April 2026

The Circulation Desk

Our Monthly Newsletter

Director's Letter

This month I want to highlight some of the wonderful Library Kits that we have available that maybe you didn't know about.

What is a Library Kit? It can include a lot of different components and learning resources. S uch as; books, reusable learning materials and tools. In our children's room there is a variety of learning kits available for check out. Phonics kits and early reading skill kits, Nature backpacks made possible through PVAS, birding kits, learning games and puzzles.

In the adult room we have Craft kits. These include basic supplies for folks who are interested in learning a new craft. What we have put together so far are learning how to crochet, knitting, paper making and more. We also now have two sewing machines for check out.

Our newest effort in the adult room is our Book Club kits. So far we have eleven titles that book club groups can check out and distribute to members. For awhile now I have been frustrated on behalf of book club members who want to borrow a copy of a title for their next book club meeting. But there is only one in the system, or all copies are checked out, or it just isn't available.

That is why I have put together these kits. It includes newer titles in paperback that are great for discussion. Most importantly your group members won't have to hunt around for a copy to read. I have noticed if a member can't get a copy of the title quickly they end up not reading the book. So if you are a book club who actually likes to talk about a book, and not just chit chat, then be sure to explore our titles.

As you know we are about more than books at the library. We are a place for community, for peace, and for learning. Stop by soon and see what else you can find at the library.

Christy

Book Club Kits

Tired of hunting for your next book club pick? Check out our new book club kits! Each kit comes with 10 paperback copies of the book, a list of discussion questions, and a tote to hold the materials. Our book club kits check out for 6 weeks at a time. For more information, visit the library or give us a call at (304) 876-2783!

Greeting Cards

Support the library and celebrate our town with this set of greeting cards representing 8 different iconic downtown locations! All designs created by local artist and volunteer Marie Botsford. For $15, you'll receive 8 cards with 10 envelopes, and all proceeds go to the library!

Quilt Raffle

Celebrate National Library week the second week of April by buying a raffle ticket for this whimsical Love the Library quilt handmade and donated by Pattie Wilmoth! Quilt is 68x60. The raffle will run April 1-20, and tickets will be $5 each, cash or check only.

A Note from Our Garden Stewards

According to the birds and the budding trees, spring is here! The native pollinator gardens at the Shepherdstown Public library are in need of a bit of cleanup including weeding, cutting back perennials, mulching, and general tidying. I have proposed dates and times listed below. Please let us know if you can participate on any of these dates. I do hope you can join in! We would also like to invite individuals or groups to adopt a garden spot. When you adopt a spot (location and size determined by you), you would take on the maintenance of that area which would include weed control, trimming, and potential plant additions with a schedule to be determined by you. Horticultural guidance is offered if requested. This is a great opportunity for families, youth groups, and garden friends to give back to our community and support the pollinators! I am proposing these general workdays to get the garden refresh started and maintained through the summer. Grab a couple of your gardening friends and neighbors, and let's work together to keep the pollinators happy!

Saturday, April 4th: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
"Social Hour" Every Other Tuesday Starting April 7th: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Every Other Sunday Starting April 12th: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Every Other Friday Starting April 17th: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

-Peggy Bowers, Garden Stewards of the Shepherdstown Public Library

Our Volunteers are the best

Super volunteer, Lynn Truslow is hanging up her volunteering hat. Lynn has been volunteering since 1994 at the libary. From helping in adult services, working on the check-out desk, recommending titles and covering books. Lynn has done it all! We are so grateful for her years of service. She always cheers us up when she stops by. So even though she is hanging up her book covering scissors we know she will stop by often. Thanks Lynn!

April Program Highlights

SAVE THESE DATES!

Restore Your Self

Tuesdays in April @ 1:30 p.m.

In this 4-week workshop, you will be given a copy of the book, Restore Your Self, and you will become familiar with the Bright technique for self-healing. This technique involves using a combination of your intention, your breath, and Divine Light to transform emotions and mental states held within you! The self-healing technique is both easy to learn and simple to use. Once you’ve incorporated the Bright technique into your day, you may see this as your “go-to” technique that helps you get back into balance, as needed! Read more about the book here! This program will happen every Tuesday in April at 1:30 p.m.

Registration is limited and required. Email director@sheplibrary.org to sign up today!

Bluebird Builders

Saturday, April 11th @ 11:00 a.m.

Families with children ages 6–10 are invited to learn how birds build nests, why bluebirds rely on humans to provide safe nesting spaces, and how to help local bluebirds by building a wooden birdhouse together. Each registered family (no more than two children and at least one adult) will construct and take home a bluebird house! Registration is limited and required. Email jessie@sheplibrary.org to sign up today!

The Enneagram Instinctual Subtypes: As If the Nine Types Weren't Interesting Enough!

Thursday, April 23rd @ 10:30 a.m.

Three survival instincts provide context for the Enneagram types to be on display. This program invites participants to consider not only how prioritizing instincts differently can lead to interpersonal misunderstanding and conflict, but also how the three instincts give the nine types distinct flavors. Previous exposure to the Enneagram of Personality Types is strongly recommended. Lead by Certified Narrative Enneagram Teacher Missy Wheeler. Registration is limited and required. Email director@sheplibrary.org to sign up today!

Adult Craft: Sewing Kits

Saturday, April 25th @ 1:00 p.m.

Using recycled materials, create this cute sewing kit for yourself or your favorite crafter. Registration is limited and required. Email director@sheplibrary.org to sign up today!

Special Events

It's Time to Go

April 1st - 30th

We are pleased to welcome Cathy Wilkin for our April Art Exhibit at Shepherdstown Public Library! Her paintings will be on display through the month of April at the library. To learn more about the artist, click here!

A portion of all proceeds from sales will go directly towards supporting the Shepherdstown Public Library.

The Art of Classical Guitar: A Celebration of Its History, Music, and Players

Saturday, April 11th at 1:00 p.m.

Join us as lecturer and concert artist, Dr. Candice Mowbray, leads audiences through an appreciative look at the history of the classical guitar, sharing stories of its great players, composers and music! Enjoy discussion and listening to historic and modern recordings in a presentation that is sure to engage new listeners as well as current fans of the genre.

Earth Day Short Film: Building for Birds

Saturday, April 25th @ 11:00 a.m.

Join us for this short documentary film that shares the importance of making windows safe for birds. In collaboration with the American Conservation Film Festival we are happy to be able to share this film at the library. After the film families and kids can decorate some of our windows here at the library to help prevent bird strikes!

Recurring Adult Programming Schedule

Recurring Children's Programming Schedule

Coming Next Month...

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!

College Planning Essentials

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

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

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