The Circulation Desk

Our Monthly Newsletter

June 2025

Director's Letter

Welcome June! It doesn't really feel like summer as I write this on a cold and rainy day. But it's going to get hot, don't worry. Summer is for relaxing for some of us. But for teens and college kids you might be encouraging them to get a job, an internship or have some sort of meaningful experience other than staring at their phone this summer. Here at the library we are hosting a few student interns this summer. Students who are interested in libraries as a career, current MLIS students, and recent MLIS graduates. I love helping to grow the profession. Teaching interns about librarianship is really rewarding, and I hope to keep seeing more students come through the doors that say "I want to do this job." It's great that so many young people find the profession engaging and something that they want to participate in. Starting my career as a children's librarian meant a lot of enthusiasm for all the fun we were going to have in the library. Especially during the summer reading program. It takes months of planning and organizing as a team. Now our interns get to help implement all of that. This is our busy time of year and we are grateful for the help. We plan programs all summer to bring lots of kids in the library, to keep them excited about reading and engaged in learning through books. Be sure to check out all the programs we are hosting this summer for kids. Sign up for the reading program for kids and we will have one for adults as well. We are all excited to see you at the library this summer.

Summer Reading Program Kicks-Off June 7th!

Our Summer Reading Programs kicks off on Saturday, June 7th from 11 AM - 1 PM, with a festive all-ages celebration at the library. Kids can pick up their reading logs, cool down with a free snowcone, and dive into this year’s theme — Color Our World — through crafting and painting activities that spark imagination and creativity

Join us for a vibrant summer full of reading, exploration, and hands-on fun. There’s something new each week — from art days to science surprises — all designed to keep kids engaged and inspired.

Summer Reading Program Guide Now Online

The 2025 Summer Reading Program Guide is available online, making it easier than ever for families to plan a summer full of reading and fun! With events for all age groups and a separate registration page, this year’s guide is designed to streamline the process and help even more children dive into books and learning all season long. From art workshops to science days, there’s something for everyone—and not all programs require registration! See the guide here and register for programs here to get started.

June Art Show Celebrates Botanicals

The library is proud to welcome the photography of Susan Brown to the Commons Room from June 6–30. Susan’s stunning botanical images highlight the intricate details, natural beauty, and sculptural shapes found in plants. Join us for the opening reception on Friday, June 6th from 5:30–7:30 PM to meet the artist and experience her work up close. All are welcome!

Our new program Awesome & Awkward is off to a fantastic start! Designed to help tweens and teens connect in a relaxed, low-pressure environment, this weekly hang-out gives kids ages 10–15 a welcoming space to just be themselves. Whether they're a little awkward navigating friendships or a lot awesome with plenty to share, participants are finding common ground, building confidence, and having fun together. Join us Thursdays from 1–2 PM—because making friends shouldn’t feel like a test! Ms. Rachel hosts this event.

YOUTH DEPT. NEWS! Story Time resumes on Tuesday, June 10th, when the library will be offering a weekly Family Story Time for all ages during our Summer Reading Program!

Kids Movie Night Schedule for June, July & August

Join us for Kids Movie Night at the library this summer, happening on select Friday nights at 6:30 PM in June, July, and August! June’s movie, "Harold & the Purple Crayon" (showing June 18), follows the imaginative adventures of a boy who draws his way through magical worlds. July 18 features

"The Wild Robot," a heartwarming story about a robot who discovers friendship and survival in the wild, and August 1 wraps up the series with "IF," a whimsical film about imaginary friends coming to life. Bring a blanket and settle in for a fun family evening!

****ALL MOVIES ARE RATED PG. PARENTS MUST REMAIN WITH THEIR CHILDREN PLEASE!****

Community Gathers to Celebrate the Achievements of

Hali Taylor

On May 4th, over 100 community members gathered at the Shepherdstown Public Library to honor longtime Library Director Hali Taylor, the visionary behind the new library building. The heartfelt celebration recognized Hali’s decades of service, her unwavering dedication to literacy and learning, and her enduring legacy as a library champion. During the event, she was presented with a handcrafted plaque by local artist Bradley Sanders, which will hang in the library as a lasting tribute to her extraordinary contributions.

Coming soon!

Starting in July the library will be hosting a Genealogy club once a month. Come with your questions, tips and suggestions as we explore research advice to help you discover your family roots. Keep an eye on our webpage for our first meeting date.

Engaged Audience Gathers at the Library for Local Author Leah Rampy

A warm and engaged crowd gathered at the Shepherdstown Public Library on Thursday, May 29th to hear local author Leah Rampy speak about our deep connection with trees and the powerful wisdom they offer.

Through thoughtful conversation, Rampy explored how trees form intricate communities—offering support, communication, and resilience—and how we might learn from them to foster stronger human communities in our own towns. Attendees left inspired to look at the natural world, and each other, with renewed respect and wonder.

Bookmark in the Park

Join Christy for a special Bubble storytime at Rumsey Monument Park. Sunday June 22, 2:00 PM.

We'll read storytimes and have fun with bubbles.

Friendly Reminder! The library will be closed for Juneteenth,

Thursday June 19!

New Upcoming Programming

LEGEND BLUE = ADULT PROGRAMS GREEN = CHILDREN/TEEN PROGRAMS

Death Cafe - Tuesday, June 3rd, 12 PM

Dementia Caregivers Support Group - Thursdays, June 12 & 26, 10:30 AM

Awesome & Awkward Youth Program - Ages 10-15, Thursdays, 1PM

Botanical Portrait Art Show Opening Reception - Friday, June 6th,

5:30 - 7:30 PM

Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Party - Saturday, June 7th,

11 AM - 1 PM

Middle School Math Club - Tuesdays at 1:30 PM beginning June 10th - July 29th REGISTRATION REQUIRED. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Family Story Time - Tuesdays at 11 AM beginning June 10th - July 29th

Teen Art Club - Tuesdays at 3:30 beginning June 10th

Dabble Day: Rainbows for Ages 4+ - Wed. June 11th, 11 AM

June Monday Book Club Ages 10 - 14 - Mon. June 16th, 1 PM

Teen Writing Workshop "Collage Poetry" Ages 13 - 18 - Mon. June 16th, 3 PM

Kids Movie Night "Harold & the Purple Crayon" - Friday, June 20th, 6:30 PM Parents must stay with their children during the film.

Teen Writing Workshop "Story of Self" Ages 13 - 18 - Mon. June 23th,

2 PM

Girls Who Code Ages 8 - 14 - Fridays, June 20, 27 & July 11, 18, 1 PM

Registration Required

Dabble Day: Perler Beads for Ages 6+ - Mon. June 16th, 11 AM

Socrates Cafe - Wednesday, June 18, 10:30 AM

"All Booked Up" Book Club - Wed., June 18, 5 PM

Tales Across Time Children's Program - Saturday, June 21st, 11:00 AM

Uncommon Critters Visits the Library REGISTRATION REQUIRED! - Monday, June 30th, 3:30 PM CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

ONGOING PROGRAMMING AT THE LIBRARY

MONDAYS: Adaptive Chair Yoga 10:30 AM

TUESDAYS: Senior Social Lounge - 9 AM -12 PM

WEDNESDAYS: Meditation - 12 PM

THURSDAYS: QiGong Class 9 AM, Sensory-Friendly Quiet time 10 AM, Crafternoon 4 PM

FRIDAYS: Wild Wonders Nature Club, Fridays 11:00 AM (NOT MEETING ON JUNE 6TH!), Sip & Stitch 11 AM - 1 PM

Shepherdstown Public Library | sheplibrary.org

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