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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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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
Winter Preschool Story Time at the Morgantown Public Library
- Date & Time: Feb. 4th & 5th, Feb. 11th & 12th, Feb. 18th &19th, Feb. 25th & 26th at 10:00am
- Location: Meeting Room A, Morgantown Public Library
- Ages: 2-5
Join us for winter 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: Feb. 4th, Feb. 11th, Feb. 18th, Feb. 25th, March 4th at 6:30pm
- Location: Meeting Room A, Morgantown Public Library
- Ages: 2-6
Join us at the Morgantown Public Library for our Winter 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 6:30 p.m. and lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes. For more information, contact the library at 304-291-7425.
Pre-K Story Time at the Clay-Battelle Public Library
- Date & Time: Every Tuesday at 10:30am
- Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
- Ages: Preschools
Join us at the Clay-Battelle Public Library for our weekly Pre-K Storytime! We’ll read a story, make crafts, and games.
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: Monday, February 10th at 11:00am
- Location: Clinton District Public Library
- Ages: Preschool
Join us at the Clinton District Public Library as we celebrate love by reading a story, creating a weaved heart and enjoying a fun snack!
Grades 1-5
Choose Your Own Adventure Book Club
- Date & Time: Thursday, February 20th 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.
STEAM Explorers
- Date & Time: Thursday, February 27th at 6:30pm
- Location: Meeting Room A, Morgantown Public Library
- Ages: 6-9
Join us every month as we explore different science and technology topics! In February, we will be creating clever pompom pets. After we create our pets, we will put our engineering skills to the test by building a house for them. This program is for ages 6-9.
Read to Rover
- Date & Time: Thursday, February 27th 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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Events for Tweens & Teens
Leave a CommentLibrary Events for Tweens & Teens
The library isn’t just for books — it’s your space to connect, create, and explore! Our events for tweens and teens are designed to spark creativity, encourage new ideas, and bring friends together. From book clubs and gaming nights to STEAM workshops and more, there’s always something exciting happening. Check out our events calendar for more information!
Tween Events
Tween Time
- Date & Time: Wednesday, February 5th at 6:00pm
- Location: Meeting Room A, Morgantown Public Library
- Ages: 10-12
The possibilities are endless at Tween Time! Kids ages 10-12 are invited to join us for games, activities, and crafts. We do something different every month! In February, we’ll be making cake pops and hot chocolate, and watching a movie of our choice.
Beyond the Book
- Date & Time: Wednesday, February 19th at 6:00pm
- Location: Meeting Room A, Morgantown Public Library
- Ages: 10-12
Make books come alive with us at our Beyond the Book night! Join us for activities and crafts inspired by your favorite reads! This month, we will be exploring books with magical schools! Make fairy gardens and dragon eggs, create magic slime, and design magical creature perler bead magnets. At the end, choose a book about a magical school to take home with you! For ages 10-12.
Tween STEAM
- Date & Time: Wednesday, February 26th at 6:00pm
- Location: Meeting Room A, Morgantown Public Library
- Ages: 10-12
Come and try making an edible stained glass window at Tween STEAM! For ages 10-12.
Teen Events
Teen Movie Night
- Date & Time: Thursday, February 6th at 5:30pm
- Location: Meeting Room A, Morgantown Public Library
- Ages: 13-18
Come watch the movie “Lisa Frankenstein” with other teens and eat snacks at Teen Movie Night! This movie is rated PG-13. For ages 13-18.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
- Date & Time: Monday, February 10th and Monday, February 24th at 5:00pm
- Location: Meeting Room B, Morgantown Public Library
- Ages: 13-18
Journey to a fantasy world! Come play D&D with other teens and eat snacks. Click on the dates above to register — registration is required. For ages 13-18.
Board Games & Brownies
- Date & Time: Wednesday, February 12th at 5:30pm
- Location: Meeting Room A, Morgantown Public Library
- Ages: 13-18
Eat brownies and play board games, like Exploding Kittens and Uno, with other teens! For ages 13-18.
Murder Mystery Lock-In
- Date & Time: Friday, February 14th at 5:30pm
- Location: Morgantown Public Library
- Ages: 13-18
Get ready for an evening of suspense, intrigue, and mystery at the library! Teens ages 13-18 are invited to don their detective hats and try to solve a murder at our special after-hours murder mystery party! Refreshments will be provided to keep you fueled as you question the suspects and crack the case. Signed permission slips are required to attend.
Teen Anime Club
- Date & Time: Tuesday, February 18th at 5:00pm
- Location: Meeting Room B, Morgantown Public Library
- Ages: 13-18
Join us for Teen Anime Club, where teens meet to discuss and recommend anime, as well as exploring the topic of the month – February is “Worst Romances.” We will be discussing the romantic failures of our most-favorite and least-favorite anime/manga, as well as enjoying a craft and film. New enthusiasts and experienced fans are welcome. If you have questions about the program, feel free to email me at tessa.staubly@mympls.org.
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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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Reading Dragons & Friends – Tournament on 3/15
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 Reading Dragons & Friends program! Season 2 runs from October 1st, 2024 – March 29th, 2025 and you can join in at any time during the season! 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!
Dragon Madness Tournament — 3/15/25
Save the date! The Dragon Madness Tournament will take place on Saturday, March 15th from 11:00am-12:00pm at the Morgantown Public Library. Kids who collect Reading Dragons and Friends cards are encouraged to bring their cards to play against other kids and win special tournament cards!
- Program Highlights
- Registration Information
- 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
Congratulations to Gisella for winning the Dragon Coloring Contest! Her “Iris” dragon card family can be picked up during the month of January at any MPLS location.
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.
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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!
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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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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??