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Fiction 101: Graphic Novels
Leave a CommentGraphic Novels: Art, Stories, and Staff Picks
by Shelby D., Evening Supervisor
Welcome back to Fiction 101! Fiction 101 is a monthly blog post where I talk about genres of fiction (and nonfiction) and provide you with some reading suggestions. Last month, I talked about memoirs and autobiographies. (I know it wasn’t technically fiction but, they’re still interesting!) This month, I’m going to talk about graphic novels!
Graphic novels aren’t actually a genre, instead it’s a format characterized by storytelling through pictures. The graphic novel should have an overarching story, which is why you can find comic anthologies listed under graphic novels. Comics tend to have shorter story arcs and are shorter in general, but the combined anthologies can be considered graphic novels. Manga are similar to comics and graphic novels, which is why you’ll find them close together in our library. Manga are graphic novels and comics, but they originated from Japan and tend to have a particular art style. Graphic novelizations are novels that have been turned into graphic novels. It can be so fun seeing the reimagined work made into art!
I enlisted some help with the reading suggestions — here are some staff favorites!
- Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe
I’ll start with my suggestion! Lore Olympus was originally a webcomic — you can now read it in graphic novel form. It’s a fun Hades and Persephone love story (I’m in love with mythology retellings in any form).
- Monstress by Margaret Lui
Johns suggests Monstress because of its beautiful artwork of a steampunk world. It is filled to the brim with incredibly complex and flawed characters attempting to navigate war, racism, and survival.
- Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
Jenean, our Youth Services Specialist, suggests Nimona. It’s a fun fantasy young adult graphic novel that follows a supervillain and his sidekick trying to take down the government. The fantasy world is very well fleshed out, and she really likes how the characters are morally gray.
- The Remarried Empress
Abby, our Outreach and Programs Coordinator, suggests The Remarried Empress. This graphic novel is about Empress Navier. She is the pillar of her kingdom until one day she is divorced by her husband who has found a new bride. Abby found Navier to be a very compelling protagonist — she is level-headed, an excellent ruler, and is always one step ahead of everyone else. She’d recommend this to anyone who loves romance and drama with a period piece feel.
- Summertime Rendering by Yasuki Tanaka
Our Assistant Director, James, recommends Summertime Rendering by Yasuki Tanaka. Summertime Rendering is a thrilling time-loop, sci-fi mystery that, pardon the cliché, left James on the edge of his seat throughout the entire read. He enjoyed the series because of its complex sci-fi mechanics, horror elements, mysterious plot, and well-developed, smart characters.
I love reading and browsing graphic novels. The different art styles are always eye-catching and it’s such a pretty and fun way to tell a story. If you are interested in checking out some graphic novels, we have a good collection in the library! You can also find them on Hoopla and Libby. Thank you so much for reading! For October, I’ll be talking about horror in honor of Spooky Season.
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Summer Reading Program Survey
Leave a CommentWe Need Your Feedback!
Another summer of fantastic reading adventures has come to an end, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the participation we saw in this year’s Summer Reading Program!
As we wrap up, we want to hear from you! Your feedback is essential in helping us make next year’s program even better. Whether you participated in one event or every single one, your thoughts and suggestions are invaluable to us.
We’ve created a quick and easy survey that should only take a few minutes to complete. Just click the link below to get started! Your responses are completely anonymous unless you choose to share your contact information for follow-up.
Thank you for being a part of our Summer Reading Program and for helping us make our library a better place for everyone. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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RFP MPLS Facilities Plan
Leave a CommentThe Morgantown Public Library System is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to gather data and information resulting in a Facilities Master Plan to include a Community Needs Assessment, a Facilities Analysis and Building Programs, a Facilities Maintenance and Repair Plan, a Renovation and Construction plan, and a Financial Feasibility Assessment. Given the scope of the project, the consultant may choose to bid on all, or components.
Check out the PDF below for further information!
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(Non)Fiction 101: Memoirs & Autobiographies
Leave a CommentReal Life, Real Stories: Memoirs and Autobiographies
by Shelby D., Evening Supervisor
Hi! This is Fiction 101 where I talk about books and genres — from cozy reads, to mysteries, to fantasy, and everything in between. Last month, in honor of the Summer Reading Program, I focused on adventure fiction. This month, I’m going to talk about memoirs and autobiographies.
Memoirs and autobiographies are true stories that the author tells about themselves — a memoir is about a specific period of time in an author’s life while an autobiography covers the author’s entire life. Both are written by the author, as opposed to a biography which is a true story about a person, but written by someone else. Memoirs bring insight into other people and their lives, providing content that can be relatable and possibly help readers process their own experiences. Other times, these books can grant awareness into the lives of others. In my opinion, audiobooks can be a fun way to listen to memoirs and autobiographies, especially when the author narrates the book themselves — it adds an even more personal touch!
