PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- Hundreds of supporters gathered at the Peterburg Public Library on Thursday to celebrate 100 years of operations, as well as its legacy as the first city-owned building to be desegregated in Petersburg. 8News' own Deanna Allbrittin took part in these honors as the gala's emcee. The evening of Thursday, Nov. 7, the Petersburg Library Foundation held its Centennial Gala to mark its monumental 100th anniversary, which was in August. This November date holds its own significance as, on Nov. 7, 1960, the library reopened as the first desegregated municipal facility in the city. The event raised money for the library's future while taking time to reflect on its rich history. "Tonight, we're celebrating not only the history of the library, but what the library is today to us -- which is really a hub for the community," said Ella Dickinson, a member of the gala's committee. "It's a place where everyone is welcome. We have that history where it was segregated, and now, it is a place literally for everyone." 8News' own Deanna Allrbrittin with Wayne Hoover, Petersburg Library's Director of Library Services, during the library's Centennial Gala. (Photos provided by Deanna Allbrittin/8News.) Wayne Crocker, the library's Director of Library Services, was also honored during the gala, as he's been a librarian longer than any other in the Commonwealth -- a total of 44 years. Multiple speakers noted that he was their librarian when they were children. David Baldacci, a best-selling author and advocate who grew up in the Richmond region and attended Virginia Commonwealth University, was the gala's keynote speaker. David Baldacci, Virginia author and advocate, at the Petersburg Library's Centennial Gala. (Photo: Deanna Allbrittin/8News) Dennis Clark, Librarian of Virginia, at the Petersburg Library's Centennial Gala. (Photo: Deanna Allbrittin/8News) He shared his love of libraries and the impact they've had on his life. He also emphasized their importance to a functioning democracy. This gala raised a total of $50,000 for the library. These proceeds will go towards programming, which the foundation is focused on expanding. If you'd like to donate to the library to help fund future programs, you can do so by calling 804-733-2387.