The Circulation Desk

Our Monthly Newsletter

March 2025

Director's Letter

March is filled with joy and learning at the library. At the beginning of this month, we celebrate Read Across America Day. This week-long celebration highlights the importance of reading to our younger patrons. It is a joy to see the smiling faces happily listening to stories with Miss Jessie, creating a craft with Miss Rachel, or sitting in a chair cuddled up with a grown-up and reading together. Our kids' room is often so busy that it’s hard to keep up with shelving all the books. Even with all of our programs, reading is still our focus for all ages. We feel it is essential to provide a variety of books and materials to help kids learn and grow.

Our goal is to create that relationship to reading with the help of a parent or caregiver. This is why we have parents or guardians listed as the responsible party for what their children checkout. A love of reading can be sparked here at the library, but it is the support and guidance of a parent to continue nurturing that growth. In the past year, almost 400 kids have been signed up for a library card. When a parent signs their child up for a card they are instilling a gift of knowledge and a love of literature. We hope you will bring your kids, grandkids and yourself to see what all the fun is about here at the library.

March Brings 3 Seasonal Workshops to SPL

March brings three seasonal workshops to the Shepherdstown Public Library. Intro to Spring Foraging: Wild Mushrooms and Botanicals on March 22 is at full capacity, but a waitlist is available. On March 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., WVU Extension Master Gardeners will present Intro to Gardening, providing foundational knowledge for those looking to start or improve their gardens. Registration for the gardening workshop is required by emailing director@sheplibrary.org. Also on March 19, our crafty volunteer, Marie, will lead an adult craft workshop from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. We will be making a 3 Bird Tota, a decorative hanging representing new beginnings and harmony. Welcome the Spring season by hanging your tota in a window or on a door! Reserve your spot now by emailing director@sheplibrary.org.

Digital Literacy Series Dives Into Gmail & Google Suite

Join us for tips and tricks designed to help you use Gmail and other features in the Google suite of tools. We'll meet on Wednesday, March 19th, from 1:30–2:30 PM in the Commons Room. Bring your laptop, phone, or tablet to follow along and see real-life examples in action. We will also have laptops available for you to use.

Meditative Movement Class Finds Its Flow

The Qigong class at the Shepherdstown Library has been a resounding success, with participants enjoying its calming, energizing effects. This gentle movement practice, focused on breathwork and mindfulness, has helped attendees improve their balance, reduce stress, and cultivate a greater sense of well-being. Many have shared how much they look forward to each session, appreciating the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to slow down and reconnect with their bodies. If you haven’t joined yet, come experience the benefits for yourself!

SAVE THE DATE! We're Celebrating

National Library Week APRIL 6TH - 12TH.

Join the Shepherdstown Public Library as we kick off National Library Week (April 6-12) with a high-energy concert featuring Mr. Jon & Friends on Saturday, April 5th at 11 AM! All ages are welcome to celebrate the vital role of libraries in transforming lives and strengthening our community.

🐝Beekeeping Workshop Returns to Library🐝

Our Beekeeping for Beginners workshop with Jason Murphy of Hive House Apiaries is returning to the Shepherdstown Library! Join us for 4 Mondays in March, starting March 3rd through the 24th, to learn the basics of beekeeping and how to start your own hive.

This class fills up fast—register by email now: hivehouse@hotmail.com

5 Guys Fundraiser Coming April 8th

The Friends of the Shepherdstown Library has organized another "delicious" fundraiser!

Save the date and plan to eat at 5 Guys on April 8th, 4pm - 8pm. 20% of all orders will be donated back to the library. To-go orders are included, so dine in or take your meal home. 5 Guys is located at 38 Joshua M. Freeman Blvd, in Ranson.

New Upcoming Programming

Free Tax Aid from AARP - Mon., March 1st - April 10th

Call the library for an appointment!

Dr. Seuss Family Story Time - Sat. March 1st, 11:00 AM

Beekeeping for Beginners - Mondays, March 3rd - 24th, 6:30 PM

Death Cafe - Tues., March 4th, 12:00 PM

Dementia Caregivers Support Group - Thur. March 13th, Thur., March 27th, 10:30 AM

Digital Literacy Series: Gmail & Google Suite - March 19th, 1:30 PM

Tales Across Time Children's Program - Sat. March 15, 11:00 AM

Socrates Cafe - Wed., March 19th, 10:30 AM

"All Booked Up" Book Club - Wed., March 19th, 5 PM

CLASS FULL | Intro to Spring Foraging: Wild Mushrooms & Botanicals - Sat., March 22, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Saturday Middle Grade Book Club - Sat., March 22nd, 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Intro to Gardening with WVU Extension Master Gardeners - Sat., March 29th, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Adult Craft Class - 3 Bird Hanging Tota for Spring, Sat., March 29th 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Monthly Movie Monday - Mon. March 31st, 10:30 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, Middle School Art Club - 4:30 PM

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 11:00 AM, 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