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Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month!
Leave a CommentLei Making: A Tradition of Celebration
by Jessika L., Branch Assistant at the Cheat Area Public Library
In honor of AAPI Month, this May we are going to be looking at the tradition of lei making. What comes to mind when you hear the word “lei”? Some might think of plastic party favors, others might think of floral garlands, but what constitutes a lei is less what it is made of and more the intention a lei is made with.
Loosely, a lei is a series of items strung together with the intention for it to be worn or gifted. Traditionally, these would have been made out of native plants and naturally occurring items found throughout Polynesia, such as rope-braided Ti leaves (Lei Hilo) or threaded feathers (Lei Hulu). The most treasured feathers come from the now extinct Hawai’i mamo. As time has passed and access to native resources has dwindled, lei are now also made from foreign plants, such as the famous plumeria, textiles like ribbon, and even novelty items in the form of money and candy lei.
Lei are most-commonly given at major life-events, including but not limited to: weddings, funerals, baby luaus, and graduations. Depending on the circumstances, they can be made and given as a symbol of friendship, love, loss, or congratulations. The giving of lei is an emotional affair, meant to honor the recipient. While one is physically gifting the lei, they are also gifting their care and affection, or their aloha. While often mistaken as a simple greeting, aloha is a much more complex word with deep cultural and spiritual meaning having no true English equivalent.
May is certainly the biggest month out of the year for lei. May 1st in Hawaii is Lei Day, a local holiday celebrating the tradition and craftsmanship of lei making, with each island having a specific floral lei representing it. Proposed by poet Don Blanding, the holiday has been celebrated with increasing popularity since 1929. Throughout the islands there are community festivals, parades, school plays, lei making classes, and even a crowning ceremony for the Lei Day Queen.
May is also graduation season. Graduation culture in Hawaii is a huge celebratory affair, with graduates often receiving so many lei that they pile up to reach their ears. Hawaiian diaspora continue this tradition in their regional communities, both in making lei at home and ordering lei from professionals in Hawaii. Ribbon lei are quite popular for graduates, as it is an accessible material and also customizable to the graduates school colors. The less formal nature of graduation leads to a lot of creative lei designs. Spam cans, rolls of coins, origami money, and various candies are all items found in graduation lei.
To celebrate Lei Day and your own graduating friends, you can stop by any location in Morgantown Public Library System to pick up a DIY kit with supplies to get you started on how to make your own candy lei! Happy AAPI Month and Happy Lei Day!
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Get Loud for the Library!
Leave a CommentWe are developing a facilities plan to shape our libraries’ services now and in the future. This plan needs your input! We have multiple opportunities for you to share your thoughts — take our survey, attend a town hall, and follow along with the process on our facilities plan website.
Take Our Survey
Participate in this short survey to help determine the vision for your neighborhood library, your community, and the Morgantown Public Library System. This survey takes approximately 4 minutes to complete. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!
Attend a Town Hall
We are hosting a series of two community town halls open to the public! These Town Halls will include a brief presentation from the Facility Plan consultant team, along with interactive activity stations where you can share your ideas, community needs, and vision for the future of your library.
- Monday, April 28th from 6:00-7:30pm at the Mason-Dixon Park Barn (79 Buckeye Rd, Core, WV 26541)
- Tuesday, April 29th from 6:00-7:30pm at the Mon Hospital Conference Center (located behind the hospital.)
Follow Along with the Process
Keep up-to-date on the facilities plan process! Check out this website for the most current information about the project.
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StoryFest 2025
Leave a CommentJoin us for StoryFest 2025!
The Morgantown Public Library System is proud to present StoryFest — a day of non-stop fun for people of all ages! Join us on Saturday, June 7th from 3:00-6:00pm at the Spruce Street Pavilion (located at 400 Spruce Street). Our festival celebrates storytelling in all its forms and this year, we’ve added a Renaissance Faire twist! StoryFest will be an evening filled with enchantment, including a live sword fighting demonstration, a chance to be knighted as an official StoryFest knight, and free crafting stations to design your own wands, crowns, and shields. Kids, teens, and adults are sure to find something to love at StoryFest!