Ready to dive in? Check out these memoir and autobiography recommendations:
- I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
- Bossy Pants by Tina Fey
- Yes Please by Amy Poehler
- Wild by Cheryl Strayed
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Memoirs and autobiographies can be such amazing reads since people live such unique lives. As such, learning more about favorite celebrities and others can sometimes be better than fiction! Personally, I have a weakness for memoirs by comedians who have such a gift for funny storytelling and outlooks on life that differ from mine. I always make it a goal every year to read memoirs by some of my favorite people.
Thank you for joining me for (Non)Fiction 101. Join me next month for a dive into graphic novels!
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Purchasing a Home Seminar with Huntington Bank (Aull Center)
Leave a CommentUpcoming Event: Purchasing a Home with Student Loan Debt and Other Credit Challenges
Date: Tuesday, September 10th
Time: 6:00-7:00pm
Location: Aull CenterAre you dreaming of owning a home but feeling overwhelmed by student loan debt or other credit challenges? You’re not alone, and we’re here to help! The Aull Center is excited to host an informative seminar, “Purchasing a Home with Student Loan Debt and Other Credit Challenges,” presented by Huntington Bank.
This event is designed for adults who are ready to take the plunge into homeownership while managing student loans and other debts. Don’t miss this opportunity to take control of your financial future and achieve your homeownership goals.
Join us on September 10th at 6:00pm at the Aull Center. Your journey to homeownership starts here!
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Fall Book Bingo (Morgantown)
Leave a CommentFall Book Bingo
Date: Tuesday, September 10th
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Meeting Room A, Morgantown Public LibraryEverybody shout “BINGO!” — the library is thrilled to invite children between the ages of five and twelve to our fun and free event, Fall Book Bingo.
Join us on Tuesday, September 10th at 6:30pm in Meeting Room A to play several rounds of bingo and have a chance to win books and fall-themed items!
Registration Information:
Space is limited, so make sure to register your child in advance! You can register online here or by contacting the circulation desk at 304-291-7425. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!We look forward to seeing you there!
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Fiction 101: Must-Read Adventure Books
Leave a CommentEmbark on Adventure: The Best Adventure Books for Your Summer Reading List
by Shelby D., Evening Supervisor
Welcome back to Fiction 101! This is where we talk about all things genre: from fantasy, to poetry, to mystery, and everything in-between. Last month, I talked about nonfiction. This month, our “Adventure Begins at Your Library” Summer Reading Program is underway, so I wanted to focus on adventure fiction to give you some suggestions to embrace the summer fun! Not signed up yet for the Summer Reading Program? It’s super easy on Beanstack and you can sign up at any point during the program. Start your reading adventure today!
Adventure fiction can span many other book genres and subgenres, but there are some things adventure fiction titles all share (for the most part). The book should be fast-paced and exciting — action is definitely a must! The protagonist will be brave — our adventure would end very quickly if they just went home and let someone else solve the problem. This brings us to our next defining characteristic of adventure fiction: a quest! No adventure novel would be complete without a quest to embark on. In addition, the courageous hero must also go on a metaphoric journey, during which they will learn and grow as the story progresses.
Ready to go on an adventure? To start your journey, here are some books I think embody the adventure genre:
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
All of the Lord of the Rings books exemplify the adventure genre, but I think The Hobbit does so most of all. Bilbo embarks on an adventure to get his dwarven companions back home and reclaim gold from a fearsome dragon – I don’t think there is a more classic quest than that.
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Adventure awaits Tristran Thorn as he leaves his safe village to cross The Wall into a world of magic and fairies in Stardust by Neil Gaiman. He is after a fallen star in order to win the heart of a woman in the village. I think this story is a good example of a classic hero’s journey for the Tristran at the beginning of the book is very different from the Tristran at the end of the book.
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
In Mackenzi Lee’s The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, Henry “Monty’ Montague’s tour of Europe is supposed to be his last chance to live out his dreams of vice and fun because when he gets back home, he is expected to buckle down and manage his family’s fortune. The trip is very quickly derailed and turns into a harrowing adventure.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Piscine “Pi” Patel is the lone human survivor after a ship that is transporting zoo animals wrecks in the Life of Pi by Yann Martel. He survives 227 days with only the animals to keep him company, most notably a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan
In the Memoirs of Lady Trent series, Lady Trent chronicles her life as the world’s foremost dragon naturalist. The first book chronicles her first adventure to the mountains of Vystrana in her quest to discover more about dragons.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is a space adventure! Rosemary Harper joins the crew of the spacecraft Wayfarer. Adventure unfolds in the furthest corners of space, making this book a fun sci-fi adventure to read.I’m a huge fan of adventure fiction! When I’m in a reading slump and struggling to finish a book, picking up a fast-paced adventure can get me back into the swing of reading. When I was a child, adventure fiction books really ignited my love of reading, so there is always something nostalgic about reading them as an adult. I personally love stories with dragons and magic – while they aren’t required components of a good adventure story, they do tend to feature heavily in the genre.
Be sure to join me next month where I’ll be talking about memoirs and autobiographies!
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Kids’ Summer Reading Program 2024
Leave a CommentSign Up
Sign up for the 2024 Summer Reading Program with programs for children (grades 1-5), tweens & teens, and adults (ages 18+)! Children in sixth grade can choose to participate in either the Kids’ or Tween/Teen program (see registration form for more details).
