Virginia is a beautiful and historic state filled with interesting towns and eclectic people. Whether you are in a coastal community filled with retirees and tourists or a rural back-woods town with a population of 300, Virginia has lovely people and breathtaking sights and wonders. From the salty breezes of the Atlantic Ocean to the hidden mines in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia is a wondrous melting pot of modern cities and rustic towns.

Virginia has a long and curious history. Because of its historic ties and old-fashioned traditions, there are lots of stories and tales relating to Virginia. Many presidents were born here and many famous artists have been inspired by its magical rivers and trails. Virginia is filled with rich and diverse culture, passed down from one generation to the next.

Virginia State Facts

Like other states, Virginia has many nationally recognized facts and features which help it to stand out from the rest and make it unique. Some of the facts that are unique to Virginia include:

• Virginia became the 10th state to join the union on June 25, 1788
• The capital city of Virginia is Richmond
• Virginia was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth of England
• Virginia is nicknamed “The Old Dominion” and has a university of the same name
• Virginia state flower is the Dogwood as is the state tree
• The state dog is the American Foxhound
• The state bird is the Cardinal
• The state fish is the Brook Trout
• The state drink is Milk

Virginia City Population

Virginia has many metropolitan cities and rural towns. When put together, Virginia has a diverse population of residents. The top 10 most populated cities of Virginia include:

1. Virginia Beach (437,994)
2. Norfolk (242,803)
3. Chesapeake (222,209)
4. Arlington (207,627)
5. Richmond (204,214)
6. Newport News (180,719)
7. Alexandria (139,966)
8. Hampton (137,436)
9. Roanoke (97,032)
10. Portsmouth (95,535)

Little Known Tidbits about Virginia

The Rhino

Harland Fletcher purchased a baby rhino for the Richmond children’s zoo in the 1980’s. Because the zoo never opened, Fletcher had to keep the rhino and introduced it to his herd of cattle. The rhino can be seen today at his farm in Lynchburg, Virginia.

ABC Cemetery

Thomas Aadland was the owner and caretaker of the ABC Cemetery. He was compulsive to a fault and often re-ordered the burial sites so they would remain in alphabetical order. Families would have to sign waivers, agreeing to the transfer of the body to new locations to keep them in order and nobody minded! When he was old and nearing death, Thomas realized that he needed to close the cemetery since nobody else would be willing to take over his chore. He was faced with the dilemma of where how he would be buried since his last name began with an “A.” To solve the problem, he is the last plot in the cemetery and his gravestone reads Thomas Zuckerman.

The Troll

Along Dreaming Creek in Windsor Hills, Virginia, residents claim to have felt a presence and to have seen strange happenings along the creek. Apparently dressed in leather clothing and a hat, a mystical troll resides in the forest and teases the locals by knocking on their windows, tipping trash cans, and giggling ominously. Some residents have heard him and some have seen him carrying a small knife. One resident even said he never would have believed the tale unless he hadn’t seen it for himself.

The Headless Cat

While cleaning the roads, Earl Swinton found a decapitated cat and took the remains back to the city building. Upon disposal, he noticed the cats labored breathing and contacted his supervisor. An emergency center was notified and “Mags” was nursed back to health. Apparently the central nervous system took over the autonomic functions that the brain would normally do. Mags the cat was adopted and is living a happy life.

The Pop Corn Blizzard

Stuart Pittman agreed to produce all of the popcorn for the local basketball games for E.C. Glass High School in the late 1950’s. After two years of doing this, he expanded his business to movie theatres. Soon, he had a booming popcorn business with many employees supplying popcorn to theatres, department stores, fairs, sporting events, and circus’s. Shortly after expanding into a new facility, a triple-cauldron of hot oil exploded and six inches of popcorn covered the ground of downtown Lynchburg. This terrible mess drew thousands of crows who were killed in the frenzy. It took three days to gather all of the dead crows which were piled into a mound and covered with layers of dirt and lime. This spectacle can still be seen today. Pittman’s remains were never recovered from the explosion and the photograph which was taken at the scene is rumored to be the inspiration for the movie, “The Birds.”

Famous Virginians

Many famous people have been born in Virginia. From historic icons to modern day poets, Virginia is the birthplace to many fine Americans.