Plus, be sure to stop by our Summer Reading Program table to register while at StoryFest! More info about the Summer Reading Program coming soon.
For children, we will have a Storyteller’s Court with special guests including the West Virginia Black Bears Mascot, the Morgantown Fire Department, and the Aquatic Center Mermaid! We will also have a variety of free crafting tables provided by Early Head Start and the Morgantown Public Library System including design your own coat of arms, make an enchanted crystal, design a royal crown, and customize a wand!
For all ages, you can watch a live sword demonstration from Black Bear Historical Fencing, get a poem on the spot from the Bards of Yellowwood, complete a challenge to become an official knight of StoryFest, and enjoy delicious carnival style food from Mag & Pops food truck!
For the grown ups, there will be amazing creators to meet including the West Virginia Poet Laureate Marc Harshman, local authors Anna Smucker, Patricia Hopper Patterson, the Morgantown Writers Group, the Bards of Yellowwood, and local artists Liz Pavlovic and Angela Awesome Pants, as well as the Friends of Deckers Creek, and more! There will also be free crafting areas, fun entertainment, neat library merch, and more!
StoryFest by the Morgantown Public Library System is a Main Street Morgantown Affiliate event.
Event Overview
Date: Saturday, June 7th
Time: 3:00-6:00pm
Location: Spruce Street Pavilion (400 Spruce Street, Morgantown, WV 26505)
Admission: FreeMark your calendars for this free, one-of-a-kind event that promises something for everyone in the family. Whether you’re a bookworm, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun day out, StoryFest welcomes you with open arms. Bring your friends, bring your family, and join us as we celebrate the magic of storytelling together!
Special Guests & Activities
Stay tuned for more information!
Family-Friendly Fun
At StoryFest, we know that creativity is boundless and that storytelling in all its forms is a joy meant to be shared. That’s why we’ll have a wide range of crafts and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you’re creating masterpieces at our free crafting areas, watching unique performances, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, there’s endless fun to be had for everyone.
We can’t wait to celebrate everything the library has to offer with you at StoryFest 2025!
For more information and updates, follow us on social media and check out our website. See you at StoryFest!
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Citizen Science Kits – Available at the Morgantown Public Library!
Leave a CommentExplore Science at Home with Our New Citizen Science Kits!
The Morgantown Public Library is excited to introduce Citizen Science Kits, now available for checkout! These hands-on kits provide everything you need to participate in real scientific research from the comfort of your home or out in the community. Perfect for all ages, our kits help you contribute valuable data to global research projects while learning about the world around you.
What Kits Can I Check Out?
- Biodiversity Kits — This kit helps scientists collect data about the local wildlife. Community members are encouraged to upload their findings to iNaturalist, a site that shares the information gathered with scientists. The kit includes binoculars, a lens kit that attaches to a smart phone to assist with taking pictures, as well as information about local species. Anyone can use iNaturalist.
- Cloud Kits — This kit helps NASA scientists collect data about clouds. The kit includes some information to assist with cloud identification as well as information on how to get the app. Globe Observer is an app through NASA that uses the data gathered about clouds to help them get an accurate picture of the weather. The observations we gather as a community will help NASA scientists interpret the information they get from satellites.
- Water Quality Kit — This kit includes different ways to test water quality. It includes PH strips and a TDS meter (Total Dissolved Solids). This information is shared with mWater, an NGO that collects information about water quality from areas around the world.
How to Check Out a Kit
The Citizen Science Kits are available for check out at the Morgantown Public Library! Stop by the front desk with your library card to pick up a kit.
Citizen Science Kits are a fantastic way for families, students, and curious minds to engage in real-world science. Whether you’re an aspiring scientist or just love learning, these kits make it easy to contribute to meaningful research. If you would like to anonymously submit your data, please use these forms for the Biodiversity Kit, Cloud Kit, and/or Water Quality Kit.
