteLibrary #ArchivistHumor

We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of artist William Woodward (1935-2023). Woodward is noted for his murals, including Thomas Balch Library's mural, "A Loudoun County Story," and the paintings "Perseverance Through Faith and Strength" and "Meeting the Piscataway."

The shift of the reading room to Library of Congress Classification is complete. We are excited to share it with you. Thomas Balch Library will be open for regular hours beginning Saturday, July 1 at 11 am. Stop by and see what you can discover!

Thomas Balch Library staff and volunteers have been hard at work this week! More than 9,000 books have been relocated into their new LOC classification locations. Curious what it looks like to shift an entire library collection? Check out this timelapse video!

Thomas Balch Library staff will be working diligently to re-organize the books into the Library of Congress classification order while closed to the public. Learn more here >>> bit.ly/46kbtAY

Thomas Balch Library will host author Linda Harris Sittig in a discussion of Opening Closed Doors: The Story of Josie Murray on Sunday, June 25, beginning at 2 p.m. Open to all ages! Please call 703-737-7195 or email balchlib@leesburgva.gov for info.

@BalchLibrary is debuting its Centennial Catalog, which distinguishes it as an independent research library, owned and operated by the #townofleesburg. The library has converted from Dewey classification to Library of Congress classification >> bit.ly/46kbtAY #leesburgva

Today, June 19 is Juneteenth, a day to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865.

Exciting News! The library now has its own catalog, the Centennial Catalog . For the 1st time ever, all collection materials are accessible through one platform. The library will be closed to shift the collection 6/26-6/30. Check out the new catalog: tinyurl.com/yck55f36

On 5/21/23, an event celebrating the rededication of the restored Douglass High School was held. Along with a ribbon cutting and tours, close to 500 gathered including Douglass alumni and teachers. Learn more about the renovation and rededication : tinyurl.com/24pck8up

Looking for a great place to enjoy the nice spring weather? The garden at Thomas Balch Library is looking beautiful! Stop by and enjoy the sunshine.

Wynne Saffer will discuss the Northern Neck Proprietary and how to locate the grants using resources available at Thomas Balch Library. Pre-registration is required. Email balchlib@leesburgva.gov, or visit>>> tinyurl.com/22yuxb8b Image courtesy of Library of Congress.

Have you been by the library to see the exhibit Highlights of 100 Years of Collecting at Thomas Balch Library? Featured are items from the library’s collections suggested by researchers, volunteers, and staff. For example, in this interesting letter from Lizzie Legare Blake.