The Circulation Desk

Our Monthly Newsletter

July 2024

Director's Letter

We have had an amazing start to our summer here at the library with amazing programs, hundreds of people visiting, kids and families reading great new books and the pollinator gardens are glorious. The end of July marks our two-year anniversary in this amazing space. We are always evolving and growing and appreciate the love from our community. There is one group who I feel doesn’t get enough love and recognition for the hard work that they do, and that is the Board of Trustees of the Shepherdstown Public Library Commission. This group consists of volunteers who take time out of their lives to help with policy decisions, budget questions, staff support and are my go to when a problem arises. Several dedicated board members have recently retired from the board after many years of service. These community members were vital in helping to get the new library planned, built and paid for. Next time you see these community members please give them a special thank you for all of their years of service to the library; Bob Keller, Terry Kramer, Jack Eggleston and Rosemary Nickerson. They have certainly made an enormous contribution to our community and we are grateful to all of their support.

2024 Summer Reading Program at SPL

Sponsored by Friends of the Shepherdstown Library (FOSL)

Our Summer Reading Program is going strong, with great attendance from near and far. In June we hosted our Kick-Off Party, a magician, a portable planetarium, a petting zoo, an interactive science show, nature journaling and more! Thanks to FOSL for sponsoring our Summer Reading program. So far 299 kids have signed up for the reading program to earn rewards for reading all summer long. Kids and Adults can continue to sign up for our reading logs through August.

Summer Reading Program Guide

SPL at Bookmark in the Park

Join Christy at Bane Harris Park in Shepherdstown on Sunday June 7 at 2:00. Christy will be chatting about all the great happenings this summer at the library, from programs to new books to digital resources. There will be a tiny collection of books to browse and checkout as well. We will have bubble activities for kids and adults.

August Art Exhibit To Feature Work by Diana Suttenfield

The Shepherdstown Public Library is thrilled to announce our August 2024 art exhibition featuring the work of Diana Suttenfield. The show, “A Sense of Place,” runs August 2nd through the 31st in the Shepherdstown Public Library’s Commons Room, with the opening reception on the evening of August 2nd from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM.

“Inspiration comes from the land, but the subject is light.” These words have guided Diana Suttenfield throughout her 40-year career as a professional artist. Since 1968, her artwork has been exhibited in regional, national, and European venues, both in group and solo shows. Over the decades, she has meticulously observed how light interacts with her surroundings, mastering the art of capturing its effects through her preferred mediums: oils, acrylics, and pastels.

You Are the Sunshine, Acrylic, 2021, 48″x60″ – by Diana Suttenfield

Library Guest Speaker, Leah Rampy, Wins Book Award

Shepherdstown resident and author Leah Rampy's latest book, "Earth & Soul: Reconnecting amid Climate Chaos," has been honored as a top winner in the Spirituality category at the 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the premier awards program for independent publishers and self-published authors.

The Next Generation Indie Book Awards are evaluated by distinguished figures in the independent book publishing industry, including veterans from major publishing houses. The awards' mission is to highlight books that deserve a wider audience.

We're proud to have this book on our shelves and to have had Leah join us to talk about her book in June to a group of interested community members!

To reserve your copy, please call the library at

876-2783 or email Addison at addison@sheplibrary.org

BOOK CLUB MEETING

JULY 24TH, 1:15 PM

Joining a library book club offers the benefits of discovering new literature, engaging in stimulating discussions, and forming meaningful connections with fellow book enthusiasts!

Our new Shepherdstown Library Book Club will be reading The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan. This book club selection is a true story about Evelyn Ryan, a mother of ten in Defiance, Ohio who used her wit, poetry, and contest entries to support her family in the 1950s and 1960s. Some say the book is unforgettable, a plucky middle American chronicle, and a history of mid-century American consumerism. Others say Evelyn’s unconventionality and sense of humor triumph over poverty, and her persistence makes the reader cheer her on. Copies of our Book Club books are held at the front desk for pick-up well in advance of the Book Club meeting.

FOSL SPL Outdoor Family Movie Night Rescheduled for July 17th

The stormy weather led us to cancel our June movie night. It's been rescheduled for Wednesday, July 17th. Enjoy the movie "The Boxtrolls" under the stars. You can watch the trailer here. Bring blankets or chairs to sit out on the patio. The movie begins at dark. Amy & Alexs' Ice Cream will be on site to sell treats.

July is the perfect time to gather ingredients fresh from the garden! Discover the library's cookbook section by exploring our online catalog here or by clicking on the recommended cookbooks below!

New Upcoming Programming

Family Story Time - Tues, July 2nd, 16th at 11:00 AM

Code-Breaking for Teens - Mon. July 8th 3-4 PM

Death Cafe - Tues. July 9th, 12 PM

Middle School Math Club - Tues. July 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th 1 PM

Teen Art Club - Tues. July 2nd, 9th, 16th, & 30th 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Adult Yoga with Elaine Lewis - Wed. July 3rd, 17th, 31st at 6 PM and July 12th at 10 AM

Socrates Cafe - Wednesday, July 17th at 10:30 AM

Dementia Caregiver Support Group - Thur. July 11th & 25th at 10:30 AM

Intro to Rocks - (Ages 5 - 9) - Wed. July 3rd at 11 AM & (Ages 10 & Up) - Wed. July 17th at 11 AM

Nature Adventures with the Potomac Valley Audubon Society - Thurs. July 11th 2-3 PM

Lego Club - Sat. July 13th at 11 AM - 1 PM

Visit with the Shepherdstown Police Dept. - Thurs. July 18th 11 AM - 12 PM

Visit with the Shepherdstown Fire Dept. - Thurs. July 25th 11 AM - 12 PM

Team Gaming Afternoon - Friday, July 19th 3-5 PM

Addison's Summer Book Club Meeting for "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio" by Terry Ryan July 24th, 1:15 PM

Nature Journaling Club - Fri. July 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th at11 AM

Family Yoga - Fri. July 26th, 10:30 AM

Parallel Worlds Book Club - Saturday, July 20th at 1:30 PM

Email Rachel at rachel@sheplibrary.org to reserve a copy of "Three Times Lucky" by Sheila Turnage. Once reserved, you can pick up the book at the front desk!

Science Lab for Teens: Interactive STEM Workshop - Wed. July 31st

1:00 PM

ONGOING PROGRAMMING AT THE LIBRARY

MONDAYS: Teen Writing Group 4 PM (2nd & 4th Monday each month)

WEDNESDAYS: Meditation 12 PM

FRIDAYS: Sip & Stitch 11 AM

Shepherdstown Public Library | sheplibrary.org

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