The Circulation Desk

Our Monthly Newsletter


April 2024

 

Director's Letter

 


It's April, and one of the best months around here, because National Library Week is April 7-13. We are delighted to kick off the festivities by offering our patrons a special treat: a fine-free week. Normally every Friday is fine-free, this is an entire week to return any late book you may have been holding onto.


During that week, we encourage you to express your affection for the library by dropping in and filling out an "I Love My Library" card. We're hoping to cover our front desk with hearts!


With blossoms blooming all around us, be sure to grab a great book to enjoy out in the open air and sunshine. On the topic of sunshine, we will be hosting a partial eclipse watching event on April 8th. Local families can enjoy this natural phenomenon safely and with their community. We will be providing viewing devices for everyone to share this celestial marvel, along with a craft, and basic science about the eclipse.


This month, nature's wonder extend indoors as well, as our Commons Room proudly showcases the captivating artwork of local talent Dana Wyatt. Her exhibit, entitled "Field Studies," features watercolor illustrations of the natural world and animals found locally along the Potomac river and beyond. Remember, a 30% portion of artwork sales directly supports the library, a gesture we deeply appreciate.



Warm regards,

Grant Awarded to Shepherdstown Public Library

We're thrilled to announce that the Shepherdstown Public Library has been selected as one of 310 libraries to participate in round two of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities.


The competitive award comes with a $10,000 grant that will help the library purchase and install technology and AV equipment to help bridge the gap of access to technology to patrons who are hearing and visually impaired. We will be hosting a conversation with residents about the plans for the new equipment and how the grant funds will be utilized.


Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.


Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL).

New Streaming Service Coming Soon


We're thrilled to announce the latest addition to our digital resources lineup: Kanopy. Available through the Libby app, Kanopy offers an incredible array of streaming content, including award-winning films, documentaries, and educational videos. Whether you're looking for thought-provoking indie films, insightful documentaries, or engaging educational content for all ages, Kanopy has something for everyone. Patrons will be able access the streaming platform by logging into Libby with their library card number. Stay tuned for the release date.

April is National Poetry Month

We're excited to mark National Poetry Month at our library. We'll be hosting a Poetry Walk around our grounds featuring readings of beloved children's poems. It promises to be an enriching experience, celebrating the beauty of language, imagination, and the outdoors. The date is TBA so keep an eye on the library website for details.

How Sweet!


Jason Murphy, owner Hive House Apiaries, volunteers for the library by leading beekeeping workshops twice a year. We were delighted when he recently donated honey for us to sell here at the library. The best part? All sale proceeds go to the library!


Stop in and buy a jar, support the library and sweeten your day. The cost is $12 per 16 ounce jar!

New Upcoming Programming

Dana Wyatt Art Show "Field Notes" Opening Reception - Monday, April 1st -April 26th


Family Story Time - Saturday, April 6th at 11 AM.


Pat Welsh Book Reading & Signing: "My Little Book of Poetry from the Heart" Saturday, April 13th at 11:00 AM


Folk Dances from Around the World Children's Program - Saturday, April 13 1:30 PM


Socrates Cafe - Wednesday, April 17th at 10:30 AM.


Parallel Worlds Book Club - Saturday, April 20 at 1:30 PM.


Adult Paper Craft Workshop: Mod Podge Boxes - Saturday, April 27th at 10:30 AM


Teen Anime Movie - Saturday, April 27th at 12:30 PM

 
 

Standing Room Only for "Planting for Pollinators" Workshop

Our March 16th program "Planting for Pollinators and Birds", led by professional garden designer Peggy Bowers, was an overwhelming success!


It was standing room only as Peggy led the group through a presentation on how to encourage pollinators and birds to visit our gardens. We learned that planting for pollinators and birds is crucial for supporting biodiversity, ecosystem health, food production, and habitat restoration. Thanks again to Peggy and our Garden Steward!

 
 


From From by Monica Youn


So To Speak by Terrance Hayes


Collected Poems 1974-2004 by Rita Dove


A Short History of Monsters by Jose Padua


Confidence in Being by Ed Zahniser


Turn Me Loose: The Unghosting of Medgar Evers by Frank X. Walker


Never Alone in a Cemetery by Rick Taylor


Blue Horses by Mary Oliver


The Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni


The Trouble with Poetry and Other Poems by

Billy Collins


Not familiar with our Online Catalog?

Click here to learn more!

Thank you FOSL!


Our Friends of the Shepherdstown Library group plays a crucial role in supporting our library by providing vital assistance in fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement efforts.


Save the date

for FOSL's upcoming Book Sale! Monday APRIL 29TH - Saturday MAY 4.


Learn more about FOSL and how you can help support your library here!

 
 
 

ONGOING PROGRAMMING AT THE LIBRARY


MONDAYS: STEM Club 4 PM, Teen Writing Group 4 PM (2nd & 4th Monday each month)


TUESDAYS: Baby & Toddler Story Time (Ages 0-2) 11 AM, Teen Art Club 3:30 PM, Death Cafe 12 PM (First Tuesday of the month)


WEDNESDAYS: Preschool Story Time (Ages 3-5) 11 AM, Socrates Cafe (Once per month; check website calendar for dates.)


THURSDAYS: Crafternoon 4 PM, Dementia Care Support Group 10:30 AM(First & third Thursday of the month), Games Day 2 PM (Third Thursday of the month)


FRIDAYS: Sip & Stitch 11 AM


SATURDAYS: Family Story Time 11 AM (dates vary check website calendar), Lego Club, Teen Anime Movies (dates vary check website calendar)

 
 
 

Shepherdstown Public Library | sheplibrary.org

Facebook  Instagram