Registration for the Summer Reading Program opens on June 1st. You can sign up at any point during the program — it’s never too late to join in on the summer fun! Register through our online form here.
Don’t forget to fill out our weekly prize form for your chance to win some awesome prizes throughout the summer.
Too young to register for the summer reading program? No problem! We have organized a series of preschool programs and created a reading log for our readers-in-training!
Log Your Books
Beanstack is a website and app that serves as an interactive home for all reading challenges and events. It’s your one-stop-shop to track your reading habits and unlock badges! New to Beanstack? Check out our easy-to-follow instructions!
Children in grades 1-5 can also choose to track their reading on the paper log included in the registration kits. Here’s a digital version in case you need another!
Earn Prizes
Participation Prizes:
Log at least 3 books and you will go home with our Summer Reading Program system-wide prize: a small LED flashlight! Participation prizes can be picked up at any of our locations at any time during the program once you’ve read 3 books. Prizes are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
Grand Prize Drawings:
By logging at least 3 books, children are eligible to enter into the Grand Prize Drawing which will be held during our Pool Party! To be entered into the drawing, you must attend our Pool Party on Friday, August 16th from 6:00-8:00pm at the Camp Muffly Pool (1477 4H Camp Road, Morgantown, WV 26508) for your chance to win a Kids Explorer Kit, a LEGO Friends Stargazing Camping Set, an indoor s’mores making kit, Jazzy’s Hydrobikes passes, and a shaved ice maker.
For your chance to win during our weekly prize drawings, fill out the online form updated below each week! Winners will be notified and can pick up the prize from one of our locations.
Week 1 (June 10-15): Adventure WV, 2 Person 2 Hour RentalWeek 2 (June 17-22): 10 BOPARC Pool Passes
Week 3 (June 24-29): 4 Black Bear Baseball Ticket Vouchers
Week 4 (July 1-6): Keep reading! (No prize drawing this week.)
Week 5 (July 8-13): You’re doing great! (No prize drawing this week.)
Week 6 (July 15-20): Adventure WV 4 person Canopy Tour
Week 7 (July 22-27): 20 Suburban Lane Passes
Week 8 (July 29-Aug. 3): 4 Retro Skate Passes
Week 9 (Aug. 5-Aug. 10): 4 Cryptid Mountain Mini Golf Passes
Thank you to these local businesses for their generous donations!
Craft Kits
Participating children can pick up a free craft kit at their home library during certain weeks!
Week 1 (June 10-15): Pool Noodle Boat KitWeek 3 (June 24-29): DIY Kite & Pinwheel Kit
Week 7 (July 22-27): Treasure Map & Bee Hotel
Week 8 (July 29-August 3): Lightsicles Kit (donated by Mountaineer Area Robotics.)
Week 9 (Aug. 5-10): Clothespin Mothman
Attend a Summer Reading Program Event
Check out our full events calendar!
June 1st: Registration Begins!
June 10th: Official Start of the Summer Reading Program
August 10th: End of the Summer Reading Program
August 16th: Pool PartyRegistration Kick-Off Party
Date: Saturday, June 1st | 8:30am-12:00pm
Location: Morgantown Farmers Market | 400 Spruce St, Morgantown, WV 26505
Join us at the Farmers Market for our 2024 Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Party! Kids in Grades 1-5 are invited to visit our table to register for the program and receive their Registration Kit — which includes a reading log, fun activities, gifts, and more!Week 1: And We’re Off! Travel Adventures
Wanderers Workshop
Date: Tuesday, June 11th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
Join Miss Molly for our Summer Reading Program story time! This week, we will be reading Oliver the Curious Owl by Chad Otis. Children will also complete their own sand art crafts.Let’s Go Camping Bingo
Date: Tuesday, June 11th | 11:00am-12:00pm & 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Let’s have an adventure in Meeting Room A! Join us for bingo with a camping theme where we will have travel games and books as prizes. We will also enjoy camping-themed snacks!Travel Buddy Creation
Date: Wednesday, June 12th | 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
Kick off the summer by creating a travel buddy! We’ll be creating or decorating our own buddies to take with us on adventures this summer! Everyone will be encouraged to take their buddy with them wherever they go this summer and bring back pictures and postcards to display at the library!Travel Tile Coaster
Date: Wednesday, June 12th | 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
Let’s turn travel adventures into art! Join us to create a unique tile coaster using travel pictures from magazines and maps, or bring your own travel photo to use.Let’s Go Camping Bingo
Date: Wednesday, June 12th | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Let’s have an adventure! Join us for bingo with a camping theme where you’ll have a chance to win books and prizes.Week 2: Go Outside! Adventures in Nature
Scavenger Hunt Pick-Up
Date: Monday, June 17th & Friday, June 21st during open hours
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Go on an exciting adventure right in your own back yard! Grab a scavenger hunt sheet from the Arnettsville Public Library during our open hours and explore the wonders of nature waiting just beyond your front door. Return with your completed sheet to claim fun nature-themed prizes!Nature Scavenger Hunt
Date: Tuesday, June 18th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Indian Meadows Campground Pavilion
Join Miss Molly for our Summer Reading Program story time! This week, we will be reading Summer Color by Diana Murray. Children will also participate in a Nature Scavenger Hunt outdoors. This event will take place at the Indian Meadows Campground Pavilion. The campground is located at 77 Days Run Rd, Fairview, WV 26570.Nature’s Mosaic Marvels
Date: Tuesday, June 18th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Join us in Meeting Room A to explore nature’s biodiversity with the Friends of Deckers Creek! We will use air-dry clay and a variety of other natural materials to discover storytelling using mosaic art to make creek creatures. We will also learn more about pond ecosystems with a read-aloud of Kate Messner’s Over and Under the Pond.Sand Art Creation
Date: Thursday, June 20th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
Express your creativity with our adventure camp sand art craft!Nature Picnic
Date: Thursday, June 20th | 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
Come and explore the outdoors with us and enjoy a nature picnic outside the library! We will be hanging out outside and creating a community tiny nature museum, along with a cloud craft and leaf rubbings! Please bring your own snack from home, and we will provide drinks!Week 3: Dream It Up! Adventures in Imagination
Imagine That!
