Category Archive: Uncategorized
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Citizen Science Kits
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?
- NEW: Snowflake Kits — This kit helps scientists collect data about snowflakes and snowfall conditions. It includes a way to gather snowflakes, a phone lens to zoom in and take photos of snowflakes, a snowflake shape chart, and a paper with the history of snowflake photography.
- 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 Snowflake Kit, Biodiversity Kit, Cloud Kit, and/or Water Quality Kit.
Check out a kit today and start your science adventure!
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.
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Giving Tuesday
Leave a CommentThank You for Your Library Love!
Now that GivingTuesday is over for 2025, we want to express our enormous gratitude to all of our donors and supporters. December 2 was a global day of generosity, and the Morgantown Public Library System aimed to raise $2,500 for the 2026 Summer Reading Program. We met and exceeded that goal! Now, our biggest project of the year will be better than ever, with all-ages activities and events across Monongalia County.
Looking to support your library? We’d love you to be a library hero! We’re now accepting donations to our general operations fund, which supports all our programming, collections, and expenses.
Beyond donating, here’s how else you can help support the library:
- Post about the library on social media. Follow our Facebook and Instagram, share our content, or write your own.
- Tell your friends about the library. Send a text, make a call, or take a trip to the library together!
- Use your library card! The more you use your card, the better we look to our funders. Check out or download a book, audiobook, or movie!
Your contribution is tax deductible to the full extent permitted by law.
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2025 Local Author Fair
Leave a CommentSaturday, November 15 from 12-3 p.m.
Picture this: You’re sitting at your elementary school desk, watching the clock tick. Finally, the loudspeaker hums to life: “Third grade may now proceed to the gym.” You leap up and walk as fast as you can down the hall—it’s book fair day!
Join us for an engaging afternoon at our 2025 Local Author Fair! Come out to the Morgantown Public Library on Saturday, November 15 from 12-3 p.m. to meet with local authors and creators. Books and art will be available for purchase, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to shop local for the holidays.
We will also have retro book fair giveaways—like slap bracelets, scratch-and-sniff pencils, and fun erasers (while supplies last)! Grab a drink and snack while you browse, and stick around to make your own custom bookmark at our craft station.
Featured Authors and Guests
Our featured authors:
- S.L. Baron – urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and historical fantasy
- Angie Candell – children’s nonfiction and artwork
- Mary Lucille DeBerry – poetry
- Linda Gribko – cross-genre fiction and digital photo collage
- Madalyn Leigh – young adult fantasy
- Rose Miller – children’s poetry
- The Morgantown Writers Group – hub for writers in north central West Virginia
- Cindy O’Brien – early childhood books and mixed media paintings
- Rena Perozich – memoir, self-help, and psychology
- Psiocratic Press – tabletop roleplaying zine
- Dr. MJ Ramirez – leadership and self-development
- K.L. Ramsey – all types of romance
- Dr. Jessica Thompson – murder mystery and suspense
Our artists and special guests:
- The Bards of Yellow Wood – custom poetry on the spot
- ckdelano Designs – paintings and stickers
- Mindful Roots – mindful art and emotional wellness for families and kids
- The Silent Book Club of Morgantown – reading in silence, together
- Spring Fox Studios – illustrations, stickers, art prints, and zines
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New Hoopla Policies
Leave a CommentUpdates to Hoopla Borrowing Limits
Due to rising costs, we are adding limits to Hoopla starting in September. Hoopla is a digital and streaming service, mainly for books and audiobooks, and the library pays a fee for each checkout.
New Policies
We will have a daily budget that, once maxed out, will prevent anyone from borrowing more items that day. It will show an error message and then reset at midnight. There is also a lower individual limit: 4 items per person per month, instead of 6.
Why We Made Changes
Why is this happening? Like many other libraries across the country, the Morgantown Public Library System has to put financial limits on Hoopla in order to manage our budget responsibly and serve as many people as possible. Over the last three years Hoopla costs have increased 86% and show no signs of slowing down.
We know this is going to be frustrating. We have additional digital collections, such as Libby by OverDrive and Freegal, and our librarians are always here to help you find something amazing.
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September Dial-a-Story
Leave a CommentIt’s time to call in to our September 2025 Dial-a-Story! Call 304-826-BOOK (2665) to listen to 10 stories read aloud by our librarians. We have cozy tales about overcoming worries, exploring new things, and being a kind friend and neighbor!
When you call, you’ll hear a list of all the books by number. Here are the shortcuts for each title. Any time you’d like to hear the main menu, dial #.