• George Washington (President)
• Thomas Jefferson (President)
• James Madison (President)
• James Monroe (President)
• William H. Harrison (President)
• John Tyler (President)
• Zachary Taylor (President)
• Woodrow Wilson (President)
• Warren Beatty (Actor)
• Roy Clark (Musician)
• William Clark & Meriwether Lewis (explorers)
• Ella Fitzgerald (Singer)
• Robert E. Lee (Military)
• Booker T. Washington (Educator)

There are many great reasons why the “Virginia is for Lovers” campaign draws thousands of tourists to this romantic state each and every year. Virginia is an enchanted state which offers many stunning outdoor locales and magical get-away. It is conveniently located between exciting New York and sunny Florida which makes is a perfect rest point on your coastal vacation travels. Virginia is considered the gateway to the south because of its convenient location.

Virginia has a perfect climate for just about any activity. This not too hot, not too cold weather is great for all types of outdoor sports and leisure activities. Because of the vast bodies of water in Virginia, the summer does tend to become humid. When climbing the mountains, the air gets cooler and retains less humidity making for ideal hunting, fishing, hiking, and biking conditions. The sub-tropic atmosphere produces plenty of Southern vegetation and flora. There are gorgeous magnolias but the climate does not support the swaying palm trees of the Deep South. There are five climates that make up Virginia: Tidewater, Piedmont, Northern Virginia, Western Mountain, and Southwestern Mountain. Couples can choose any of these climates and find plenty of romantic activities fitting to their situation. There are many diverse activities that couples come to Virginia to enjoy including skiing, golf, hiking, biking, camping, and water sports.

Romance is in the air all the time in beautiful Virginia. There are so many recreational activities and educational experiences that everybody will have a great time in Virginia. There are many romantic wineries and breweries to visit in Virginia’s towns and cities. There are intense theme parks where you can hold each other for dear life. There are many cultural destinations such as fine art exhibits and concerts to spark intelligent conversation with your loved one. There are luxurious spas for intimate moments alone and savory restaurants where you can spoil each other. With so many options, there will never be a dull moment during your time in Virginia.

Finding a place to stay for your romantic Virginia getaway is easy. There are tons of different places to hang your hat while in Virginia. There are romantic campsites and rustic cabins located in historic and breathtaking state parks to cater to your wild side. There are luxury hotels located in Virginia’s big city districts for you to enjoy posh dining, live entertainment, and bed-side hot tubs and spas. There are cozy and quaint bed and breakfasts and inns all over the mountainous countryside in Virginia’s secluded towns and villages. There are even giant lodges, ranches, and resorts if you are looking for an exquisite experience infused with facials, elegant dining, and room service.

The slogan “Virginia is for Lovers” has been luring tourists to the state since 1959 for exciting vacations and romantic get-a-ways. After all these years, they can’t be wrong! Virginia is the perfect place for family and romantic vacations of all sorts!

Virginia is a gorgeous state, filled with beautiful and historic geography. Many people are taking advantage of moving to this quaint state, filled with natural wonders and sparsely populated communities. If farming, fishing, or living off the grid appeal to you, you might be pleasantly surprised by what this Southern state has to offer!

Many people move to Virginia every year. Sometimes it is for business, sometimes it is to attend college, other times to get away from the urban madness, and many times it is a retirement destination. Regardless of the reason, moving to Virginia can be quite an undertaking. By using useful resources for moving to Virginia, you can make the most of your time and energy and make sure that you have all of your bases covered.

Moving to Virginia for College

If you are moving to Virginia for college, you probably don’t have too much to move. This is to your advantage since you won’t really need moving trucks or storage facilities. If you will be moving into a dorm room, be sure to have all of your essentials like bedding, foods, and other comforts of home to make your life easier while at school. Many campus newspapers and local resources will have apartment listings for student housing if you plan to live off campus.

Moving to Virginia for Work

If you are moving to Virginia for work, it will be easier if you are a single person with not a lot of possessions to move. There are many neighborhoods which cater to single, professional people. Many studio apartments are very affordable and you can have the benefit of living in an affluent part of the city. If you only need room for one or two people, finding a small house or nice loft can be quite easy.