Check out a kit today and start your science adventure!
BioBlitz: April 1-30
The month of April is Citizen Science Month! To celebrate this, the Morgantown Public Library is hosting a BioBlitz. Our BioBlitz is a month-long challenge where people work as a community to submit as much scientific data about Morgantown’s wildlife, clouds, and water quality as possible. There are several ways you can participate in the BioBlitz. Patrons of the Morgantown Public Library can check out one of our new Citizen Science Kits! These hands-on kits provide everything you need to gather and submit data about your area’s wildlife, clouds, and water quality. But you don’t have to have a Citizen Science kit to participate in the BioBlitz! Simply download the apps from the app store (iNaturalist for wildlife data, Globe Observer for cloud data, and mWater for water quality data) to gather and submit data right from your backyard.
BioBlitz Party
Join us Saturday, April 19th from 12:00-3:00pm at the Cheat Area Public Library (CAPL) for a BioBlitz Party, a fun, all-ages drop-in event celebrating a month of citizen science! Explore a small outdoor area near CAPL to identify local species, enjoy some provided snacks, and pick up informational pamphlets to continue your biodiversity journey. Friends of Deckers Creek will give an engaging presentation at 12:00pm on the importance of biodiversity and what we can do to protect it. This event is the perfect way to reflect on our discoveries so far and learn even more about the natural world!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can check out a Citizen Science Kit?
Anyone with a valid Morgantown Public Library System library card can check out a kit from the Morgantown Public Library.
How long can I keep a kit?
Kits can be checked out for 3 weeks. Please return them on time so everyone has a chance to participate.
Do I need special training to use a kit?
No special training is required! Each kit includes clear instructions to guide you through the project.
How do I submit my findings?
Each kit includes instructions on where to submit your data online. The Biodiversity Kit uses iNaturalist, the Cloud Kit uses Globe Observer, and the Water Quality Kit uses mWater. If you would like to anonymously submit your data, please use these forms for the Biodiversity Kit, Cloud Kit, and/or Water Quality Kit.
What is the BioBlitz?
BioBlitz is a month-long challenge in April where people work as a community to submit as much scientific data about Morgantown’s wildlife, clouds, and water quality as possible. There are several ways you can participate in the BioBlitz — you can check out a Citizen Science Kit from the Morgantown Public Library or simply download the apps from the app store (iNaturalist for wildlife data, Globe Observer for cloud data, and mWater for water quality data) to gather and submit data right from your backyard.
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Events for Kids
Leave a CommentLibrary Events for Kids
It’s time for fun! The library is your go-to spot for exciting preschool and children’s events all year long. Whether it’s reading to friendly therapy dogs, diving into creative crafts, or gearing up for seasonal reading challenges, there’s always something awesome happening. Check out our full events calendar to find the perfect adventure for your little ones!
Preschool
Read Baby Read
- Date & Time: April 17th, April 24th, May 1st, May 8th at 10:30am
- Location: Meeting Room A, Morgantown Public Library
- Ages: 0-2
Read Baby Read is a free library program for infants ages birth to 24 months and their caregivers to provide social interaction and help promote a lifelong love of the library. Visit a variety of free play stations and visit with other families then join us in circle time with songs and more!
Spring Preschool Story Time at the Morgantown Public Library
- Date & Time: April 1st & 2nd, April 8th & 9th, April 15th & 16th, April 22nd & 23rd at 10:00am
- Location: Meeting Room A, Morgantown Public Library
- Ages: 2-5
Join us for spring story times at the Morgantown Public Library. During our time together, we will listen to two delightful stories, sing fun songs, and explore a different theme each week. The story times are for children ages 2-5.
Tuesday Evening Preschool Story Time at the Morgantown Public Library
- Date & Time: April 1st, April 8th, April 15th, April 22nd, April 29th, May 6th at 6:30pm
- Location: Meeting Room A, Morgantown Public Library
- Ages: 2-6
Join us at the Morgantown Public Library for our Spring Session of Tuesday Evening Preschool Story Times for children ages 2-6. Story Times consist of free play activity stations providing a variety of activities including crafts, games, puzzles, blocks and more followed by circle time with stories, songs, and more. Story Time begins at 6:30pm and lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes. For more information, contact the library at 304-291-7425.