Dial 1: Alligator Baby by Robert Munsch
Dial 2: Beatrix Butterfly Wings It For Once by Karina Argow and Maren Morris
Dial 3: Forts by Katie Venit
Dial 4: Into the Goblin Market by Vikki VanSickle
Dial 5: Once Upon a Dragon’s Fire by Beatrice Blue
Dial 6: Touch the Sky by Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic
Dial 7: We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang
Dial 8: Willow and the Wildflowers by Matthew Schufman
Dial 9: Wonder Why by Lisa Varchol Perron
Dial 10: The Worrysaurus by Rachel Bright -
Fiction 101: Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Leave a CommentScience Fiction and Fantasy Books
by Shelby D., Evening Supervisor, with guest contributor Daniel G.
Welcome to Fiction 101, where we talk about books, genres, and recommended titles! This month we are going to talk about science fiction and fantasy. I’m super excited to announce our new Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Discussion Group run by Daniel, one of our library assistants. It starts September 18 at 6:30 p.m. and will be held every third Thursday monthly. No need to read a specific book, just come ready to eat snacks and talk about all things science fiction and fantasy! Check out our science fiction and fantasy display on the first floor of the Morgantown Public Library if you need help picking a book (and grab one of our pretty rad bookmarks).
Let’s talk fantasy and science fiction! Both are types of speculative fiction. Speculative fiction is a category of fiction that asks and answers “what if” questions. Like: “What if there were dragons?” “What if humans had magic powers?” or “What if people could travel easily across galaxies?”
Science Fiction
Science fiction focuses on scientific advances, space, and the future. Some of the canonical, or genre-defining, examples of science fiction include:
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
- The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
A few subgenres of science fiction:
- Cyberpunk: a high-tech dystopia set in a futuristic world. Try Neuromancer by William Gibson.
- Space Opera: story set in outer space with an emphasis on grand adventures. This includes Dune by Frank Herbert.
- Dystopian: an imagined future where society is taken over by oppressive regimes and usually met with resistance. An example is Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.
Sci-Fi Recommendations
Here are some science fiction reading suggestions from Daniel:
- Red Rising by Pierce Brown: “Imagine the Hunger Games but grown-up and in space. The first book is excellent and the series only gets better from there.”
- Hyperion by Dan Simmons: “Seven unique characters travel to the world Hyperion to go on a pilgrimage and meet a mysterious entity known as the Shrike. Each character has their own captivating backstory, and Dan Simmons weaves them together beautifully.”
- Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir: “Lesbian necromancers in space. What more needs to be said? This book is funny and oftentimes just plain strange, making it one of the most unique reading experiences in science fiction.”
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre that includes unrealistic elements, like magic or the supernatural. Fantasy books often take place in an imaginary world, or this world reimagined. Some popular fantasy books:
- Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Princess Bride by William Goldman
- A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. LeGuin
Some subgenres of fantasy:
- Romantasy: a mix of fantasy and romance elements. Check out A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.
- High Fantasy: in-depth world building, magic, and mythical creatures. Try The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan.
- Urban Fantasy: fantasy stories that take place in contemporary cities. Read A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab.
Fantasy Recommendations
Here are a few fantasy book suggestions from Daniel:
- The Will of the Many by James Islington: “This Roman-inspired book is set in a world where citizens cede part of their ‘will’ to those above them in the Hierarchy. The story follows Vis, a former prince of a kingdom conquered by the Hierarchy, as he attempts to infiltrate and seek justice.”
- Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson: “Heavily inspired by The Princess Bride, this book asks the question: what if the princess had to save the prince? This book is funny and charming, featuring a talking rat, magical oceans, cup collections, and more.”
- The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin: “This is the story of a mother traveling across a broken and strange world to save her daughter. This has some of the best worldbuilding around and makes a unique use of second person point of view, making it a fascinating read.”
Whether you read science fiction, fantasy, or anything in between, we’d love to hear about it! Tell us about your favorite reads on Facebook, Instagram, or in person when you visit us next. We hope to see you at our new Science Fiction/Fantasy Book Discussion Group. We have some exciting things coming up so stay tuned!
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August Dial-a-Story
Leave a CommentOur August 2025 edition of Dial-a-Story is live! Call 304-826-BOOK (2665). We have stories marking the end of summer, back to school time, and more feel-good books that will make you smile.
When you call, you’ll hear a list of all the books by number. Here are the shortcuts for each title. Any time you’d like to hear the main menu, dial #.
Dial 1: “Emma and the Whale” by Julie Case
Dial 2: “Good Luck, Ice Cream Truck” by Sorche Fairbank
Dial 3: “The Night Market” by Seina Wedlick
Dial 4: “Everything Is Fine” by Michelle Sumovich
Dial 5: “The Day Bell Found Her Sound” by Lizzy O’Donnell
Dial 6: “Beach Toys vs School Supplies” by Mike Ciccotello
Dial 7: “I Like Myself” by Karen Beaumont
Dial 8: “Umami” by Jacob Grant
Dial 9: “What Can a Mess Make?” by Bee Johnson
Dial 10: “Time for School, Little Blue Truck” by Alice Schertle -
First LEGO League
Leave a CommentJoin the Library’s Team!