Relocating Your Family to Virginia

If you are relocating your whole family, pets and years’ worth of furniture and belongings, to Virginia, you will need a home. There are many nice houses for rent in Virginia. There are also, many residential districts with homes for sale in Virginia. Moving this large household can be quite stressful and full of complications and unexpected challenges. By utilizing moving resources like home-finders, neighborhood welcome wagons, and storage facilities, your move will be easy and stress free.

Relocating to Retirement Community in Virginia

If you are moving to Virginia to live in a retirement village, you are in for a treat. Virginia retirement centers and villages offer beautiful communities and a lot of exciting amenities. There are lots of enjoyable activities in Virginia.

Always be sure to keep your things in order. Turn on and off utilities in the appropriate time so that you have your electricity and cable upon arriving and have the old ones turned off after you’ve completed packing. Make sure you have rented your moving truck well in advance as they can be very difficult to find during peak seasons.

Virginia has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the United States. There are rolling hills and mountains covered with dense fauna. Many of these mountain ranges have hundreds of public pathways for skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The states many gorgeous lakes, rivers, and mountains provide hours of enjoyment to the many residents and visitors who visit Virginia for adventure and fun. There are parks of all sizes which dot the region of Virginia. There are small privately owned parks and large state parks with many modern amenities and serene landscapes.

First Landing State Park

This historic park is located in Virginia Beach in the Hampton Roads district and is a popular destination for history buffs and beachcombers, alike. In 1607, English settlers marked this location as their first stop in the New World. With more than 19 miles of hiking and biking trails, this cypress filled park offers outdoorsmen a chance to reconnect with the wild frontier. Patrons enjoy the many cabins, campsites, picnic grounds, and more. The Chesapeake Bay Center has an aquarium and laboratory and provides educational displays and exhibits for patrons.First Landing State Park has many family and pet friendly amenities and is a great place for a vacation.

Kiptopeke State Park

Located near Chesapeake Bay, this beautiful Eastern beach has many birds and handy amenities. John Smith found this park in 1608. The park has always been known for its eclectic selection of migratory birds and attracts many bird watchers every year. Some of the new additions to this State Park include comfortable cabins, tent and RV sites, a group lodge, a yurt, and camping trailers. For great adventures, Kiptopeke State Park offers picnic sites, hiking and biking trails, beaches, boat ramps, and lighted piers. This educational park offers history, and avian and marine biology programs.

Chippokes State Park

This state park is home to a working Antebellum Plantation since 1617. The mansion, formal gardens, and farm grounds are open for tourists. The many antiques and farm equipment provide an educational and exciting tour for patrons of all ages. Chippokes State Park has a campground and cottages for tourists to make the most of their visit. There are lots of fun amenities to keep the family comfortable and entertained. A pool, gift shop, playgrounds, and trails grace the grounds of this park. There are also, many events throughout the year which make this park a tourist destination. The Steam and Gas Engine Show and Pork, Peanut, and Pine Festival run in the summertime. The Plantation Christmas Craft Festival and Christmas Open House are open in the winter months.

Westmoreland State Park

This park in Montross, Virginia is located on the easy Potomac River. A haven for families, this park offers an Olympic swimming pool, snack bar, store, visitor center, many cabins and camp sites, a fishing pier, and boat rentals. There are fun family activities for all in Westmoreland State Park. The park is home to many types of flora and fauna. Many fossil hunters, bird watchers, and fishermen are attracted to the natural atmosphere.

Virginia is a beautiful state with many breathtaking sights to encounter. From the vast expanses of Atlantic oceanfront property and sandy beaches to the fruitful Blue Ridge Mountains, the geography in Virginia is wonderfully diverse and filled with possibilities. There are many esteemed colleges and universities in the state of Virginia which produce thousands of job-seeking graduates every year. There is also, an influx of new residents who move into the area and are looking for a place to fit into the community workforce. While Virginia does have some major metropolitans, there are also some very small villages and communities. Finding a job to suit your needs may be a challenge in this small-town state. Luckily, by utilizing the internet, you are able to locate jobs to meet your specific qualifications with just a click of the mouse.

