Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What will change as Roanoke’s library director steps down after 43 years?

And on the Roanoke Patch calendar - Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

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Greetings Roanoke! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What will change as Roanoke’s library director steps down after 43 years?
  • What Roanoke’s new high-tech crime center means for your neighborhood
  • Confused by Roanoke’s new gateless garages? Here’s exactly how they work.

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings and 4 more events.

Find out what's happening in Roanokefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Jimmy, did you crash on your bike again? You’ve lost a tooth! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Roanokefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Sunday: Windy and colder, with a high of 33 and low of 15 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Monday: Mostly sunny and cold, temps: high: 37, low: 26.
  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and not as cold, with a high of 48 and low of 30 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Local Library director, Sheila Umberger, retires after 43 years of service (theroanoketribune.org) — Roanoke readers will soon see a major change at their libraries as longtime director Sheila Umberger retires on January 1, 2026, after 43 years of service. She helped modernize Roanoke’s system, championed youth reading, and led initiatives like Star City Reads. City leaders credit her with turning libraries into vibrant, welcoming community spaces.
   

2. Roanoke police launch high-tech crime-fighting center (wfxrtv.com) — Roanoke Police have opened a new Operations and Crime Control Center that uses cameras, license plate readers, drones, and data tools to respond to crime in real time. Funded entirely by grants, the ROC has already aided dozens of arrests, and police say strict audits and state laws govern how surveillance data is stored and used.
   

3. Explaining the new payment system for Downtown PARK Roanoke Garages (wsls.com) — Downtown Roanoke drivers will see a big change in PARK Roanoke garages as they switch to a gateless, camera-based payment system aimed at cutting exit lines and hassles. After parking, you’ll have 15 minutes to scan a QR code, enter your phone number, license plate, and payment method, or pay at a station, before cameras automatically link your car to your payment when you leave.
   

4. How to avoid porch pirates this holiday season (wfxrtv.com) — Roanoke-area residents are being warned to protect their holiday deliveries as porch thefts rise, including a recent case involving an off-duty Alleghany County officer catching suspected thieves. Local consumer advocates share practical tips like using side porches, trusted neighbors, workplace delivery, store pickup, and Amazon lockers. Virginians are also reminded that mail theft is now a state felony with serious penalties.
   

5. Education guru named among Top Ten Superintendents of 2025 (theroanoketribune.org) — A former Roanoke City Public Schools employee, Jeremy Batchelor, has been named one of Education Insider’s Top Ten Superintendents of 2025. Now leading Youngstown schools in Ohio, he credits service‑minded leadership and a commitment to defending public education, while his Roanoke-rooted family celebrates how his achievements carry their legacy forward.
   

📸 Around Roanoke

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Roanoke

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • A crash has been cleared on southbound US-220 at 4.1 miles south of I-581/VA-24 in Roanoke County.
    9:11PM on Dec 12: All southbound travel lanes on US-220 at 4.1 miles south of I-581/VA-24 in Roanoke County are closed due to a crash. (Nextdoor )
  • Hi my name is Brooke an I am interested in doing work for anyone that needs things done I can clean houses I can do any outside work stack wood clean up yards any lifting of things I can do I can pressure wash anything im willing an capable to do
    most anything please contact me if you have any work that needs to be done thank you (Nextdoor Palmer Park / Hollins)
  • Kroger posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk in Roanoke. Apply here.
  • Sodexo, Inc. posted a job opening for Utility Worker in Roanoke. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Roanoke here.

Ok Roanoke! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I didn’t lose a tooth, Mom. It’s right here in my pocket.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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