Date: Tuesday, June 25th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
Join Miss Molly for our Summer Reading Program storytime! This week, we will be reading Imagine That by Jonathan Voss. Children will also create a DIY kaleidoscope.Imagination Stations
Date: Tuesday, June 25th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Express your creativity in Meeting Room A with our imagination stations! You will be able to build with our huge LEGO collection, design your own imaginary friend with clay, make your own sun visor, and read your book in a fun space.Adventures in Imagination: Umbrella Arts Showcase
Date: Wednesday, June 26th | 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
Join us for a day of creative, imaginative fun with our friends at Umbrella Arts! Umbrella Arts will provide workshop experiences in writing and cartooning, as well as dancing! This will be a great day to see where your imagination can take you!Dream It Up – Make Your Own Craft
Date: Wednesday, June 26th | 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
Use your imagination to make artwork and crafts with the many supplies CDPL has on hand – we can’t wait to see what you create!Dreaming About Crafts Workshop
Date: Wednesday, June 26th | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Get ready for a crafting adventure! Join us to make some awesome ‘dreamy’ crafts like your very own dream catcher and cool sand art. Let’s make some magical creations together!Weeks 4 & 5: Your Path, Your Adventure
Your Summer Adventure Scrapbook Kit
Date: July 1st-6th during open hours
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
Having fun this summer and need a place to creatively catalog what you’ve done? Come to the Cheat Area Public Library all week during our open hours to pick up a kit to make a Summer Adventure Scrapbook! We’ll provide materials and ideas so you can make a unique scrapbook that will hold all your adventures!Gaming Day
Date: Tuesday, July 2nd | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Calling all gamers! Join us in Meeting Room A for some friendly competition. Board games will be provided from the library’s collection, and we will have Splatoon and Mario Kart on our Switch. If you’d like, please bring your own gaming device to play.Fourth of July Senior Lunch & Learn
Date: Wednesday, July 3rd | 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Children are invited to join us for a special Fourth of July Hot Dog Luncheon with the Senior Lunch and Learn crew! Enjoy hot dogs and share your favorite Fourth of July memories with new friends.S’mores & Stargazing Kits
Date: July 8th-13th
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
S’mores and stars are two of the best things about summer! Come out to the Cheat Area Public Library anytime this week during our open hours to pick up some materials to make your own s’mores and help you identify what you’re seeing in the night sky!Kids’ Chocolate Olympics
Date: Monday, July 8th | 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
The Olympics are great, but the Chocolate Olympics are even better! Compete in a variety of chocolate-based challenges, including Oreo stacking, M&M sorting, and a blindfolded taste test! For ages 6-9.Movie Day
Date: Wednesday, July 10th | 2:00-4:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Lights, camera, action! Join us for a free movie and snacks at this showing of Disney’s Wish.Week 6: Solve This! Puzzles, Scavenger Hunts, & Mysteries
Summer Scavenger Hunt & Mystery Solving
Date: July 15th-19th
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
Things are getting mysterious here at the Cheat Area Public Library! Anytime this week during our open hours, we will need YOU to come in and help us! We need you to find everything in a library-wide scavenger hunt, and solve a top-secret library mystery. We’ll also have a puzzle craft available after you are done hunting for clues.Summer Detective Squad
Date: Tuesday, July 16th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
Join Miss Molly for our Summer Reading Program storytime! This week, we will be reading Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective by Elizabeth Olsen. Then, we will head outside for some jumbo Connect-4 and Jenga.Spy Training
Date: Tuesday, July 16th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Aull Center & Morgantown Public Library
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join us at the library for spy training! We will start in the Aull Center right next door and then move over to the library for more fun! From decoding secret messages and learning your spy name to navigating obstacle courses, each challenge will bring you closer to becoming a full-fledged spy. You’ll also learn about the spy and detective resources that the library has to assist your training!Paint Your Own Puzzle
Date: Wednesday, July 17th | 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
Get crafty at the library and design your own puzzle! Create a unique puzzle by painting or drawing your own design. It’s a fun way to get creative and enjoy a puzzle-making adventure!Adventures with 4-H
Date: Wednesday, July 17th | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
During this week of the Summer Reading Program, we’re excited to welcome our friends from 4-H to learn about all of the awesome things they do. Come join the fun and see what 4-H is all about!Week 7: Stay Close! Adventures Close to Home
