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The Circulation Desk
Our Monthly Newsletter
FEBRUARY 2024
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This month we focus on the quiet of winter and the small things we can do for ourselves. We all look forward to Groundhog Day, where we keep our fingers crossed that spring will soon be here. Instead of hurrying spring, we encourage you to embrace this time with a good book and a cup of tea. Try the community of a game, the challenge of a puzzle, or a new craft project.
The library is a wonderful place to start when you are feeling those winter blues and need something to change your perspective. Try our 2024 book challenge and get inspired to try a book you would never have chosen before. Or perhaps browse our cookbooks and tackle a new recipe. Join our weekly meditation group to connect with yourself. See all of the events and projects that are happening at the library this month and remember to enjoy this quiet of winter.
Warm regards,
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We're excited to announce that the Shepherdstown Public Library is expanding its offerings with the creation of a Craft Library! This new collection of tools will allow our patrons to explore various crafts without the burden of a high initial investment. The Craft Library will provide tools for check out, encouraging individuals to try their hand at new creative endeavors. Our current inventory already includes items like a mini-pottery wheel, a paper making kit, a book binder, a button maker, and a leather cutter for our craft kits.
We're currently seeking donations of knitting and embroidery needles, embroidery hoops, crochet needles, and a working sewing machine to enhance our collection. If you or someone you know has these spare items and would like to contribute to our growing Craft Library, please contact Christy at director@sheplibrary.org. We can't take any drop-off items as we're low on space, so please check-in with us first. Your generosity will help foster a vibrant and creative community at Shepherdstown Public Library!
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Out of the 1,500 Americans polled, a suboptimal 46 percent did not complete any books last year, and only 5 percent managed to read just one. Therefore, if you read more than two books in 2023, you find yourself among the top half of U.S. adults.
Achieving the feat of reading five books places you in the top 33 percent, while reading 10 books elevates you to the top 21 percent. For those who surpass the impressive milestone of 50 books, they belong to an exclusive group – the true one-percenters – individuals who have read more books than 99 percent of their fellow Americans.
Source: Department of Data Column in The Washington Post, Column and Analysis by Andrew Van Dam Original Data Source: Economist/YouGov poll
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Mental Health and Wellness Programming Benefits Our Community
We're proud to be the home of several mental health wellness and support group programs that offer individuals a compassionate and understanding space to share experiences and find solace. Whether it's navigating the challenges of providing care for loved ones with dementia, or exploring conversations around mortality in a Death Cafe, these programs foster a sense of community, empathy, and invaluable emotional support.
Dementia Care Support Group, led by Access 304 in partnership with the Shepherdstown Rotary Club, meets on the last Thursday of the month from 10:30 - 11:30 AM. Upcoming dates are Feb. 29th, Mar. 28th, Apr. 25th, May 30th, and June 27th. Extra session this month Feb. 8th.
Death Cafe: Compassionate Conversation About Death & Dying This program meets on the first Tuesday of the month. Upcoming dates are Feb. 6th, Mar. 5th, Apr. 2nd, May 7th, and June 4th.
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Check out these books we recommend for the Historical Fiction prompt in our Book Challenge!
Click a title below to learn more about the book on our online catalog site.
Not familiar with our Online Catalog?
Click here to learn more!
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You're Invited To This Delicious FOSL Fundraiser!
Support your library on February 29th by ordering meals in-person or online at Five Guys in Ranson. 20% of your order total will be donated to SPL!
Just mention your order is part of the Shepherdstown Library fundraiser when your order online or order in person. Five Guys is located in Ranson at 38 Joshua M Freeman Blvd. across Route 9 from the Home Depot, Weis & Kohls shopping area.
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WV State Delegate Paul Espinosa | |
Shepherdstown Public Library Director Meets with WV Delegate Paul Espinosa About Library Funding
Friday, January 26th was Library Legislation Day and SPL Director, Christy Hagerty, met with WV State Delegate Paul Espinosa by Zoom to discuss funding opportunities for public libraries in the state.
During the meeting, Christy advocated for the indispensable role libraries play in fostering literacy, community engagement, and lifelong learning. She emphasized the need for sustained financial support to enhance library resources, technology, and programming, ultimately ensuring that libraries continue to serve as vital community hubs.
Everyone at Shepherdstown Public Library looks forward to building relationships with all of our local, state and national representatives who work hard everyday to make Shepherdstown a wonderful place to live.
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Mark Muse Photography Exhibition Opening | |
Artist Mark Muse with guests | The opening of Photographer Mark Muse's photography exhibition on January 26th was a well-attended affair, as community members gather to admire his landscape photographs and enjoy wine and cheese. The show runs through February, and the library receives 30% of sales to help support future library programs. | |
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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 (Last Thursday of the month), Games Day 2 PM (Third Thursday of the month)
FRIDAYS: Sip & Stitch 11 AM
SATURDAYS: Family Story Time 11 AM, Lego Club (dates vary check website calendar)
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