Richmond Public Library Travels back to the Renaissance era

Daijah Hinmon, Staff Writer 

People of all ages came together to celebrate artistic expression present throughout the Renaissance era. A variety of vendors shared their handmade crafts, from flower crowns to jewelry and potion making. Visitors came in their best attire, wearing elaborate dresses and suits of armor — even some dragons were spotted. 

The Westover Hills Public Library hosted a wholesome Renaissance Faire and Market on Sept. 20. The event held activities for everyone, with Virago Alley providing historical displays of crafts, tools and weapon demonstrations.

Westover Hills’ mission is to create accessible libraries that allow people to feel like they are a part of the community, according to Danielle Tarullo, the Westover Hills Library community services manager. The event combined the Renaissance era with aspects of the library, like checking out fantasy and history books or “How to Train Your Dragon” movies.

“Richmond is a city that enjoys a festival and an activity,” Tarullo said. “Before the pandemic, this branch used to have regular fall festivals. So this was our initial way of bringing that tradition back.”

The library was able to get donations from local businesses like BBGB Books in Carytown who provided book bundles and gift cards, Tarullo said. Stella’s Market, Clothes Rack and Blanchard’s Coffee also donated gift cards to the library. 

“There is a very strong community here, the businesses that are near us all really care about supporting the library and see the library’s value in the community,” Tarullo said.

Attendee Jenny Sparks just moved to the area a few months ago. She said she enjoyed visiting local artists and the Ren Faire’s sword demonstrations. 

“I want to say that as somebody who is in a gay relationship and is non-binary myself,” visitor Ermine Lewis said. “I’m actually really encouraged by seeing a lot of LGBTQ representation here.”

If the library were to hold a similar event, Lewis said they would definitely attend.  

“I’m also really encouraged by the fact that the library is hosting this,” Lewis said. “I think that this is actually a really great move to get kids interested in history and in culture.”

The event successfully celebrated the Renaissance era, vendor Olivia Stone said. The Ren Faire brought the community together and celebrated the library itself, which she hopes will encourage more people to get library cards.

Virago Alley is a non-profit organization that serves as a hub for knowledge exchange, skill development and community building, according to their website. They held youth combat demonstration at the Ren Faire. Bizhan Khodabandeh, vice president and Ashley Moore, treasurer are both VCU alumni. 

Virago Alley will be holding an official Richmond Ren Faire in spring of 2026. Rooted in community, the Faire brings together local performers, merchants, artists, and cultural organizations, adding a modern twist that reflects the city’s vibrant creative spirit.

Amanda Robinson, founder of Virago Alley and Gallery 5 thought it was really exciting to be a part of the Renaissance Faire and Market event since the phenomenon of Ren Faires has grown exponentially over the last couple of years. Especially post-pandemic, people are returning to working with their hands and spending time in nature. 

“You know, Ren Fair is not just for history nerds,” Robinson said. “It’s for fantasy nerds and folks that just need a community and a place to be weird.”