Author Archives: mgtlibrary
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Swiftie Party (Morgantown)
Leave a CommentCalling Swifties of all ages to start their library era! Come celebrate your love of all things Swiftie at our after-hours Taylor Swift party on Friday, December 13th from 6:00-7:30pm in Meeting Room A at the Morgantown Public Library! Make fun crafts like friendship bracelets and bedazzled sunglasses. Shake it off at our dance party. Test your knowledge at Taylor-themed Trivia and express yourself with blackout poetry. This event will also include themed snacks and a photo booth! Bring your friends or come meet new ones! Are you ready for it??
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Come Hygge (Morgantown)
Leave a CommentHygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a Danish word that means comfort, coziness, and togetherness. Join us for an evening of all things cozy on Thursday, December 19th from 4:30-7:00pm in Meeting Room A at the Morgantown Public Library. Enjoy hot beverages, sweet snacks, and cozy activities. Feel free to bring a book to read, a knitting project to work on, or just bring yourself and enjoy quiet conversation and crafts. Winter is cold, so lets bring some warmth into our lives! This is a program for adults — stay the entire time or just drop in.
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Support Your Library this Giving Tuesday – Dec. 3rd!
Leave a CommentShow Your Love for the Library
This Giving Tuesday — a global day of generosity on Tuesday, December 3rd — you can make a lasting impact by supporting the Morgantown Public Library System (MPLS)! Every donation helps us to continue to enrich our community through open access to information, resources, and experiences.
Donate at least $10 on Tuesday, December 3rd through our PayPal account (with PayPal or with your credit/debit card) and receive a “Book It to the Library” sticker as a thank you from all of us here at MPLS! Any donations are welcome but only those donations made online through our PayPal account will receive the “Book it to the Library” sticker. Your donation, big or small, makes a meaningful difference.
Donating is super simple! Just click the “DONATE” button below on Tuesday, December 3rd and donate either through a PayPal account or with your credit/debit card. Be sure to fill out your address information if you would like to receive the “Book it to the Library” sticker. Thank you for your generosity!
Your contribution is tax deductible to the full extent permitted by law.
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Fiction 101: Exploring Dystopian Worlds
Leave a CommentA Journey Through Dystopian Fiction
by Shelby D., Evening Supervisor
Hi all and welcome back to Fiction 101! If you haven’t joined us before, Fiction 101 is where we talk about various genres and subgenres of Fiction (and sometimes non-fiction). I talk a little bit about the genre, and then end with some reading suggestions to go along with it. Check out some of our past Fiction 101 posts like last month’s horror post or September’s discussion of graphic novels. This month, we are going to talk about dystopian fiction!
To understand dystopian fiction, we should first talk about speculative fiction and science fiction. Though they are sometimes used interchangeably, speculative fiction is kind of what it sounds like — it imagines a world different from reality. This can include science fiction but it can also include fantasy. Science fiction can often fall under the umbrella of speculative fiction, but generally science fiction involves the introduction of new technologies or sciences. Dystopian fiction is a subgenre of speculative fiction and can be considered science fiction as well — it explores a world where society has deteriorated. Often this is due to government control, sometimes it’s an environmental catastrophe. Climate dystopia is a specific subcategory of dystopian fiction that looks at a world ravaged by climate change. A cornerstone of dystopian fiction is The Giver by Lois Lowry, which a lot of us read in school. George Orwell and Margret Atwood are both very prominent dystopian authors. Fahrenheit 451 and Brave New World are two more titles a lot of people are familiar with in this genre.
Those are some great places to start reading dystopian fiction, but I’ll list a few more here!
- Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler is a powerful dystopian novel set in a near-future America plagued by social chaos, climate disasters, and economic collapse. Through the eyes of Lauren Olamina, a young woman with a vision for a new belief system called Earthseed, Butler explores themes of resilience, community, and the human drive for survival. Gripping and thought-provoking, this novel challenges readers to confront the fragility of society and imagine paths to a better future.
- The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa
The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa is a haunting tale set on an isolated island where everyday objects—and the memories tied to them—mysteriously vanish under the control of a shadowy force. As residents lose more parts of their world, one woman fights to preserve her memories and resist the erasure of her identity. With a quiet, surreal atmosphere, Ogawa’s novel explores the fragility of memory and the profound impact of loss.
- The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings
The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings: In a world where women who don’t conform risk being accused of witchcraft, Jo is faced with the haunting disappearance of her mother, who left under mysterious circumstances. As Jo navigates societal expectations and her own desires, she uncovers secrets that challenge her understanding of freedom and identity. Giddings weaves a poignant story of resistance, magic, and the complexities of womanhood.