Long gone are the days of scouring the streets in search of help wanted posters. In a world of many college graduates, there is a lot of competition for better paying, specialty jobs which draw many applicants. By using internet job searches and reading online blogs, you are better able to get an idea of the availability of jobs in your specific area. Even if you are moving, you can use job search engines to locate and secure jobs in the community you will be relocating to, before you even get there! Here is a list of the top 20 job sites and blogs to help you get a job in Virginia.

Job Blogs

Job Blogs are usually centered on specific job types and skill sets. There are many job blogs based on occupations like nursing, military, and educational areas. These blogs usually talk about what’s new in these fields, any employment opportunities that are available, and current job trends and salaries. Job blogs, like job searches, can be related to the entire country or just one city or town. Some popular Virginia job blogs include:

• Job Fetch. Read about several types of jobs to see what interests you.
• Travel Nursing Blog. Are you a traveling nurse or would you like to be?
• Public Affairs Blog. For people who like to work in the public eye.
• Chron. Are you in the education field? You may like reading this blog.
• Green Job Spider. Jobs are rising in the green industries.

Job Search Sites

Job Sites are usually like online want ads which seek employees to fill positions in certain areas of the United States. There are millions of job searches in the country and many just in Virginia, alone. Job site searches can be very broad or very specific depending on what you fill out in the information fields. Some of the most helpful Virginia job sites include:

• Top USA Jobs. Search all of the cities in Virginia for your dream job!
• Virginia Jobs. Find a good paying job working for the Virginia state government.
• Job-Hunt. Search from hundreds of jobs all over Virginia until you find a good match.
• Career Connections. Explore new careers, find job fairs, and find employment.
• Snag A Job. Find student jobs, full time jobs, part time and seasonal jobs on this site.
• Monster. Search a huge database of jobs in Virginia and the rest of the country.
• Employment Guide. Search for jobs ranging from animal services to trucking.
• You’re Career Links. Search for jobs ranging in skill level and interest in this search.
• Virginia Tech. Find jobs and internships within the massive school system.
• Roanoke Jobs. Are you looking for employment in this region of Virginia?
• All Retail Jobs. Are you looking for entry level jobs in the retail industry?
• Link Up. This website will connect you with thousands of available jobs in Virginia.
• Virginia Employment Commission. Need help finding a job? Here is an answer.
• Career Center. Find a broad range of employment possibilities.
• Fairfax County Jobs. Looking for a job in the state or federal government of Virginia?

By utilizing these many helpful online resources, your job search will be much easier and save you a lot of money and time because of not having to commute or spend money on gas and expenses. Being able to tailor your search to your desired geographical area and skill set makes finding your dream job much easier and seeing results much faster.

Homeschooling has become a very popular alternative to mainstream schools in Virginia and all over the United States. Because of the increase in violence, drug use, and other adverse activities, many parents have chosen this effective method of education. There are many diverse reasons why parents choose to homeschool and Virginia respects all of them, without question.

Homeschooling Laws

The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers is a group which advocates for and supports local homeschooled families. They urge you to understand the Virginia homeschooling laws so your experience can be an easy one.

• Virginia does not consider homeschool to be school
• Attendance records do not need to be kept
• Quarterly performance reports do not need to be kept
• Certified teachers do not have to be hired
• The local school does have to be notified if your child will not be attending
• Children do need annual testing
• Children do need immunization records and they will need to be provided if asked

If you have a child between the ages of 5 and 18, they are required by law to attend school. If you have a child age 16 who would like to get his GED, this is permissible by law. There are many options for children who are homeschooled in Virginia. Prepackaged curriculums may be used but do need to be disclosed to the school board. Certain subjects are required to be taught and proof of this is necessary.

Some local schools allow children who are homeschooled to participate in school activities other than interscholastic sports. This is at the districts discretion. Special education services must be provided but the extent to which they do so is up to them.

High school diplomas are not granted to homeschoolers in Virginia. Usually, students go directly from homeschool to college but in the cases of homeschoolers being integrated into public schools, some courses may transfer and some may not.

Homeschools and Virtual schools are not exactly the same thing. While both take advantage of learning from home, public virtual schools often are accredited or are linked to public school districts. In these cases, students are considered to be attending public schools which are degree granting institutions. Your child will receive a high school diploma when attending a virtual school.