Mad Scientist Club
Date: Tuesday, July 23rd | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
Join Miss Molly for our Summer Reading Program storytime! This week, we will be reading The Library Fish by Alyssa Capucilli. Then, we will try some at-home science experiments, including elephant toothpaste and a DIY lava lamp.Buzzing About Bees
Date: Tuesday, July 23rd | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Did you know the honeybee is West Virginia’s state insect? Buzz on into Meeting Room A for an adventure close to home as we learn all about bees with The NewBees! We will explore beekeeping with an observation beehive, plant pollinator flowers, and taste different kinds of honey.Close to Home Carnival
Date: Wednesday, July 24th | 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
The carnival is coming close to home at the Cheat Area Public Library! We’ll be playing carnival games, having popcorn, and enjoying a fair-like atmosphere with our friends!Field Trip to Mason-Dixon Historical Park
Date: Wednesday, July 24th | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Mason-Dixon Historical Park
Join us as we explore the Mason-Dixon Historical Park. Play on the new playground equipment, explore the fairy house trail, and read the book trail on display. Let’s have a picnic in the park after we explore and go on our adventure close to home!Mason-Dixon Historical Park is located at 79 Buckeye Rd, Core, WV 26541.
Hiking Adventure: Nature Bookmark
Date: Thursday, July 25th | 10:00am-12:00pm
Location: Toms Run Preserve
Have a hiking adventure with the staff from CDPL! We will go for a nature walk at Toms Run Preserve off of Little Falls Road (Little Falls Rd, Morgantown, WV 26508), and using the nature items collected from our walk, we’ll make a bookmark to take home.Week 8: Dim the Lights! Adventures in the Dark
Glow Getters
Date: Tuesday, July 30th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
Join Miss Molly for our Summer Reading Program storytime! This week, we will be reading Glow by Rachel Batislaong and hosting a glow-in-the-dark party!Campfire Crafting & Story Writing
Date: Wednesday, July 31st | 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
The dark isn’t scary here at Cheat! We’ll be writing and sharing our own (not-so-scary!) stories, doing a campfire craft, and giving out glow-in-the-dark stars for you to take home!Dim the Lights: Constellation Jar
Date: Wednesday, July 31st | 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
People have used constellations to tell stories for centuries. Join us as we create constellation jars to have at home — what story will your constellation tell?“Go Glow” Dance Party
Date: Wednesday, July 31st | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Join us for a “Go Glow” Dance Party in the gym at the Arnettsville Public Library. Grab some glow sticks and glow necklaces, and dance the afternoon away. Let’s Twist, Limbo, Chicken Dance, and Hula during this dance party. Show off your sweet moves and get a free book and some snacks to keep you dancing!Planetarium Field Trip
Date: Thursday, August 1st | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: WVU Planetarium
Meet us at the WVU Planetarium & Observatory where we’ll explore the wonders of the universe and outer space as a place for storytelling to unfold. Our journey will begin with an introduction to the night sky where we’ll learn to identify different constellations. Then, we’ll follow the adventures of Sy, Annie, and their dog, Armstrong, as they journey through space in Accidental Astronauts! The Planetarium is located in White Hall at 135 Willey Street, Morgantown, WV 26505. Please click here for more specific directions. Because seating in the Planetarium is limited, registration for children and caregivers is required — please include the total number of people attending when you register here.Week 9: Curious About Cryptids! Legendary Adventures
Cryptid Art Class with Elisha Rush (Registration Required)
Date: Saturday, August 3rd | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
The hills and hollows of West Virginia are full of all sorts of stories about mysterious creatures and cryptids. Join Morgantown artist Elisha Rush in a fun and imaginative drawing lesson at the Clinton District Public Library! Open to all students grades 1-5, this class will cover some drawing basics and how to use them to draw some of our favorite cryptids including the Mothman, Flatwoods Monster, and the Grafton Monster. Elisha loves drawing all sorts of critters and creatures and has notably illustrated a fun variety of cryptids for various projects including the Taylor County Monster Hunt and posters for PopShop WV! Please be sure to register for this event beforehand in person at the Clinton District Public Library.Cryptid Canvas
Date: Tuesday, August 6th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Indian Meadows Campground Pavilion
Join Miss Molly for our end-of-Summer Reading Program pizza party! We will read Cryptids: Short and Tall, Big and Small and paint adventure pictures. We will have pizza, snacks, and drinks. Children will also receive a free meal ticket to Weezer’s Hot Dog Shop.This event will take place at the Indian Meadows Campground Pavilion. The campground is located at 77 Days Run Rd, Fairview, WV 26570.