- Never Let Me Go by Kazua Ishigiro
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro: Set in a hauntingly familiar world, this novel follows three friends from their idyllic childhood at a secluded boarding school to their unsettling fate as they uncover the purpose of their existence. Ishiguro’s elegant, poignant writing explores themes of memory, mortality, and the nature of love. Heartbreaking and thought-provoking, Never Let Me Go challenges readers to reflect on what it means to truly live.
- The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin: In a world plagued by cataclysmic seismic events, Essun is a woman on a desperate mission to find her daughter while society crumbles around her. Jemisin crafts a unique fantasy where the power to control the earth itself comes with both devastating costs and intense prejudices. With intricate world-building and rich characters, this Hugo Award-winning novel kicks off a groundbreaking trilogy about survival, power, and resilience.
Thank you for joining us for this Fiction 101 about dystopian fiction! In December I’ll be talking about the genre: bildungsroman. Don’t know what that is? Tune in next month!
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Jan Brett’s Alice in a Winter Wonderland Tour
Leave a CommentPlease join the Morgantown Public Library System & Barnes & Noble for Jan Brett’s Alice in a Winter Wonderland tour at South Middle School (500 E Parkway Dr., Morgantown, WV 26505) on Tuesday, December 3rd at 6:00pm.
Open to Everyone – Registration is Required!
Before the book signing Jan Brett will do a free 20 minute drawing illustration and presentation. Everyone is invited to come and listen to the presentation and receive as many signed bookplates as they request. Since seating at the venue is limited, please let us know you are coming by registering here.
Signing Line:
Customers must have purchased a copy of Alice in a Winter Wonderland to join the signing line — copies will be available to buy from Barnes & Noble during the event or you can bring your own copy. Arrive early! The first 100 families to check-in will receive a free signed Jan Brett poster. Jan will do her very best to sign all of the books that time permits. The number of books that Jan can sign per family depends on how many people come to the signing. If time does not permit Jan to sign every book, Barnes & Noble will have special signed bookplates featuring Jan’s artwork for all of the extra books.
Tour Bus:
Jan’s tour bus will be parked in South Middle School’s parking lot at 5:00pm. It is wrapped in artwork from Alice in a Winter Wonderland. Your family is welcome to take a photograph next to the bus.
Meet Hedgie:
Hedgie, Jan’s favorite friend from The Mitten and The Hat, will be visiting as well. Please bring the kids to have a photo taken with Hedgie.
FAQs:
Can I bring books from home for Jan Brett to sign?
Usually the expected attendance at events does not allow for books from home to be signed. However, we are happy to provide as many signed bookplates as you need.
Can I have multiple copies of Alice in a Winter Wonderland signed at my turn in line?
Crowd size dictates how many books can be signed. Often this only allows one book per wrist band, however, we encourage you to make strategic signing line plans with your friends. Of course, we have signed bookplates for the rest of your purchases.
How can I get a good spot in the signing line?
When you check in, the first 100 families will receive a wrist band to get a free poster. The Morgantown Public Library System has crafts & activities planned to keep families busy while they wait their turn in the signing line!
I can’t wait for two hours! What do I do?
We have beautifully designed signed Jan Brett bookplates for anyone not able to join the line.
Thanks for joining us!
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Teen November Events (Morgantown)
Leave a CommentNovember at the Morgantown Public Library is packed with exciting events for teens (ages 13-18)! Whether you’re looking to flex your creative writing muscles, enjoy a scary movie night, challenge friends to board games, or simply unwind with some therapy dogs, we’ve got something for everyone. Check out our full events calendar here.
November Write-In
Teen Movie Night
Board Games & Brownies
Dogs & Doodles
Teen Anime ClubNovember Write-In
Attention, writers! We invite you to join us for a writing session at the Morgantown Public Library on Monday, November 4th from 5:00-7:00pm! Come to Meeting Room B for a quiet place to write, free Wi-Fi, snacks, coffee, writing prompts, and writing swag! This event is for ages 15 and up.
Teen Movie Night
Calling all teens! Get ready for a thrilling evening as we screen the horror movie Night Swim at the Morgantown Public Library on Thursday, November 7th from 5:00-7:00pm in Meeting Room A! Grab your friends and enjoy a scary movie and snacks! This movie is rated PG-13. This event is for teens ages 13-18.
Board Games and Brownies
Get ready for a fun-filled evening of exciting board games and delicious brownies on Wednesday, November 13th from 5:00-7:00pm at the Morgantown Public Library in Meeting Room A! Join us for a night of friendly competition as we play games like Uno and Exploding Kittens! This event is for teens ages 13-18.
Dogs and Doodles
Attention all stressed-out teens! Need a break from your busy life? Join us for Dogs & Doodles on Monday, November 18th from 6:00-7:00pm at the Morgantown Public Library in Meeting Room A! This fun and relaxing event is designed just for you — unwind by coloring, doodling, and chatting with other teens while enjoying music and tasty snacks. You’ll also get the chance to meet and pet friendly therapy dogs! This event is for teens ages 13-18.