Wednesday Morning Story Time at the Cheat Area Public Library
- Date & Time: Every Wednesday at 10:30am
- Location: Cheat Area Public Library
- Ages: 3-6 recommended, all ages welcome
Come to the Cheat Area Public Library every Wednesday to listen to engaging stories, do themed crafts, and play with new friends!
Toddler Playgroup at the Cheat Area Public Library
- Date & Time: Every Friday at 10:30am
- Location: Cheat Area Public Library
- Ages: 1-5 recommended, all ages welcome
Toddlers and parents meet up at the library to play and socialize! The library provides a variety of exciting toys and crafts that make for a fun, casual, weekly gathering.
Preschool Story Time at the Clinton District Public Library
- Date & Time: April 14th at 11:00am
- Location: Clinton District Public Library
- Ages: Preschool
Join us at the Clinton District Public Library to plant a seed and grow your own plant. You will also hear a story and have a snack!
Grades 1-5
Makerspace Spotlight
- Date & Time: Monday, April 7th at 6:00pm
- Location: Meeting Room A, Morgantown Public Library
- For all ages
Step into the world of innovation with Makerspace Spotlight! Each session, we’ll showcase a different piece of equipment from our library’s Makerspace cart, giving you the chance to explore new tools and technologies. This time, we’ll be trying out our snap circuit and paper circuit kits. For all ages.
Choose Your Own Adventure Book Club
- Date & Time: Thursday, April 17th at 6:00pm
- Location: Meeting Room A, Morgantown Public Library
Join us for a new adventure! Elementary kids embark on a unique and challenging expedition filled with twists, turns and unexpected endings! The fun continues after our reading with a different activity each month. A one time registration is required to attend, if you haven’t registered yet please register here.
LEGO Night
- Date & Time: Monday, April 21st at 6:00pm
- Location: Meeting Room A, Morgantown Public Library
- For all ages
Use your creativity and imagination for an evening of Lego building! If you’re not sure what to build, don’t worry! You can always pick a challenge out of our Lego Challenge Basket. For all ages.
STEAM Explorers/Tween STEAM
- Date & Time: Wednesday, April 23rd at 6:00pm
- Location: WVU Evansdale Greenhouse
- Ages: 6-12
In this special combined kids STEAM program, we’ll be getting a tour of the WVU Evansdale Greenhouse! The tour will include a walkthrough of the greenhouse, a discussion of how greenhouses work, and a chance to explore their plant collection! After the tour, we will make seed bombs in the workroom for the kids to take home. For ages 6-12.
We will be meeting at the WVU Evansdale Greenhouse. Kids must be accompanied by a guardian or parent.
Read to Rover
- Date & Time: Thursday, April 24th at 6:30pm
- Location: Children’s Area, Morgantown Public Library
- Ages: 5-12
Do you like dogs? Do you like to read? Join us for our monthly Read To Rover program where you can combine your two loves by reading to a trained therapy dog. Children ages 5-12 are invited to participate in this fun and free program. You must register for your reading time spot by calling the library at 304-291-7425 or stopping by the front desk. For more information, call the library at 304-291-7425 and ask for Cathy.
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Fiction 101: Books That Celebrate Friendship
Leave a CommentBooks That Celebrate Friendship
by Shelby D., Evening Supervisor
Happy Galentine’s Day!
Last year in February, I made a list of books that have some of my favorite romance tropes. That was so much fun, and if you’d like some good romance recommendations feel free to go back and read it here! Be sure to swing by the Morgantown Public Library this month to check out the Blind Date with a Book display I created — it has a variety of genres, including romance!