Filing the Paperwork

If you will be homeschooling in the state of Virginia, your child may begin at any time of the year. The parent needs only to notify the superintendent of intent and follow the appropriate course of action. Usually, the district will notify you of any particular classes that need to be taken, the appropriate testing that needs to be done, and any services that are available to your, through the public school system. They will also, want to see your planned curriculum or be notified if your child will be attending an online school program. If that is the case, the school that you choose will most likely keep track of records and will fax them to the district on your behalf.

The Chamber of Commerce buildings are central hubs for economic growth and development in cities and towns across Virginia. These community driven outlets often frame the city with a wealth of information for tourists, residents, and business owners within a region. Most Chamber of Commerce buildings house several local government officials, business development agencies, community outreach facilities, and other valuable city-wide resources. The Chamber of Commerce provides small businesses with valuable resources and positive and influential connections for communication within the centralized small business networks within a city as well as to local and state government funding and congressmen.

The Chamber of Commerce buildings are organizations that deal with more than just economic and political issues within a city. These businesses also, deal with local demographics, school systems, community events, weather forecasts, library events, and other city information which may be valuable for tourists in the area. Nearly every city in Virginia has its own chapter of the Chamber of Commerce. Some of the local Chambers of Commerce includes:

1. Virginia Chamber of Commerce. The Virginia Chamber of Commerce is the state’s primary and most affluent Chamber. The Chamber includes Fortune 500 companies which range from family business to international importing and exporting firms. They are the voice for businesses who want to prosper and who think that the welfare of Virginia rests on the solid economic infrastructure of the state.

The important issues of taxation, business regulations, environmental restrictions, transportation, labor laws, health care, education, liability, economic development, and government all rely on the Chamber of Commerce to function properly.

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce also helps to inform the community about local events, tourism, weather, and other social activities.

2. Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce. The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1925. This community based chapter has many useful resources on their website. Many important issues regarding local laws, employment opportunities, and government legislature are featured as well as other resources for residents and tourists in the area. There are also, many benefits of becoming a member of the Chamber and links to local upcoming events.

3. Arlington Chamber of Commerce. The Arlington Chamber was founded in 1924 and consists of volunteers who run the business. Made up of mainly business owners, the Arlington Chamber works diligently to create and secure jobs and a sound economic infrastructure in Arlington. Their website has many great resources for people who live in the Arlington area or are considering vacationing or relocating there. There are links to what it is like to live and work in Arlington, visiting Arlington, locating businesses in Arlington, and local events and community happenings.

4. Washington County Chamber of Commerce. The Washington County Chamber of Commerce is a total volunteer organization which is run by business members who dedicate themselves to helping Washington County’s economy thrive. By offering seminars and workshops to members, the Chamber improves the business culture and vitality of the local area.

Virginia is composed of many small cities and towns. While there are large cities in Virginia, they too, have a small town feel. There are plenty of opportunities to attend college or university in Virginia. From 2 year colleges to 4 year universities or vocational schools, Virginia has many institutes dedicated to higher learning. Both private and public educational institutions are located in cities all over the beautiful state of Virginia. Finding the school that offers just what you are looking for, in a serene and invigorating climate, should be no problem at all. Some of the best small Virginia colleges to put on your radar are located in the most beautiful towns in the state.

Richard Bland College

Richard Bland College is a small college in Virginia with less than 1,500 registered students. This school was founded in 1960 and is the only state supported junior college in Virginia. They offer a traditional liberal arts and science curriculum which easily transfers into many of Virginia’s larger, 4 year institutions. When transferring from Richard Bland College, incoming students achieve junior status and are very well prepared for further study.

Virginia Military Institute

Virginia Military Institute is a small campus, tucked away in Rockbridge County. This breathtaking location fosters an invigorating passion for the mind and body and promotes an educational environment.
This college aims to help men and women to reach their full potential by teaching them honor, education, and civic duties. Through learning leadership skills and public awareness, these students will be valuable assets to the communities in which they reside as citizens and as soldiers. VMI incorporates engineering, science, and liberal arts into their diverse curriculum which revolves around a military lifestyle.