Teen Anime Club
Are you ready to dive into the world of anime and manga? Join us at the Morgantown Public Library for Teen Anime Club on Tuesday, November 19th from 5:00-7:00pm! This is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts, share recommendations, and explore this month’s theme: Protagonists and Rivals. We will be discussing characters of anime or manga that fit this theme (e.g. Ash Ketchum and Gary Oak of Pokemon, Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo of My Hero Academia).
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Local Author Fair – Sat, Nov. 2nd
Leave a CommentLocal Author Fair: Saturday, November 2nd
Join us for an engaging afternoon at our Local Author Fair! Come out to the Morgantown Public Library on Saturday, November 2nd from 11:00am-2:00pm on the 1st floor to meet with local authors and creators! Books and art will be available for purchase, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to shop local for the holidays. We will also have light refreshments and a giveaway — the first 100 people to attend will receive a free “Read Local” tote bag (while supplies last)!
We have something for everyone! Children can stop by Kadijiha Jones’ superhero creation station and meet with Umbrella Arts. All ages will love to see local art from artists Elisha Rush and Angela Awesomepants. Plus, everyone can stop by the drop-in writers workshop led by Sam Stebbins. For adults, authors Linda Gribko, Mark Brazaitis, and Patricia Hopper Patteson will have their books available for purchase and the Morgantown Writers Group will be there with information on how to join.
Support local authors and creators at our Local Author Fair on Saturday, November 2nd from 11:00am-2:00pm at the Morgantown Public Library!
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Cryptid Crawl with Michael Strayer
Leave a CommentAttention boys and ghouls! Join us at all locations of the Morgantown Public Library System for the Cryptid Crawl! Meet real life author Michael Strayer and hear him read some of his amazingly fun West Virginia Cryptid books. But the fun doesn’t stop there: we will also have snacks, crafts, a chance to get signed copies of Michael’s books, and even free collectable cryptid pins that are unique to each location. Gather Mothman, The Grafton Monster, the Flatwoods Monster, The Veggie Man, and Sheepsquatch!
Cryptid Crawl Schedule:
Clay-Battelle Public Library
Date: Saturday, November 16th
Time: 10:00am – 11:00amMorgantown Public Library
Date: Saturday, November 16th
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pmArnettsville Public Library
Date: Wednesday, November 20th
Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pmClinton District Public Library
Date: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: 10:00am – 11:00amCheat Area Public Library
Date: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pmAbout the Author
Michael Strayer (formerly “Michael Schang”) is a cryptid children’s book author who lives in Fairview, West Virginia. Michael works as a youth mentor in his day job. Michael also helps throw the annual Veggie Man Day in Fairmont, West Virginia every July. Outside of writing books, working, and event planning, Michael likes to spend time with his family and take road trips around West Virginia.
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Teen Halloween Lock-In (Morgantown)
Leave a CommentTeens ages 13-18 take over the Morgantown Public Library to see just how spooky it can be after hours on Saturday, October 26th from 6:00-10:00pm! Watch Halloween movies, play hide & seek in the dark, and play Five Nights at Freddy’s on the Switch. If you come in a costume, you’ll get a prize! Signed permission slips are required to attend. Permission slips can be picked up from the front desk of the Morgantown Public Library or downloaded here:
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Reading Dragons & Friends
Leave a CommentWelcome to Reading Dragons & Friends
Do you like trading cards? Do you hoard books like dragons hoard gold? Then you need to join our new Reading Dragons & Friends program! Season 2 begins on October 1st. If you registered for Season 1, you don’t have to register for Season 2.
This is a collaborative national reading program created by the Dover Public Library in Ohio that encourages children in grades K-8 to read for fun. Participants can track their reading, collect dragon trading cards, and play card games, all while learning good reading habits and gaining a lifelong love of reading!
- Program Highlights
- Registration Information
- Dragon Day
- Dragon Coloring Contest
- Collect the Cards
- Card Games
- Frequently Asked Questions
Program Highlights:
- For children in Grades K-8
- Season 2 of Reading Dragons & Friends will run from October 1st, 2024 – March 29th, 2025
- For every 30 minutes read, you will earn a trading card (up to 16 cards a month)
- Collect different Reading Dragons & Friends card families
- Use these cards to play fun card games with your friends
Registration Information:
Participants (children in grades K-8) can register for the program through our online form or in-person at any of our locations. After you register, you can pick up your registration kit at your home library starting on October 1st. The registration kit includes:
- 3 Starter Cards
- Season 2 Reading Tracker (with exciting new card options including unicorns!)
- Dragon Coin
Did you participate in Season 1? You’re already registered! Just stop by to pick up your Season 2 registration kit.