Cryptid Creators: Drawing Class with Elisha Rush
Date: Tuesday, August 6th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
The hills and hollows of West Virginia are full of all sorts of stories about mysterious creatures and cryptids. Join Morgantown artist Elisha Rush in a fun and imaginative drawing lesson in Meeting Room A! Open to all students grades 1-5, this class will cover some drawing basics and how to use them to draw some of our favorite cryptids, including the Mothman, Flatwoods Monster, and the Grafton Monster. Elisha loves drawing all sorts of critters and creatures and has notably illustrated a fun variety of cryptids for various projects including the Taylor County Monster Hunt and posters for PopShop WV!Create Your Own Cryptid Case File
Date: Wednesday, August 7th | 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
Curious about cryptids? This is the perfect day for you! You’re invited to create your own cryptid — from designing its special look to discovering how your creation is unique! We’ll even be making a case file for your cryptid so you can show it off!Cryptid Art Class
Date: Wednesday, August 7th | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Curious about cryptids? Local art teacher, Sarah Billotti, will teach us about a variety of cryptid characters and how to draw them. Let’s learn about Bigfoot and Mothman and some of their friends!Pool Party
Date: Friday, August 16th | 6:00-8:00pm
Location: Camp Muffly Pool | 1477 4H Camp Road, Morgantown, WV 26508
Make a splash at Camp Muffly for our system-wide pool party celebrating a summer full of reading and adventure! In addition to swimming, you can enjoy snacks, yard games, and music. Children who completed the Summer Reading Program can also enter into the children’s grand prize drawing, which will take place at the event. Grand prizes include a Kids Explorer Kit, a LEGO Friends Stargazing Camping Set, an indoor s’mores making kit, Jazzy’s Hydrobikes passes, and a shaved ice maker. Camp Muffly is located at 1477 4H Camp Road Morgantown, WV 26508.Preschool Programs
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Have you heard of 1000 Books Before Kindergarten? The Morgantown Public Library is committed to creating lifelong readers from the start with a fun approach to establishing strong early literacy skills. The goal is to read 1,000 books (yes, you can repeat books) before your precious one starts kindergarten. Register here!
Morgantown Public Library
Preschool Story Time
Dates: June 12th & 26th and July 17th & 31st | 10:00-10:30am | Meeting Room A
Let’s have summer fun at the library! During our time together, children ages 2-5 will listen to entertaining stories while exploring a different theme each week. The themes for the story times are as follows: June 12th – Sweet Treats, June 26th – Pets, July 17th – Fruit, July 31st – Pizza.Tuesday Evening Preschool Story Time
Dates: June 18th & 25th and July 23rd & 30th | 6:30-7:15pm | Meeting Room A
Children ages 2-6 are invited to our Summer Session of Tuesday Evening Preschool Story Time, which will be held on the last two Tuesdays of the summer months. Listen to stories, sing songs, play games, and visit a variety of free play activity stations, including puzzles, play-dough, crafts and more. Each story time lasts approximately 45 minutes.Cheat Area Public Library
Wednesday Morning Story Time
Dates: June 5th, 12th, 26th and July 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st | 10:30am
Come to the Cheat Area Public Library every Wednesday to listen to engaging stories, do themed crafts, and play with new friends! Ages 3-6 recommended.Toddler Playgroup
Dates: June 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and July 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th | 10:30am
Toddlers ages 1-5 and their parents can meet up in the library space to play and socialize every Friday! The library provides a variety of exciting toys and crafts that make for a fun, casual weekly gathering.Morgantown Public Library System at Krepps Park
Krepps Kritters
Dates: June 13th & 27th and July 11th & 25th | 10:00am
Meet us at Krepps Park for an outdoor story time! Ms. Cathy and Ms. Ruth will be there to read stories, sing songs, and play fun activities surrounding the theme of the day. The theme for June 13th is “Camping with Forest Animals,” June 27th is “Buggy for Books,” July 11th is “Turtle Time,” and July 25th is “Birds of a Feather.” This program is designed for children ages 3-6. No registration is required to attend this event. However, craft materials & refreshments are available for 24 children on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.Virtual Author Talk with Kate DiCamillo
Virtual Author Talk with Kate DiCamillo
Date: Tuesday, July 9th | 2:00pm
Join us for a visit to Deckawoo Drive with everyone’s favorite adventure loving pig, Mercy Watson! Newbery Medal winning author Kate DiCamillo will be sharing the stories behind the creation of her early chapter book series, the original Mercy Watson, and the follow up series, Tales from Deckawoo Drive. We will also be celebrating the publication of the final book in the Mercy Watson series! Register for this virtual event here. -
Tween & Teen Summer Reading Program 2024
Leave a CommentSign Up
Sign up for the 2024 Summer Reading Program with programs for children (grades 1-5), tweens & teens, and adults (ages 18+)! Registration starts on June 1st on Beanstack for the Summer Reading Program!