University of Mary Washington

The University of Mary Washington has around 4,500 students and is located in the quaint town of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This diverse campus offers students a wealth of information and memorable experiences. Participating in an archaeological dig or witnessing history being made in Washington DC and only a couple of the exciting things that students do at UMW.

There are many degree options at the University of Mary Washington. They have one of the top ranked arts and science programs in the state and the Colleges of Business and Education receive excellent reviews. The university is ranked number 5 for public Southern educational institutions; making is a highly desirable choice for students searching for a college.

Virginia State University

Virginia State University is a small university which overlooks the Appomattox River in the quaint village of Ettrick, Virginia. Around 4,500 students enjoy this lovely campus with a historic background. Founded in 1882, Virginia State University is the first state supported 4 year institution for Blacks in America.
VSU is comprised of over 50 buildings on a 236 acre campus. There are 16 dormitories, 17 classroom buildings, and a 416 acre farm research center located on campus. There are over 52 Bachelor’s Degree programs offered from The School of Agriculture, The Business School, The Engineering School, Science and Technology, Liberal Arts and Education, The Graduate Studies School, and Research and Outreach.

Longwood University

Longwood University is a small educational institution in Farmville, Virginia with less than 4,000 students on campus. This university feels like a private school but the price tag is much more affordable. With over 100 undergraduate majors, this school has something for everybody. If you are transferring into Longwood or have made your way through its ranks, they offer rigorous Graduate programs in the fields of business, education, English, sociology, and communication sciences and disorders. This savvy campus has one of the highest job placement rates of all Virginia institutions and is amongst the only schools to make internships or research projects mandatory for graduation.

Christopher Newport University

Christopher Newport University is a campus located in Newport News, Virginia. Around 5,000 students call this campus home. Although this is a fairly new school, the reputation is quickly spreading and the foundations which lie in liberal learning, community service, and leadership make it a sought after institution. Christopher Newport University was listed as one of the top 10 “up and coming” liberal arts colleges in the United States. CNU offers over 80 courses of study which provide students with a broad range of choices. The campus is invigorating and bright with over 260 acres of modern facilities. The state-of-the-art campus makes an intriguing addition to its historic backdrop of Newport News.

Public libraries are well known by many residents in tight knit towns and small cities. However, to many others, they are hidden treasures yet to be discovered! With such a booming information age, computers, e-readers, and other online devices mean less people visiting libraries and checking out actual books and more people sitting at home surfing the web. This is unfortunate since public libraries have so much to offer.

For many people, public libraries invoke images of dusty, old encyclopedias and dimly lit, outdated rooms with stuffy old librarians scouring the hallways. These are not the public libraries of today! Modern public libraries are often centered in communities and cities, providing great technology and exciting events for the residents to enjoy. Today’s libraries look more like a book store or a coffee shop than the ancient dungeons of the past. Computer rooms with free Wi-Fi cater to students and businessmen of all ages. Children’s libraries have colorful fish tanks, vibrant posters, comfy furniture, and spinning racks of fiction and non-fiction to choose from. The friendly library helpers are always cheerful and willing to lend a hand. Multimedia rooms are brimming with the latest new DVD releases and racks of popular music CD’s and books on tape to borrow. There are sections with international newspapers, corners for horror and sci fi books, and corridors of educational material. Modern public libraries usually are located in remodeled areas with plenty of sunshine and plants and relaxing couches and chairs. These community centered areas offer great services to the residents of the area.

Most public libraries in Virginia belong to a state-wide network of libraries. These systems help to keep each area updated with the most modern amenities and most current books and media selections. There are usually hundreds of public libraries within a state and Virginia is no exception. There is never a public library too far away!

1. Washington County Public Library. This public library system houses its primary location in Abingdon, Virginia. The other areas of service include Damascus, Glade Spring, Hayters Gap, and Mendota. This quaint library system offers many opportunities for public volunteering opportunities and outreach programs throughout the community. They offer resources for people with disabilities and for people who need assistance in other areas.

2. Amherst County Public Library. This public library website is conveniently located on the city website and offers many options for people who are young, connected, and on the go! The online catalog lets you easily check the availability of many popular books. There are new applications for your cell phone, iPods, e-Readers, and other electronic devices which let you download many interesting and informative features as long as you have a library card. There is also, easy access to the Amherst County Public Library page on Facebook and the Mango language learning system.