The Morgantown Public Library System will proudly host the state’s first library-backed First LEGO League team! Our team will be in the Explore age group, grades 2-4, with up to six members. They will focus on the fundamentals of engineering as they explore real-world problems, learn to design and code, and create unique solutions made with LEGO bricks.
This program, free of cost, requires a commitment to attending 12 meetings from September through March. Meetings will happen on the second and fourth Tuesdays, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., except for holiday breaks in November and December. Parents will take turns staying with the children and providing snacks. Here are the dates:
- September 9 and 23
- October 14 and 28
- November 11
- December 9
- January 13 and 27
- February 10 and 24
- March 10 and 24
Learn more about the program (PDF flyer).
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Kids’ Summer Reading Program 2025
Leave a CommentSign Up
Sign up for the 2025 Summer Reading Program (SRP) 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! Once you’ve registered, stop by any Morgantown Public Library System location to pick up your SRP 2025 Registration Kit, which includes a customizable tote bag!
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 customizable “Color Your World” bag — perfect for fitting all of your art supplies! 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.
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 library locations.
Week 1 (June 9-14): Paint SetWeek 2 (June 16-21): WOW Factory Gift Card
Week 3 (June 23-28): Paint Set
Week 4 (June 30-July 5): WOW Factory Gift Card
Week 5 (July 7-12): Paint Set
Week 6 (July 14-19): WOW Factory Gift Card
Week 7 (July 21-26): Paint Set
Thank you to the WOW Factory for their generous donation!
Craft Kits
Participating children can pick up a free craft kit at their home library during certain weeks (while supplies last)!
Week 2 (June 16-21): Crowns & Creativity Craft Kit
This craft will include a customizable paper crown, a “design your own wizard cloak page,” and other royal activities.Week 4 (June 30-July 3): Beginners Origami
This craft kit is for beginner paper folders! It comes with instructions on how to make some basic origami designs as well as fun colorful origami paper.Week 6 (July 14-19): Make a Mask
This craft kit is all about theater! Use your imagination and a character creation sheet to design your own paper mask! Will your character be scary? Funny? Or CRAZY?!Attend a Summer Reading Program Event
Check out our full events calendar!
June 1st: Registration Begins!
June 9th: Official Start of the Summer Reading Program
August 1st: End of the Summer Reading Program
August 1st: Community Art ShowRegistration Kick-Off Party at StoryFest!
Date: Saturday, June 7th | 3:00-6:00pm
Location: Morgantown Farmers Market | 400 Spruce St, Morgantown, WV 26505
Join us at StoryFest for our Summer Reading Program 2025 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! Then, explore StoryFest for more fun adventures including design your own shield, live sword fighting demonstration, and special guest story times!Week 1: Drawing & Painting
Self-Portrait Day
Date: Tuesday, June 10th | 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
Calling all young artists! Join us at the Cheat Area Public Library for an hour of creativity and self expression! We will be learning all about cool artists who made their own self portraits and then we will be using all kinds of crazy craft materials to make our own unique works of art.Watercolor World
Date: Wednesday, June 11th | 2:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Learn to paint with water colors with local artist and library neighbor Lark Harms. Paint a picture or two and make a card.Self-Portrait Day
Date: Thursday, June 12th | 2:00 pm-3:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Calling all young artists! Join us at the Morgantown Public Library for an hour of creativity and self expression! We will be learning all about cool artists who made their own self portraits and then we will be using all kinds of crazy craft materials to make our own unique works of art.Self-Portrait Day
Date: Friday, June 13th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
Calling all young artists! Join us at the Morgantown Public Library for an hour of creativity and self expression! We will be learning all about cool artists who made their own self portraits and then we will be using all kinds of crazy craft materials to make our own unique works of art.Squeegee Art
Date: Friday, June 13th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
Spend the summer with the Clinton District Public Library as we create new and exciting art pieces for you to take home. This week, we will be doing squeegee art!Week 2: Fiber Art & Fashion
Tie-Dye Day
Date: Tuesday, June 17th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Join us at the library for a fun day of tie dyeing! Bring a white shirt and we will provide everything else you need to make a one-of-a-kind design!Character Couture: Designing Legendary Paper Characters
Date: Tuesday, June 17th | 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
From Little Red Riding Hood, to Spiderman, to Captain Underpants — all legendary characters have a legendary design! In this hands-on workshop, you will be using the power of your imagination to create legendary characters of your own!Tie-Dye Class
Date: Wednesday, June 18th | 2:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Learn how to tie-dye! Bring a white t-shirt to the class so that you can tie-dye your very own shirt to wear this summer and make a fashion statement.Tie-Dye Bandanas
Date: Friday, June 20th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
Put your tie-dye skills to the test for Week 2 of SRP! Make a custom bandana and showcase your artistic flair.Friendship Bracelets
Date: Friday, June 20th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
Join us at the Clinton District Public Library as we weave friendship bracelets with embroidery thread. You can even teach us a pattern to use!Week 3: Photography