Log Your Books on Beanstack
Beanstack is a website and app that serves as an interactive home for all reading challenges and events. It’s your one-stop-shop to not only register for this summer reading challenge, but to also track your reading habits and unlock badges! New to Beanstack? Check out our easy-to-follow instructions!
Earn Prizes
Participation Prizes:
Log at least 3 books on Beanstack and you will go home with our Summer Reading Program system-wide prize: a small LED flashlight! Participation prizes can be picked up at any of our locations at any time during the program once you’ve read 3 books. Prizes are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
Grand Prize Drawings:
By logging at least 3 books on Beanstack, tweens & teens will be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing through Beanstack! Three lucky winners will receive a Stanley Water Bottle and accessories! The drawing is weighted — so the more you read, the higher your chances of winning.
Prizes must be picked up in-person once you’ve read at least three books. The Grand Prize Winners will be contacted at the end of the Summer Reading Program to come and pick up their prizes.
Craft Kits
Teens (ages 13-18) are invited to pick up themed craft kits at the Morgantown Public Library while supplies last!
Week 1 (June 10-15): Bubble Tea Kit
Week 3 (June 24-29): Macramé Key Chain
Week 7 (July 22-27): Egg Carton Garden
Attend a Summer Reading Program Event
Stay tuned for our full events calendar!
June 1st: Registration and reading begins
June 10th: Official Start of the Summer Reading Program
August 10th: End of the Summer Reading Program
August 16th: Pool PartyTween Events (Ages: 10-12)
Dungeons & Dragons Night
Date: Monday, June 24th | 5:00-7:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Journey to a fantasy world in our special one-shot Dungeons & Dragons night! Choose a pre-generated character, join a group, and let your imagination run wild. Whether you’ve never played before or you’re a seasoned pro, this adventure is for you! Snacks will be provided. This evens is for tweens ages 10-12 and registration is required.Chocolate Olympics
Date: Monday, July 8th | 2:30-3:30pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
The Olympics are great, but the Chocolate Olympics are even better! Compete in a variety of chocolate-based challenges, including Oreo stacking, M&M sorting, and a blindfolded taste test! For ages 10-12.Life-Size Clue
Date: Monday, July 15th | 6:00-7:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Come play a life-size version of the classic board game Clue! Channel your inner detective as you move around the life-size game board in teams of two, making guesses and seeing if you can guess whodunnit! This event is for tweens ages 10-12 and registration is required. For information on how to play Clue, check out this article.Glow-in-the-Dark Painting
Date: Monday, July 29th | 6:00-7:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Join us for an evening of creativity and luminescence! Tweens ages 10-12 are invited to create a glow-in-the-dark painting.Sock Cryptids
Date: Monday, August 5th | 6:00-7:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Step into the world of cryptids by designing your own cryptid monster out of a sock! Once you make your sock into the body of your cryptid by filling it with rice, you can add whatever you want to create your own unique cryptid monster. For ages 10-12.Teen Events (Ages: 13-18)
Zine Your Bucket List
Date: Wednesday, June 12th | 6:00-7:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Explore your wildest dreams through the art of zine-making! Learn how to make an 8-page zine and then fill it with your bucket list goals and dreams. Snacks will be provided. For ages 13-18.Studio Ghibli Saturday
Date: Saturday, June 15th | 11:00am-3:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Dive into the magical world of Studio Ghibli! Teens aged 13-18 are invited to drop in any time between 11:00am and 3:00pm to watch Studio Ghibli movies and eat ramen bowls.Teen Craft Night
Date: Thursday, June 20th | 6:00-7:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Join us as we make compass paracord bracelets! This kind of bracelet not only serves as a stylish accessory but also functions as a reliable tool for navigation, making it a must-have for hikers, campers, and adventurers alike. Snacks will be provided. For ages 13-18.Dungeons & Dragons Night
Date: Monday, June 24th | 5:00-7:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Journey to a fantasy world in our special one-shot Dungeons & Dragons night! Choose a pre-generated character, join a group, and let your imagination run wild. Whether you’ve never played before or you’re a seasoned pro, this adventure is for you! Snacks will be provided. This evens is for teens ages 13-18 and registration is required.Nailed It! Decorating Challenge
Date: Wednesday, June 26th | 6:00-7:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Calling all teen bakers and aspiring pastry artists! Get ready for a fun-filled and delicious adventure in our “Nailed It!” Cupcake Decorating Challenge. This exciting program invites teens aged 13-18 to showcase their decorating skills and enjoy a lighthearted competition inspired by the popular “Nailed It!” baking show. Staff from The Cupcakerie will be on hand to give some decorating tips and judge the finished products.Teen Gaming Night
Date: Monday, July 1st | 5:00-7:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Teens aged 13-18 are invited to play video games and board games at our Gaming Night! Board games will be provided from the library’s collection, and we will have Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart on the Switch. If you’d like, please bring your own gaming device to play. Snacks will be provided.Chocolate Olympics
Date: Monday, July 8th | 4:00-5:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
The Olympics are great, but the Chocolate Olympics are even better! Compete in a variety of chocolate-based challenges, including Oreo stacking, M&M sorting, and a blindfolded taste test! For ages 13-18.Teen Board Games & Brownies