3. Chesapeake Public Library System. This public library system is modern and beautiful. There are seven different locations, all within Chesapeake, Virginia! Their website is brimming with fun and innovative ideas and activities. Patrons can search the library catalogs, enjoy creative and informative blogs, book meeting rooms for business meetings or other community gatherings, enjoy kids’ activities like story times and arts and crafts, have teen gatherings for book clubs and to watch movies, or download and listen to e-books. There are lots of volunteer opportunities and chances to get involved with the Chesapeake Public Libraries.

4. Thomas Jefferson Public Library. This library has been open since January 4, 1954. Since its humble beginnings, it has come quite a long way. Originally housed in the back of a barber shop, it grew until it was relocated to an apartment in a complex. From there, a new home was erected for it in 1962 which was remodeled in 2010. Today, the Thomas Jefferson Public Library is a beautifully modern attraction in a diverse neighborhood. This library has many nice amenities including conference rooms for meetings, online links for paying taxes, registering for special needs services, and summer reading programs.

5. Henrico County Public Library System. This system of libraries reaches far into Virginia with many handy locations. There are libraries in the Dumbarton, Fairfield, Gayton, Glen Allen, Municipal, North Park, Sandston, and Tuckahoe, Twin Hickory, and Varina areas. These modern libraries offer many online services such as book groups and online music. There are several trendy teen programs and youth summer reading programs. There are also plenty of volunteer opportunities, classes, seminars, and senior centered programs.

Many people of all ages choose to study online rather than attend traditional classes. There are online classes for children in grades K-12 as well as for students who attend college and university. There are even courses for life-long learners in areas such as writing, gardening, and home canning. Finding online classes is very easy. Online courses can be offered through colleges, cooperative extensions, and public organizations.

Before you decide to begin an online curriculum you need to be sure that you are ready for the responsibility. There are many differences between studying in a classroom and studying online. When you study online, you are completely responsible for covering all of the pertinent information on your own. There are no teachers writing notes for you or passing out the outline for a test and there are no peers who take turns reading during class. You need to decide what information is important and you need to cover all of the material for yourself.

Although you will not meet in an actual classroom, often times you will have deadlines for posting discussions in your online classroom as well as responding to a certain number of other students’ replies. This is how you participate in classroom discussions and interact with your peers. These are also, how your teacher knows that you are present, doing your reading, and are able to add to the class discussion. Most teachers will give a class participation grade that will weigh heavily on your final grade as this is their only real way to see if you are up to speed with everyone else in the class.

Working online is a big responsibility and should only be tackled by students who are responsible, committed, and great with time management. Just because you are studying online does not mean that your work will be any easier or consist of any less material than your traditional counterparts. In fact, studying online often requires much more work because you are not covering material as a class; you are taking it on by yourself. There is no allotted time when your professor summarizes chapters from the book or gives you hints as to what the important things are. You will have to do all of the reading to find out for yourself what is important and testable information.

Reading is a big part of studying online. If you are enrolled in a college course degree granting program, you will still need to purchase text books and complete all of the required material. In order to successfully complete all of the reading and assignments, papers, and exams on time, you will need to be an expert at time management. You need to make sure to fit all of your studies in with your friend and family time and your work schedule. This is a big task and may take some practice before you become good at it.

Make sure to set aside time for your online obligations. If your teacher requires you to be logged into the classroom for 4 hours a week, make sure you schedule that time so you do not come up short. Scheduling everything you do is a good idea. Make sure your work life, personal like, and school life do not conflict and you will have a happy and balanced life.

Some great tips for how to get the most out of studying online include:

1. Use the Wikipedia. Although this is not a scholarly source, it probably has links to many. This is a great jumping off point for learning about new topics. Wiki’s are nice because they change often and have new information added all the time. Even you can add to a Wiki.

4. Online flash cards. There are many online flash card makers which are conveniently used online or printed out. They can even be posted for others to use and share.

There are endless options to studying online, both alone and with a group. By utilizing online study resources like study groups, online flash cards, and online note sharing, you will be able to make the most out of your online study experience.