2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26107424D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 132

Offered February 12, 2026

Celebrating the life of Margaret Peters Stalnaker.

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Patrons—Leftwich; Senator: Craig

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WHEREAS, Margaret Peters Stalnaker, a longtime Chesapeake resident who promoted literacy as a librarian and touched countless lives as a dedicated community leader, died on January 29, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Margaret “Peggy” Peters Stalnaker was born in Georgia and grew up in the Commonwealth; she earned a bachelor's degree from Westhampton College of the University of Richmond, a master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a master of library science degree from the University of Maryland; and

WHEREAS, Peggy Stalnaker spent her entire career working for the Chesapeake Public Library as the director of libraries and research services from 1985 to 2008; she oversaw the construction of a new main library and six branch libraries and helped the Chesapeake Public Library earn recognition as one of the top 20 public library systems in the country through her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence; and

WHEREAS, Peggy Stalnaker also served the Chesapeake community as acting assistant city manager from 1999 to 2002, supported economic growth as a member of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, and promoted educational programming through her work with the WHRO Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Peggy Stalnaker served the Commonwealth as an appointed member and chair of the Library of Virginia Board and chair of the Library of Virginia Foundation; she offered her insights and expertise to several other state commissions and task forces, as well as various committees of the American Library Association and the Public Library Association; and

WHEREAS, after her well-earned retirement, Peggy Stalnaker settled in the Northern Neck, where she upheld her lifelong commitment to community engagement through her work with the Chesapeake Academy Board of Trustees, Lancaster Community Library, Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts, and other organizations; and

WHEREAS, among many accolades for her personal and professional achievements, Peggy Stalnaker was selected as the Chesapeake Woman of the Year by the Women's Division Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce – Chesapeake in 2003 and was awarded the prestigious First Citizen of Chesapeake award in 2005; she also received the 2005 Semper Virginia Award for her significant contributions to literacy and libraries in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Peggy Stalnaker will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her husband, Jamie; her children, Lindsay and Walker, and their families; Jamie's stepchildren, Randolph, Elizabeth, and Scott; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Margaret Peters Stalnaker, a passionate librarian and highly admired community leader; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Margaret Peters Stalnaker as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.