County of Northampton

"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." – John Dewey

Libraries, Books and Book Clubs

Free education is a blessing. Local public libraries are a great place to start learning. Northampton County has two libraries in the Eastern Shore Public Library system: Cape Charles Memorial Library and Northampton Free Library in Nassawadox.
 

 "The Cape Charles Memorial Library (CCML) offers patrons a window to a larger world, providing resources to educate and to stimulate.
Any resident of the Eastern Shore of Virginia can get a free library card by completing an application and presenting photo ID and proof of residency," states CCML on their website. 
"The Library offers many programs throughout the year for children, teens, and adults. Programs include a weekly story time for toddlers and preschoolers, LEGO Club, a summer reading program, movie nights, workshops, and community information programs."


 "The Northampton Free Library is an active, community focused branch of the Eastern Shore Public Library system."

Book Clubs

Book clubs are a wonderful free resource. Northampton Free "library’s book club, the SEASIDE READERS meet on the third Thursday of every month at 2:00 in the library’s meeting room.

For more information please call: Liz Freund at 757-442-7273.

They also have a monthly reading group Looking for a topical, lively discussion? The Eastern Shore Public Library Friends have a book group that meets monthly at the Northampton Free Library. A designated topic is decided in advance and everyone reads something related to that topic. Refreshments provided.

Call the library at 757-414-0010 for information on this event and other programs listed.

The Cape Charles Memorial Library hosts a Readers Sharing Evening twice a year. 
"We are a group of readers just like yourself who meet twice a year to share their favorite books, authors, and reading experiences. Open to all." For more information about this event please visit the CCML facebook page.

Little Free Libraries

There are books about local lore which can be found at the public libraries or in local book shops. The Shore also has  Little Free Libraries to share the love of reading. 

"Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world." 

In Cape Charles there are four locations in town: The beach, in Central Park, at Kings Creek Marina, and the Town Harbor. Go to the Little Free Library Map Page to find the exact locations. 
Relax and read a book. 

Free books can also be found in Eastville. Book exchange shelves are located at the Eastville Post Office, in the County Administration Building and at the Little Free Library in Eastville Town Park. 



Little Free Libraries are also found in Cheriton and Exmore. 

Eastern Shore Literacy Council

For adults who need help learning to read, please contact the Eastern Shore Literacy Council.

"The ESLC provides adults over the age of 18 with the very lowest literacy levels (less than 5th grade) classes and one-on-one tutoring through two programs: Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL). All instruction is free. After successful completion of our programs, learners are able to move up to the GED and higher education programs offered by the Eastern Shore Community College. ESLC also provides citizenship classes and support to qualified residents.

If you need help with reading, writing, or speaking English give us a call today and see if we can help." 
They can be reached at 757-789-1761. 

Storytelling and Sharing Life Wisdom

Many free events are held to share information, life experiences and stories. So many citizens want to share their story and what amazing stories there are to tell!
You can sit in on the BIC Coffee hour or attend a Conversation Cafe at Lemon Tree Gallery & Studio.

About the BIC Coffee Hour Series: 
"The Barrier Islands Center invites a range of voices—including musicians, artists, scientists, historians, and scholars—to engage in dialogue with our audiences, offering multidisciplinary perspectives on a wide variety of topics.

Many of these free and informal presentations are part of our Coffee Hour Lecture Series, the third Friday of each month from September through May at 10:30 a.m. Additional art shows and exhibits are scheduled year-round. "

Lemon Tree's  "Conversation Cafe" is a casual discussion on diverse topics ranging from the History of the Eastern Shore, World Culture, Life Changing Events, Memoirs, Nature to Pearls of Wisdom. Authors, historians, naturalists, filmmakers and adventurers of life share their stories, wisdom and expertise in a round table discussion. Pastries and coffee are served."


A large crowd turned out for the Conversation Cafe: "What are the Chances?" Sharon Whitman shared her story about travelling around the world on a motorcycle. 

When you get right down to it, the people of Northampton County are wonderfully curious people with a knowledge that astounds.

Lectures, Exhibits, Classes

Educational opportunities abound with exhibits, lectures and classes at the facilities such as VIMS Eastern Shore lab, Cape Charles Museum, Sawmill and Agricultural Museum, VES Land Trust Community Outreach programs, The Nature Conservancy Virginia Coast Reserve and the Visitor’s Center at the Eastern Shore Wildlife Refuge.  The Northampton Historic Preservation Society sponsors "Lectures on the Lawn" at historic places in the County.