November 2025

The Circulation Desk

Our Monthly Newsletter

Director's Letter

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the annual WVLA (West Virginia Library Association) conference in South Charleston. While I don’t love the length of the drive, I do love the scenery. It was going home for me. I was born in Charleston and spent the first nine years of my life in Poca, WV. Where, if you don’t know, the high school mascot is The Dots! During a break between sessions I drove back to my home town, which I hadn’t visited in over twenty years. My childhood home still stands, and though the siding is different, the fence my Dad built is gone, and trees have grown up that I don’t remember, it is still the same. The smallness of the street, the imposing view of the John Amos power plant, and the modest houses all felt familiar. I also drove by the public library. When I was a kid the public library was a walk down the hill from school and in a trailer. It is a lovely log cabin style building now, with a lot more square footage then that trailer. I remember the experience of visiting the old space and the special feeling that a library provides. Childhood memories are often rose colored. But we know that isn’t the case for everyone. So many children experience trauma in their lives. That is why we work so hard to make our library a safe, busy and joy filled space for everyone. So when these kids grow up and return ten, twenty, thirty years from now they will remember the library with fondness and a place to keep safe. We hope this month you are able to prepare body and mind for the upcoming holidays and will be able to visit us often. I thought this line from the Maggie Dietz poem November, was fitting.

"Did I love it enough, the full-throttle foliage,

While it lasted? Was I dazzled?"

See you at the library.

Christy

This past month, the children's department hosted a pumpkin coloring activity and decorated our circulation desk with their colorful pumpkins. Check out their awesome work below!

Eastern Panhandle Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

This past month we were able to coordinate, for the third year, with Delta members to host second graders from North Jefferson Elementary school. The Delta's helped to sponsor the visit by paying for transportation to our library and gifting each child a bag with a book and a bookmark. We appreciate how so many work hard to provide these opportunities for the children in our area.

November Program Highlights

SAVE THESE DATES!

Beekeeping for Beginners

Mondays @ 6:30 p.m. Starting 11/3

Our Beekeeping for Beginners workshop with Jason Murphy of the Hive House Apiaries is returning to the Shepherdstown Library! Join us for 4 Mondays in November, starting November 3rd through the 24th, to learn the basics of beekeeping and how to start your own hive. This class fills up fast—register by email now: hivehouse@hotmail.com.

Knot Knitting

Saturday, 11/8 @ 1 p.m.

Have you always wanted to complete a knitting project but just can’t get the hang of using the needles? Then sign up for this fun and easy class to create an infinity scarf! Using yarn and just your hands, you will learn how to knot knit.

Registration required: director@sheplibrary.org

The King of Little Things

Friday, 11/14 @ 2 p.m.

The King of Little Things is a play based on the children’s book by Bil Lepp. It is adapted and directed by Shepherd University student, Eleanor Lepp, and performed by the Shepherd Theater Department.

Only the King of Little Things stands between King Normous and his goal of conquering the world. After all, it is the small things that keep the big things going. The King of Little Things is the king of paper clips, popsicle sticks, pin cushions, toy soldiers, little ballerina dolls, corks, forks, pet names, small kindnesses, and buttons of all shapes and sizes. On the other side of the mountain, King Normous is hungry for more, but together even the littlest of things can wield great power.

This performance has a runtime of about 30 minutes and is best for ages 5-10.

November Closures

The Library will be closed the following dates and times:

Tuesday, 11/11: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Veterans Day)

Wednesday, 11/26: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. (closing early)

Thursday, 11/27: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Thanksgiving)

Friday, 11/28: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Thanksgiving)

Special Events in November

Cuts of Life: The Natural World in Black and White

Saturday, November 1st @ 1 p.m.

Join us for this artist talk and reception! By day, Lindsey Boyle is an ecologist; by night, an artist who transforms black paper into intricate images of the natural world. Each piece begins as a hand-drawn design and is cut from a single, unbroken sheet--revealing delicate, interconnected forms inspired by her time in nature. Join us as Lindsey shares the story behind her process, from field to studio.

Hospice and Palliative Care 101: Understanding the Difference

Tuesday, November 4th @ 1 p.m.

Hospice of the Panhandle and Panhandle Palliative Services will be giving a presentation on their services. Participants will gain the following key takeaways:

Palliative Care Vs Hospice Care: Understanding the key differences
The different services provided by both programs
The patients that both Palliative Care and Hospice Care serve
When is the right time

Come learn how Hospice and Palliative care can enhance quality of life.

Monthly Program Spotlight

Genealogy Club

Thursday, November 13th @ 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, November 19th @ 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

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