But since I’ve focused on romance in the past, I wanted to do something different this year for Valentine’s Day — so this month for Fiction 101, I’m focusing on books that celebrate friendship! I’ve compiled a list of books that in my opinion emphasize the bonds of friendship. This list isn’t exclusively about sisterhood, it includes friendships of all kinds.
We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman
“A riotously funny and fiercely loyal love letter to female friendship. The story of Edi and Ash proves that a best friend is a gift from the gods. Newman turns her prodigious talents toward finding joy even in the friendship’s final days. I laughed while crying, and was left revived. Newman is a comic masterhand and a dazzling philosopher of the day-to-day.”—Amity Gaige, author of Sea Wife
How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley
“When Lydia takes a job running the Senior Citizens’ Social Club three afternoons a week, she assumes she’ll be spending her time drinking tea and playing gentle games of cards.
The members of the Social Club, however, are not at all what Lydia was expecting. From Art, a failed actor turned kleptomaniac to Daphne, who has been hiding from her dark past for decades to Ruby, a Banksy-style knitter who gets revenge in yarn, these seniors look deceptively benign—but when age makes you invisible, secrets are so much easier to hide.
When the city council threatens to sell the doomed community center building, the members of the Social Club join forces with their tiny friends in the daycare next door—as well as the teenaged father of one of the toddlers and a geriatric dog—to save the building. Together, this group’s unorthodox methods may actually work, as long as the police don’t catch up with them first.”
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
“Teeming with life and crackling with energy — a love song to modern Britain and black womanhood. Girl, Woman, Other follows the lives and struggles of twelve very different characters. Mostly women, black and British, they tell the stories of their families, friends and lovers, across the country and through the years. Joyfully polyphonic and vibrantly contemporary, this is a gloriously new kind of history, a novel of our times: celebratory, ever-dynamic and utterly irresistible.”
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
“Beautifully written and incredibly funny, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is about the importance of friendship and human connection. I fell in love with Eleanor, an eccentric and regimented loner whose life beautifully unfolds after a chance encounter with a stranger; I think you will fall in love, too!” —Reese Witherspoon
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
I know it’s a little silly to include this on here! But amazing fantasy world building, lovely story telling, and epic adventure aside; Lord of the Rings is to me a story about friendships and the bond the fellowship forms throughout their quests.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
“Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He’s tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world.
Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is an enchanting love story, masterfully told, about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place―and realizing that family is yours.”
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
“A modern masterpiece from one of Italy’s most acclaimed authors, My Brilliant Friend is a rich, intense and generous-hearted story about two friends, Elena and Lila. Ferrante’s inimitable style lends itself perfectly to a meticulous portrait of these two women that is also the story of a nation and a touching meditation on the nature of friendship. Through the lives of these two women, Ferrante tells the story of a neighborhood, a city, and a country as it is transformed in ways that, in turn, also transform the relationship between her two protagonists.”
Sula by Toni Morrison
“Sula and Nel are two young black girls: clever and poor. They grow up together sharing their secrets, dreams and happiness. Then Sula breaks free from their small-town community in the uplands of Ohio to roam the cities of America. When she returns ten years later much has changed. Including Nel, who now has a husband and three children. The friendship between the two women becomes strained and the whole town grows wary as Sula continues in her wayward, vagabond and uncompromising ways.”
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
“A Thousand Splendid Suns is a breathtaking story set against the volatile events of Afghanistan’s last thirty years—from the Soviet invasion to the reign of the Taliban to post-Taliban rebuilding—that puts the violence, fear, hope, and faith of this country in intimate, human terms. It is a tale of two generations of characters brought jarringly together by the tragic sweep of war, where personal lives—the struggle to survive, raise a family, find happiness—are inextricable from the history playing out around them.
Propelled by the same storytelling instinct that made The Kite Runner a beloved classic, A Thousand Splendid Suns is at once a remarkable chronicle of three decades of Afghan history and a deeply moving account of family and friendship. It is a striking, heart-wrenching novel of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love—a stunning accomplishment.”
