|
The Circulation Desk
Our Monthly Newsletter
May 2025
| | | I began my library career as a children’s librarian, and spent most of my career reading to, with and for kids of all ages. My mother was a great reader and my father a natural storyteller, so my love of books was guaranteed. Being surrounded by books and being encouraged to read helped lead me to my career. Not everyone has a home life that encourages reading or has a collection of books in the home. This is where libraries play an important role. Not only do we offer free books of all sorts and varieties, but our staff work hard to help build the love of reading with kids. The love of books helps to create understanding of different people, different cultures, and to learn beyond where we live and what we know. The week of May 5-11 is Children’s Book Week. What a wonderful way to celebrate by visiting the library and finding a favorite book to read. Without libraries so many kids and families would not have access to free materials to help kids learn to read and instill the love of reading in everyone. If you are concerned about our libraries and want to be sure to protect them keep visiting us. Keep checking out books, and attending our programs. If you are worried about our financial future become a member of FOSL, or the Nourishing Literacy Circle, or help the Foundation build up our Sustainability fund and endowment by becoming a donor. Libraries are the heart of communities and we are so grateful that you think so too. | | | |
Celebrating Hali Taylor's Legacy at SPL
Please join us on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM as we celebrate the incredible contributions and dedication of Hali Taylor to the Shepherdstown Public Library.
Hali’s leadership and passion have left a lasting impact on our library and community, including her dedication to fundraising and guiding the vision that brought our new building to life. We invite everyone to join us in honoring her legacy. As part of this special event, we will unveil a plaque dedicated to Hali in recognition of her years of service and commitment to fostering learning, literacy, and community engagement. All are welcome to take part in this heartfelt celebration!
| | | | | |
Announcing the Shepherdstown Public Library's June Art Exhibit!
We are excited to host local nature photographer, Susan Brown, for our June art exhibit in the library's Common Room. Susan's floral photographs capture intimate close-up views of blossoms, revealing delicate textures and vivid details often overlooked.
Save the date for the opening reception on June 6th from 5:00-7:00 PM
| | |
Join a discussion with Leah Rampy
May 29, 7:00 PM
How Trees Create Community - in Our Forests and in Our Towns
Author Leah Rampy will lead a discussion May 29 at 7 PM in the library commons room. Trees play a more vital role in our well-being than we might imagine. In this conversation, we'll explore amazing stories of how trees collaborate for the health of the forests - exchanging nutrients, sharing information, and joining roots for stability. In human communities, trees play an important role in healing our bodies and enlivening our spirits. Indeed, life on Earth would not exist without the gifts of these incredible team players! Leah is a writer, retreat leader, speaker, and Shepherdstown resident.
| | | |
| |
SPL Celebrates Our Dedicated Volunteers
On Sunday, April 27th, we were delighted to host our annual Volunteer Brunch—a small gesture of appreciation for the incredible individuals who give their time, energy, and heart to the library throughout the year.
From shelving books to helping with programs, our volunteers are the quiet heroes behind so much of what we do. We truly couldn’t do it without them, and this brunch was our way of saying thank you. Their dedication makes the library a warmer, more welcoming place for everyone in our community.
| | | | |
Be a Citizen Scientist: Big Bird Count Day Is May 10th
Twice a year, people all over the world gather together to participate in big bird count days. For this program, Jessie will go over birding basics and then we will head outside to practice what we’ve learned. Bring your binoculars! Other useful items to have include a chair, camera, field guides, notebook, and pencil. We’ll be birding rain or shine, so dress appropriately! Birders of all ages are welcome.
| |  | |
Adult Paper Craft Returns May 17th
Join us for a creative and hands-on journaling workshop where you'll transform a repurposed book into a personalized journal filled with pockets to hold special images and keepsakes. Learn how to craft the pockets and decorate your journal—bring your own stickers or small images to make it truly your own! Space is limited; register by emailing director@sheplibrary.org.
| | | YOUTH DEPT. NEWS! Regular Story Times conclude on Tuesday, May 20th for Lap Babies & Toddlers and Wednesday, May 21st for Pre-Schoolers. 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! | |
New Youth Program for Tweens & Teens
Introducing “Awesome & Awkward,” a new library program just for kids ages 10–15 who are figuring things out, making friends, and embracing their unique selves. This relaxed and welcoming group offers fun activities, games, and conversation in a safe, inclusive environment designed to encourage social interaction, creativity, and confidence. It’s a great opportunity for parents and caregivers looking to help their kids build connections and thrive socially in a supportive space.
****THURSDAY, MAY 15TH FROM 1-2 PM****
| |
| | |
Library Program on Preventing Bird Strikes Draws an Engaged Audience
The library recently hosted an informative presentation on how to prevent bird strikes—a common and often fatal hazard for our feathered friends. Attendees learned about the causes of window collisions from USFWS biologist Richard Novak. He included practical steps to reduce strikes, including a live demonstration on how to apply bird-safe film to windows. Click here to learn more about how to prevent bird strikes
| | | | |
Monthly Movie Monday Screens "Banned Together" May 19 at 11:30 AM
A diverse cast of visionary teenagers, stirring public protests, private threats, criminal charges, and drama-filled school board meetings: this is the explosive world of Banned Together.
The film pulls back the curtain on two of the most controversial issues in America today: book bans and curriculum censorship in public schools. Banned Together follows three students and their adult allies as they fight to reinstate 97 books suddenly pulled from their school libraries. As they evolve from local to national activists – meeting with bestselling/banned authors, politicians, Constitutional experts, and more – the film reveals the dark forces behind the accelerating wave of book bans in the U.S..
All are welcome to attend!
| | Friendly Reminder! The library will be closed for Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th! | | |
Death Cafe - No meeting in May
Dementia Caregivers Support Group - Thursdays May 8, May 22, 10:30 AM
Adaptive Chair Yoga - (No class May 5th and 12th) Monday, May 19 only session for the month, 10:30 AM
Awesome & Awkward Youth Program ages 10-15, Thursday, May 15, 1PM
Socrates Cafe - Wed., May 21, 10:30 AM
"All Booked Up" Book Club - Wed., May 21, 5 PM
Lego Club - Sat. May 3, 11:00 AM
Tales Across Time Children's Program - No meeting in May
Monthly Movie Monday - Mon. May 19, 11:30 AM
| | |
ONGOING PROGRAMMING AT THE LIBRARY
MONDAYS: STEM Club - 4:00 PM, Middle School Math Club - 4:30 PM
TUESDAYS: Senior Social Lounge - 9:00 -12:00
Baby & Toddler Story Time - 11 AM
WEDNESDAYS: Pre-School Story Time - 11 AM, 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, Sip & Stitch 11 AM - 1 PM, Youth Chess Club - 1 PM - 3 PM
| | |
|
Shepherdstown Public Library | sheplibrary.org
145 Higbee Lane, Shepherdstown, WV 25443 (304) 876-2783
| | | | | |
