For our Fall 2022 Community Read, we have chosen Esmont Virginia by Andi Cumbo-Floyd as the feature read. 

From the author about the book: “From the Monacan Indians who first traveled the hills to the plantation owners who created their wealth on this land and the African American people whose labor was used to build that wealth to the stone-quarrying industries and the commercial communities that surrounded them, the story of Esmont is rich and very much ongoing.

In this book, you will discover some of the stories that make this quiet community so important, and you may just find yourself inclined to make a visit to this rural place with roots that go deep in the stone of its land.”

Copies of the book will be available to pick up for free at these locations:

• Albemarle County Office Building (401 McIntire Rd, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902)
• The Yancey Community Center
• Albemarle County Department of Social Services (1600 5th St, Charlottesville VA 22902)
• Chris Greene Lake -- in Little Free Library (LFL) by the trailhead closest to the park entrance
• Charlotte Humphris Park --in LFL by the park kiosk
• Mint Springs Valley Park -- in LFL at the upper parking lot

The book is also available for purchase through the local nonprofit, Friends of Esmont.

While reading the book, please visit engage.albemarle.org and let us know your thoughts! We'll recap segments of the book and we want to know what you think. Learn more and participate online!

Additionally, we will host an in-person Community Read Dinner Panel Discussion on Thursday, December 8 from 6 - 8 pm at the Yancey Community Center. During the panel, we will discuss, dine, and hear directly from active Community leaders within the Esmont community.

Click here to RSVP for the free dinner to let us know you'll be attending. It’ll be a great event, and we hope you can join us!

Can't make the in-person event? Watch via Zoom livestream here or by phone and dial: 888 788 0099 (Toll Free), Webinar ID: 886 3306 4290.