2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 105
Celebrating the life of Margaret Peters Stalnaker.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 19, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 23, 2026
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” 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