May 2026

The Circulation Desk

Our Monthly Newsletter

Director's Letter

We have exciting news. The library plans to go Solar! We are on a mission to turn sunshine into stories. If you were involved with the planning and fundraising for our current building you will remember that solar power was always part of the plan. We didn’t forget. We are now able to move forward thanks to a generous bequest to help jumpstart our fundraising.

Solar panels will be installed to cover both south facing roof lines of the building. We expect that the addition of solar panels will offset our electricity bill by almost 50%. Our goal is $200,000. We are looking at several different funding sources but we need your help most of all.

We are asking our always supportive community, and that means you, to contribute to this effort.

Every dollar saved on power is a dollar reinvested into new books, library supplies, and community programs.

Interested in donating? Or do you want to learn more? Visit our website.

Christy

Storybook Parade

We were so honored to have our homeschool group invited to take part in Shepherdstown Elementary School’s Storybook Parade today! It was so much fun seeing all of the characters, and amazing to see how the whole town comes out to support the kids.

Seed Library

We're so excited to introduce something new to the library... our Seed Library! Grow something beautiful, pick seeds up now or share seeds you have saved from last season. If you're able, save some seeds at the end of the season to share back with the community.

Let's grow together!

Bluebird Builders

Last month, families built their own bluebird houses and learned how to create safe nesting spaces for these beloved backyard birds. With the right placement and care, these little homes can make a big difference for local bluebird populations!

Quilt Raffle

In honor of National Library Week, Pattie Wilmoth handmade and donated a "Love the Library" quilt to raffle off as a fundraiser for the library. Congratulations to our winner, Chris Heinen, thank you Pattie for your generous donation, and thank you to everyone who bought a ticket to support our library!

May Program Highlights

SAVE THESE DATES!

Beginner Bird Watching

Saturday, May 9th @ 11:00 a.m.

Learn birdwatching basics with Miss Jessie, then head outside to spot birds for Global Bird Day! Bring binoculars if you have them and dress for the weather. All ages welcome. Every bird you count helps scientists track migration!

Adult Craft: Clothespin Star Decor

Saturday, May 9th @ 1:00 p.m.

Using recycled materials, create this festive clothespin decoration! Registration is limited and required, no last minute walk-ins please. Email director@sheplibrary.org to sign up today!

Special Events

Hiatt Collection Gallery & Silent Art Auction Reception

Friday, May 8th @ 5:00 p.m.

For the month of May, the Shepherdstown Public Library gallery will feature an exciting exhibit from the Bill and Donna Hiatt collection! The Hiatt’s generous donation of works in a variety of media will be offered individually in a silent auction, and all proceeds will go toward supporting FOSL and the library. Join us for the opening reception Friday, May 8th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

College Planning Essentials: A Comprehensive Guide to Saving and Investing

Friday, May 29th at 1:30 p.m.

Join Financial Advisor Tracy Regalia from Edward Jones investments as she discusses tips and plans for investing for college!

Summer Reading 2026 Kick-Off Party

Saturday, May 30th @ 11:00 a.m.

Help us kick off our Summer Reading Program with a fun day of activities, crafts, snow cones, and more! This year's theme is Unearth a Story.

Recurring Adult Programming Schedule

Recurring Children's Programming Schedule

Coming Next Month...

Adult Craft: 1776 Sign

Saturday, June 13th @ 1:00 p.m.

Using recycled materials, create this patriotic hanging sign! Registration is limited and required, no last minute walk-ins please. Email director@sheplibrary.org to sign up today!

Summer Reading 2026: Unearth a Story

May 30th - August 6th, 2026

This year's summer reading program theme is... Unearth a Story! Join us at the library this summer for special events, programs, activities, and more. Click the image for our full program guide and registration information!

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