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
“When four classmates from a small Massachusetts college move to New York to make their way, they’re broke, adrift, and buoyed only by their friendship and ambition. There is kind, handsome Willem, an aspiring actor; JB, a quick-witted, sometimes cruel Brooklyn-born painter seeking entry to the art world; Malcolm, a frustrated architect at a prominent firm; and withdrawn, brilliant, enigmatic Jude, who serves as their center of gravity. Over the decades, their relationships deepen and darken, tinged by addiction, success, and pride. Yet their greatest challenge, each comes to realize, is Jude himself, by midlife a terrifyingly talented litigator yet an increasingly broken man, his mind and body scarred by an unspeakable childhood, and haunted by what he fears is a degree of trauma that he’ll not only be unable to overcome—but that will define his life forever.”
The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley
“Colleen Oakley’s The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise is the ultimate road trip, featuring a pair of quirky, original characters on the lam from the law. A funny, fresh take on unlikely friendships and family, I’d ride shotgun with Tanner and Louise in a heartbeat!” — Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Newcomer
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
“With characters so real they feel like dear friends and a compelling storyline, this is a beautiful, special novel. I loved it and didn’t want it to end!” —Liane Moriarty, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Big Little Lies
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Meet WhaZoodle! (Clay-Battelle Public Library Exclusive!)
Leave a CommentMeet WhaZoodle, An All-Audio Adventure! (Clay-Battelle Public Library Exclusive!)
by Molly S., Branch Assistant at the Clay-Battelle Public Library
Looking for a screen-free way to entertain and educate your child? Meet WhaZoodle, the all-audio storytelling device from Playaway. Designed for kids ages 3 to 12, WhaZoodle is a simple, easy-to-use speaker preloaded with a variety of engaging content, including interactive stories, music, and podcasts. With no internet or downloads required, it provides a safe and immersive listening experience that sparks creativity and learning — all without a screen.
Library patrons can check out WhaZoodle devices just like they would a book, making them an excellent resource for families looking to explore new stories and educational content. Whether used at home, in the car, or during quiet time, these storytelling devices help kids develop listening skills, comprehension, and imagination. Plus, they offer a great alternative to traditional screen-based entertainment, giving parents peace of mind while their children enjoy high-quality, curated audio experiences. Each WhaZoodle device comes with a charging cord and how-to guide.
Using a WhaZoodle is as simple as pressing play. Kids can navigate through different stories and content easily, allowing for independent use. Whether they’re in the mood for a bedtime story, a fun singalong, or an engaging educational program, WhaZoodle delivers hours of entertainment and learning. The following WhaZoodle devices are currently available for checkout at the Clay-Battelle Public Library:
Ages 3+:
- “Monster Mischief”
- Easy as ABC!”
Ages 5+:
- “Dino Discovery!”
- “Let’s Make Music!”
Ages 8+:
- “Flower Power!”
- “Fin-Tastic Frenzy!”
Ages 10+:
- “Castles and Queens!”
- “It’s a Mystery!”
Next time you visit the Clay-Battelle Public Library, be sure to check out a WhaZoodle and introduce your child to the magic of storytelling through sound. It’s a wonderful way to foster a love of stories, enhance learning, and encourage imagination — all in a portable, easy-to-use device. Don’t miss out on this exciting new way to experience stories with your little ones!
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Winter Reading Challenge: Bundle up with Books
Leave a CommentIt’s time to bundle up with a good book! From January 15th – February 15th, log your reading to earn virtual badges on Beanstack for our “Bundle Up with Books” 2025 Winter Reading Challenge. Read and log 5 hours to earn a cool free sticker and a chance to win cozy gift cards! Register at mympls.beanstack.com.
Pick up the sticker in person at any Morgantown Public Library System location whenever you complete 5 hours of reading. February 28th is the last day to pick up your sticker from the library. Winners of the cozy gift cards will be contacted on February 28th.
Need inspiration? Check out our reading lists! You do not have to read books relating to the theme to participate in the reading challenge — any reading counts. Please note that if you are in grades K-8 and are also enrolled in our Reading Dragons & Friends Program, you can count your reading towards the Winter Reading Challenge as well!