Date: Wednesday, July 10th | 5:00-7:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Come play board games with other teens and eat brownies! For ages 13-18.Teen Lock-In
Date: Saturday, July 20th | 6:00-10:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Teens ages 13-18 are invited to our after-hours Lock-In event! Watch movies, play board games and video games, eat pizza and chips, make a variety of crafts, and play Werewolf and Hide & Seek! Signed permission slips are required to attend.Ice Cream Party
Date: Wednesday, July 24th | 6:00-7:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Come to an Ice Cream Party! Learn how to make your own ice cream, make an ice cream sundae to eat, and participate in an ice cream photo scavenger hunt! For ages 13-18.Stress Relief Yoga
Date: Saturday, August 3rd | 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Relieve your stress with yoga at the library! Learn some yoga poses and relaxation techniques from our yoga instructor, Sarah, that will keep you stress-free. At the end of the program, grab a goody bag filled with snacks and fun prizes. Yoga mats will be provided for use during the program, or you can bring your own if you’d prefer. This event, for ages 13-18, is sponsored by The Health Plan. Registration is required.Frankentoys: Cryptid Edition
Date: Wednesday, August 7th | 6:00-7:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Dive into the world of mythical creatures! Join us for a quirky crafting adventure as we combine various toy and stuffed animal parts to bring your own cryptid to life. For ages 13-18. -
Adult Summer Reading Program 2024
Leave a CommentSign up for the 2024 Summer Reading Program with programs for children (grades 1-5), tweens & teens, and adults (ages 18+)!
It’s simple: log your books on Beanstack and earn prizes!
Sign Up
Register for the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge for adults directly through Beanstack starting on June 1st!
Log Your Books on Beanstack
Beanstack is a website and app that serves as an interactive home for reading challenges and events. It’s your one-stop-shop to not only register for this summer reading challenge, but to also track your reading habits and unlock badges! New to Beanstack? Check out our easy-to-follow instructions!
Earn Prizes
Participation Prizes:
Log at least 3 books on Beanstack and you will go home with our Summer Reading Program system-wide prize: a small LED flashlight! Participation prizes can be picked up at any of our locations at any time during the program once you’ve read 3 books. Prizes are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
Grand Prize Drawings:
By logging at least 3 books on Beanstack, adults will be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing through Beanstack! Three lucky winners will receive a gift card to a local business! You have a chance to win a $35 gift card to Four Horseman Comics and Gaming, a $30 gift card to Pathfinder, and a $30 gift card to Lowe’s. The drawing is weighted — so the more you read, the higher your chances of winning.
Prizes must be picked up in person at any of our locations once you’ve read at least 3 books.
Attend a Summer Reading Program Event
Adult Craft Night – Travel Journal
Date: Monday, June 10th | 5:30-7:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Join us for an exciting Adult Craft Night at the public library as we dive into the world of travel journaling. Whether you’re an avid traveler or simply enjoy documenting life’s adventures, this is the perfect opportunity to bring your stories and memories to life in a beautifully crafted journal that you’ll cherish for years to come. Don’t miss out on this fun and relaxing evening of creativity! Registration is appreciated but not required.Swiftie Party
Date: Friday, June 14th | 6:00-8:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Come celebrate your “library era” at our Swiftie Party for adults on the 2nd floor of the Morgantown Public Library! Make friendship bracelets, enjoy Taylor-themed snacks, dance, listen to Taylor’s songs, and “roll the dice” with board games provided by the library. Feel free to dress up in your favorite “Eras” outfit and stop by our photo booth to give your best “1989” pose. You can also learn more about the Taylor Swift resources in our physical and digital collections that you can access for free with a library card!Adult Non-Fiction Book Club
Date: Tuesday, June 25th | 6:00-7:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
We welcome all to join us for the Summer Reading Program Edition of our Adult Non-Fiction Book Club! We will be meeting to discuss The Oregon Trail: Sketches of Prairie and Rocky-Mountain Life by Francis Parkman Jr. Published in 1849, it’s an exciting and poetic first-person account of discovery and daring adventure during the height of westward expansion. Art, nature, and history combine into a work that is tough to surpass.Silent Book Club
Date: Tuesday, July 9th | 5:00-7:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Wouldn’t it be great to have a book club where you could just enjoy books, friends, and snacks—without any homework? Silent Book Club is a community of readers and introverts that gather together to read in quiet camaraderie. There’s no assigned reading and all readers are welcome but BYOBook! Grab refreshments and settle in for an hour of silent, sustained reading. At the end of the hour, attendees can socialize—or not!Adult Craft Night – Glow-in-the-Dark Painting
Date: Thursday, July 11th | 5:30-7:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Get ready to illuminate your creativity at our Adult Craft Night in the library! Join us for an electrifying evening of glow-in-the-dark painting where you can create a masterpiece that comes to life under blacklight. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to try something new, this event is perfect for all skill levels. Bring your friends and let your creativity glow! Registration is appreciated but not required.
