10 Before the End

…but instead of books, it’s free library activities!

The new social media/booktok trend is #10BeforeTheEnd, where you try to read 10 more books before the end of the year. That…seems daunting to most of us in late November. Instead, we recommend ticking off this list of library to-do’s, which are free and probably more achievable!

1. Earn a badge on Beanstack

This online adult reading challenge is low stakes but high reward! Sign up on the Morgantown Public Library System’s Beanstack. Each month has a different theme and reading recommendations cultivated by library staff. To earn a badge, read something from the month’s theme, like graphic novels or mystery, and log it on Beanstack. There are more ways to earn badges, such as reading a recommendation from a friend, making an in-person visit to the library, or exploring library apps.

2. Borrow a board game or video game

Both Morgantown Public Library and Clay Battelle Public Library have video games (Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PS5), and many of our branches also have board and card games to borrow!

3. Watch a movie on Kanopy

With your library card, Kanopy gives you instant access to thousands of critically acclaimed movies, documentaries, and kid’s media. Receive 18 tickets each month to check out content, with unlimited video views on the Kanopy Kids channel.

4. Read a magazine from Libby

Libby is best known for ebooks and audiobooks, but they also have thousands of magazines. Plus, magazines are instantly available with no wait lists, loan limits, or due dates! Watch an intro video about Libby’s magazines.

5. Stream a Hoopla audiobook

Hoopla has instant access to lots of material, including audiobooks. If you haven’t tried listening to a book, now is the time!

6. Listen to an online author talk

Through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium, we provide access to live events (or stream past ones) where authors and experts talk about their books and answer your questions. Check out the available talks.

7. Make a playlist on Freegal

Freegal has music from over 10,000 labels and more than 60 countries. With your library card, you can stream unlimited music, browse playlists by users and libraries, and make your own playlist! Plus you can download—and keep forever—up to three songs each week.

8. Borrow a citizen science kit

Flex your scientific muscles with citizen science kits, available at the Morgantown Public Library. The backpacks hold supplies and instructions to investigate biodiversity, clouds, water quality, and—our newest kit—snowflakes!

9. Take a friend to the library

Flex your scientific muscles with our four citizen science kits, available at the Morgantown Public Library. The backpacks hold supplies and instructions to investigate biodiversity, clouds, water quality, and—our newest kit—snowflakes!

10. Add up your savings!

Literally! You can use this handy online calculator to estimate the money you saved by getting your books, movies, music, and more materials and services from your local library.

If you need help with any of these resources, please ask a librarian! We can point you in the right direction. You can reach them by calling 304-291-7425 or by emailing ask@mympls.org.