Use Beanstack to Track Your Reading Progress
Beanstack is easy to use and available both online and as a mobile app. Get started by visiting our Morgantown Public Library Beanstack website at mympls.beanstack.org to create your account. You can also register through the app (find out below under “Get the App”).
Note: An email address is required, if you do not have an email address you will need to create one first then come back to register for Beanstack.
Have your Library Card ready and choose how you would like to register (as an individual, registering a child, registering a family or group) and then complete all required fields (marked with *) on the online form. If you do not have a library card email us at askmympls@gmail.com with your full name, current mailing address, and phone number for a temporary library card.
Once registered, you can access your account online or in the app by signing in with your username and password.
Enjoy the fun of reading and unlock achievements!
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 challenges, but to also track your reading habits and unlock badges!
What You Can Do
- Register as an Individual, Family, Group, or Class
- Perfect for parents and teachers
- Track Your Reading
- Keep a Reading Log
- Set/Record Session Timers
- Keeps track of what you’ve read and how long you’ve read
- Complete Reading Challenges
- Choose from Youth or Adult Reading Challenges created by the Library
- Write Book Reviews
- Now available on desktop and mobile
- Earn Badges, Incentives, and Prizes
- Digital badges and achievements as well as prizes from your Library
- View Highlights
- Features your badges, stats, and streaks based on your reading habits
- Manage a Family Member’s Reading Log & Achievements
- (If registered as a Family) Easily switch views between member profiles without having to change log-ins
Get the App
Find the free app in your Apple App or Google Play store under the name “Beanstack Tracker” and select “Get” or “Install.”
Once downloaded, open the app and follow the simple step-by-step prompts to create an account for yourself, your child, or your family/group. If you’ve already created your account through the website, you can skip this step and just sign in to your existing account with your registered username and password.
Registering on the Website vs. Through the App: Since the app does not use our direct website link, the first prompt in creating your account is selecting “Find Your School or Library” and entering “Morgantown” in the search option. Otherwise the process is the same as registering on the website. All fields are required except for phone number.
Troubleshooting
If at any time you need help with Beanstack, please visit their Helpdesk and type in your question.
For questions related to the Winter Reading Challenge, please reach out to outreach@mympls.org.
- Register as an Individual, Family, Group, or Class
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Chronicles of Yarnia: Swap Meet (Morgantown)
Leave a CommentAdults are invited to the Chronicles of Yarnia: Swap Meet on Wednesday, January 29th from 6:00-7:15pm (swap set up 5:30-6:00pm) in Meeting Room A at the Morgantown Public Library. Drowning in excess fiber, notions, or patterns you no longer want? Trade them for things you do need or give it away to a fellow crafter! Check out the PDF below for more information:
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Fiction 101: Bildungsroman
Leave a CommentWhat Makes a Bildungsroman?
by Shelby D., Evening Supervisor
Hello! Thank you for tuning in again to Fiction 101. In the past, we’ve talked about dystopian fiction, horror, graphic novels, and more. Feel free to look back and peruse those posts! For this month, we will talk about bildungsroman.
Bildungsroman (pronounced: buildings-roman) is a genre defined by its coming of age narrative. The plot is centered around a struggle with the protagonist and societal norms and rules. Throughout the novel, the protagonist will experience moral growth as they come to terms with their role in society. Often the novel begins with the protagonist experiencing loss. Some cornerstone examples of bildungsroman are To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.
A lot of bildungsroman books are YA and children’s books, as they often deal with children and teens growing up. For instance, the Harry Potter series is a bildungsroman. Bildungsromans tend to have a focus on themes of grief and protagonists tend to have a strong sense of justice (or grow to have a strong sense of justice).
Here are some recommendations for bildungsroman books:
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Thank you for reading this month’s Fiction 101, tune in next month where I’ll talk about the top 10 most checked out books here at the Morgantown Public Library in 2024!