Dragon Coloring Contest
Submit your own dragon design! The winner will have their dragon family printed as special edition cards. Coloring sheets are included in the Season 2 registration kits.
The Dragon Coloring Contest is only open to registered Reading Dragons & Friends participants. The coloring sheet must be returned to the library by November 9th.
By participating in this design contest, you are giving the Morgantown Public Library System permission to use it for library purposes, including but not limited to, future programs and publicity.
Collect the Cards:
You will receive 3 starter cards at registration: a red fire type, a green plant type, and a blue water type.
There are many dragon and unicorn card families for you to choose from after logging your 30 minute reading sessions. Each of the card families include 4 members — an egg, a child, a teenager, and an adult.
Each month, you can earn up to four different dragon families – you do not have to complete a family before moving on to the next one, but you must progress through each family in order.
If you join the program late, don’t stress! You can work backwards by filling in squares from previous months on your reading tracker – cards (besides the special edition cards) are not exclusive.
We can’t replace lost cards — just keep reading to earn more cards.
Cards must be picked up in person from a Morgantown Public Library System location.
There are four special edition card families that you can earn by coming to our Dragon Day event on November 9th, Take Your Child to the Library Day event on February 1st, Dragon Madness gaming day in March, and pick up the winner of the coloring contest card family in January!
Card Games:
Once you’ve collected some cards, you’re ready to start playing with them!
Rock, Paper, Scissors
You and a friend each choose one card secretly, keeping it hidden so your friend can’t see what you chose. Then count to 3 and both of you flip over your cards to see who wins.
- Red beats Green
- Green beats Blue
- Blue beats Red
Dragon Duel
Play this game when you have several dragons cards (be sure to write your name on the cards so you don’t get them mixed up with your opponent’s).
Mix up both player’s cards and divide them evenly between both players.
Place your stack of cards face down on the table. Do not look at your cards.
Both players draw the top card on their deck and flip it over at the same time.- Red beats Green
- Green beats Blue
- Blue beats Red
If you have the same color, the oldest creature wins. (The three starter cards count as an “adult” card for scoring during dragon duel.)
If your creatures are the same age then it’s time to duel:- To duel, add two face down cards to the pile, then play one more card face up (red beats green, green beats blue, blue beats red).
- If you have the same color, the oldest creature wins.
- If you tie again, duel until there is a winner.
The winner adds both cards to their win pile.
Play until you run out of cards.
The player with the most cards in their win pile wins.Frequently Asked Questions
If I registered for Season 1 of Reading Dragons & Friends, do I have to register again for Season 2?
No, if you participated in Season 1 of Reading Dragons & Friends, you are automatically registered for Season 2. Just stop by the library to pick up your Season 2 Registration Kit starting on October 1st!
How long does the Reading Dragons & Friends program run for?
Season 2 of Reading Dragons & Friends will run from October 1st, 2024 – March 29th, 2025.
What is the Dragon Coloring Contest?
Submit your own dragon design! The winner will have their dragon family printed as special edition cards. Coloring sheets are included in the Season 2 registration kits. Need another copy? Download one here starting on October 1st.
The Dragon Coloring Contest is only open to registered Reading Dragons & Friends participants. The coloring sheet must be returned to the library by November 9th.
By participating in this design contest, you are giving the Morgantown Public Library System permission to use it for library purposes, including but not limited to, future programs and publicity.
Who can participate in the program?
Reading Dragons & Friends is for children in Kindergarten through 8th Grade.
How do I register for the program?
You can register online via our registration form or in-person. Registration kits and trading cards must be picked up in-person. Season 2 starts on October 1st, 2024.
How do I earn trading cards?
For every 30 minutes read, you will earn a trading card (up to 16 cards a month). Log the reading sessions on your Reading Tracker and show it to a librarian when you come into the library to choose your card(s).
I lost a card! What can I do?
We can’t replace lost cards but no worries! Just keep reading and earning new cards.
I missed the start date, can I still participate?
Yes! If you join the program late, don’t stress! You can work backwards by filling in squares from previous months on your reading tracker – cards (besides the special edition cards) are not exclusive.
How do I earn the special edition cards?
There are four special edition card families that you can earn by coming to our Dragon Day event on November 9th, Take Your Child to the Library Day event on February 1st, Dragon Madness gaming day in March, and pick up the winner of the coloring contest card family in January!
Do I have to complete a “dragon card family”?
Each month, you can earn up to four different dragon families – you do not have to complete a family before moving on to the next one, but you must progress through each family in order. This means that you must always start with the “egg” card for each new family started.
What do I do with my trading cards?
Collect them all! Your Reading Tracker has a checklist on the back to help you keep track of all of the available cards for Season 2.
Once you’ve collected enough cards, you can start to play fun card games with them — rock, paper, scissors and dragon duel.
What “age” are the starter cards?
The starter cards count as an “adult” card for scoring in the games.
