December 2025

The Circulation Desk

Our Monthly Newsletter

Director's Letter

Every holiday season I am inspired to re-read Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. I’m not sure if it is the story of redemption, the grumpy Scrooge character, or the descriptions of food that keeps me coming back. “The Grocers, oh the Grocers!” I love the descriptions of the Cratchits modest Christmas feast.(Is anyone else concerned those kids were drinking Gin in the Christmas punch?) Whatever tradition you hold dear this holiday, I hope it is one of joy. If it includes reading a favorite holiday story, even better. Stop by the library for lovely holiday picture books, cozy holiday novels, and favorite movies to inspire joy this holiday. I am inspired by our wonderful staff here at the library. They work so hard to bring joy to our community. Wonderful programs for all ages from book clubs, to fun storytimes, to genealogy research, and craft programs for all. They excel at listening to what our patrons would like to read and experience at the library. The most important thing that our staff and volunteers do is provide excellent customer service. They will get to know you and your family, recommend books they think you will enjoy, and even chat about the weather. Some folks feel especially lonely this time of year, so we are happy to take a few extra minutes to listen to whatever is on their mind. That is one way we try and bring joy during this time of year. With all the traditions, stress, and joys of the holidays, we hope to see you at the library.


Christy


The King of Little Things

This past month, we had the honor of hosting a performance of The King of Little Things for our children's department! The play, based on the book by Bil Lepp, was adapted and directed by Shepherd Senior, Eleanor Lepp, and performed by members of the Shepherd University Theatre Department. A huge thank you to Eleanor and the talented Shepherd University students for bringing this delightful story to life for our patrons.

Last month's art show, Cuts of Life: The Natural World in Black & White by Lindsey Boyle, was a major success! Thank you to Lindsey for sharing you art with us, and thank you to everyone who came out to support!

Congratulations to our director, Christy, for being presented with the Jack and Martha Young Community Service Award on behalf of Shepherdstown Area Independent Living (SAIL)! The award recognizes those who strongly support the mission of SAIL by helping its members remain active, connected, independent, and in their homes and community as long as possible.

December Program Highlights

SAVE THESE DATES!

A Very Merry Cookie Party

Thursday, 12/11 @ 4:30 p.m.


Celebrate the season with the Friends of Shepherdstown Library and our library staff! Enjoy sweet treats, catch up with old friends and make new ones too! All library patrons are invited. We will be collecting new Children’s books for the Shepherdstown Shares toy drive.

Holi-Daze at the Library

Saturday, 12/20 @ 11 a.m.


Feeling a little dazed by the holiday hustle? Take a breather at the library!

Join us for a cozy day of family fun with a holiday movie, hot cocoa and cookies, ornament making, coloring pages, and puzzles. This event is open to all ages and will be featuring The Muppet Christmas Carol ! Come and go as you please—no stress, no cost, just a little seasonal joy and togetherness.

Holiday Hours

Please note the hour changes & closures for the following dates and times:

Tuesday, 12/23: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, 12/24: Closed (Christmas Eve)

Thursday, 12/25: Closed (Christmas Day)

Friday, 12/26: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, 12/27: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Monday, 12/29: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, 12/30: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, 12/31: Closed (New Year's Eve)

Thursday, 1/1: Closed (New Year's Day)

Special Events

Lightscapes Art Reception

Friday, December 5th @ 5 p.m.


Join us for a reception and talk-back with artist Anne Rule-Thompson for her art show Lightscapes. Anne Rule-Thompson is an artist from Harpers Ferry, WV. "Encaustic paintings are made with beeswax, damar resin (a natural tree sap that acts as a hardening agent), and powdered pigments. Encaustic painting has a long history, dating back to the 5th Century B.C. The greek word "enkaustiko" means "to burn in," which refers to the process of fusing the paint. Beeswax is impervious to moisture, it will not deteriorate, it will not yellow or darken. Encaustic paintings do not have to be varnished or protected by glass, but you will need to shine them occasionally during the curing period." The art show will run through the month of December, and a portion of proceeds from all sales will go to the library.

Shepherdstown Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 6th @ 10 a.m.


Join us to walk in the Shepherdstown Christmas Parade! The event will be held downtown along German St. in rain, snow, or shine. All patrons are invited to walk with us to represent Shepherdstown Public Library! Interested? Meet Christy at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 6th on Church St. by Trinity Episcopal Church.



For more information/questions, contact Christy at director@sheplibrary.org.

Monthly Program Spotlight

Genealogy Club

Thursday, December 11th @ 11 a.m.


Join us every 2nd Thursday at 11 a.m. for Genealogy Club! Come work on your individual research in a group setting. We will help each other with research and share our successes and roadblocks. Explore a variety of resources and learn new tips and tricks to improve your research.


For more information, contact Addison at addison@sheplibrary.org


All Booked Up

Wednesday, December 17th @ 5 p.m.


Every 3rd Wednesday, join us at 5 p.m. for a no pressure book club! All Booked Up is a space for busy parents who love to read but don’t have time for traditional book clubs. Instead of assigned books, we share what we are currently reading, swap recommendations, and connect over our love of stories–all at our own pace. No pressure, just great conversations and inspiration!


For more information, contact Jessie Ward at jessie@sheplibrary.org

WEEKLY ADULT PROGRAMS

WEEKLY CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS


*Please note: For the Holiday season, children's morning programs including Toddler Story Time, Preschool Story Time, and Wild Wonders Nature Club will not meet from December 12 through January 12, and children's afternoon programs including Teen Art Club, Middle School Math Club, STEM Club, Crafternoon, and Chess Club will not meet from December 19 through January 5.*

Coming Next Month

Jefferson County WVU Extension Educational Programs


Join us for a series of exciting educational children’s programs this Winter! Only 20 slots available per program.



*Blast Off! STEM & Literature: 1/5 @ 1 p.m. Ages 5-10

*Sphero Robots: 1/12 @ 1 p.m. Ages 8-12

*Mechanical Engineering: 1/22 @ 1 p.m. Ages 8-12

*Personal Hygiene for Kids: 1/29 @ 1 p.m. Ages 3-7


Use the buttons below to register now for each program!

Want to save money? Use your library card! Mango for language learning, Kanopy for video streaming, Libby for ebook, audiobooks and digital magazines.

Shepherdstown Public Library | sheplibrary.org

145 Higbee Lane, Shepherdstown, WV 25443 (304) 876-2783

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