Picture This! Picture Frame Decorating
Date: Tuesday, June 24th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
The summer and the library are both full of such fun memories! During this activity, use all kinds of crafting materials to customize your own picture frame that is perfect for holding your best memories. Use the frame to hold a silly picture of yourself, a fun picture of family and friends, or even a wacky drawing of your own creation!Picture This! Picture Frame Decorating
Date: Tuesday, June 24th | 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
The summer and the library are both full of such fun memories! During this activity, use all kinds of crafting materials to customize your own picture frame that is perfect for holding your best memories. Use the frame to hold a silly picture of yourself, a fun picture of family and friends, or even a wacky drawing of your own creation!Picture This! Picture Frame Decorating
Date: Wednesday, June 25th | 2:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
The summer and the library are both full of such fun memories! During this activity, use all kinds of crafting materials to customize your own picture frame that is perfect for holding your best memories. Use the frame to hold a silly picture of yourself, a fun picture of family and friends, or even a wacky drawing of your own creation!Picture This! Picture Frame Decorating
Date: Friday, June 27th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
The summer and the library are both full of such fun memories! During this activity, use all kinds of crafting materials to customize your own picture frame that is perfect for holding your best memories. Use the frame to hold a silly picture of yourself, a fun picture of family and friends, or even a wacky drawing of your own creation!Picture This! Picture Frame Decorating
Date: Friday, June 27th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
The summer and the library are both full of such fun memories! During this activity, use all kinds of crafting materials to customize your own picture frame that is perfect for holding your best memories. Use the frame to hold a silly picture of yourself, a fun picture of family and friends, or even a wacky drawing of your own creation!Weeks 4: Decor & 3D Art
30 Minute Sculpture Challenge
Date: Tuesday, July 1st | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
Attention all builders and artists! It is time to use all of your skills to create a sculpture in just 30 minutes! Race against the clock using cardboard, paper, and your tremendous creativity to build something the world has never seen before. Whether you create a tall tower, an amazing animal, or something totally new — we can’t wait to see what you build!30 Minute Sculpture Challenge
Date: Tuesday, July 1st | 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
Attention all builders and artists! It is time to use all of your skills to create a sculpture in just 30 minutes! Race against the clock using cardboard, paper, and your tremendous creativity to build something the world has never seen before. Whether you create a tall tower, an amazing animal, or something totally new — we can’t wait to see what you build!3D Art: Clay Sculptures
Date: Wednesday, July 2nd | 2:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Make your own clay sculpture.30 Minute Sculpture Challenge
Date: Thursday, July 3rd | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
Attention all builders and artists! It is time to use all of your skills to create a sculpture in just 30 minutes! Race against the clock using cardboard, paper, and your tremendous creativity to build something the world has never seen before. Whether you create a tall tower, an amazing animal, or something totally new — we can’t wait to see what you build!Ink Marbling
Date: Thursday, July 3rd | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
Create a marbled masterpiece with the flexibility of alcohol ink and your imagination.Week 5: Writing & Storytelling
Once Upon a Time
Date: Tuesday, July 8th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
You’ve read lots of books and been to plenty of story times — now it’s time for YOU to be the storyteller! Join new friends as we gather together to create the most fun, wacky, hysterical, and out of this world story ever. We can’t wait to see you for this story time with a twist!Once Upon a Time
Date: Tuesday, July 8th | 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
You’ve read lots of books and been to plenty of story times — now it’s time for YOU to be the storyteller! Join new friends as we gather together to create the most fun, wacky, hysterical, and out of this world story ever. We can’t wait to see you for this story time with a twist!Movie Day at the Library: Harold & the Purple Crayon
Date: Wednesday, July 9th | 2:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Grab some popcorn and enjoy Movie Day at the Library! Movies are a form of storytelling and we will be watching a very colorful movie, “Harold and the Purple Crayon.”Once Upon a Time
Date: Friday, July 11th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
You’ve read lots of books and been to plenty of story times — now it’s time for YOU to be the storyteller! Join new friends as we gather together to create the most fun, wacky, hysterical, and out of this world story ever. We can’t wait to see you for this story time with a twist!Storytelling with Guest Lawrence Rebelo
Date: Friday, July 11th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
Join us as we weave a story together to create a printed “book” for each attendee to have.Week 6: Performing Arts
Puppet Palooza
Date: Tuesday, July 15th | 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
From googly eyes, to felt, to pipe cleaners, and more — we will supply you with everything you need to design your very own, one-of-a-kind, puppet masterpiece! After your creation is done, use it to tell stories in a whole new way. This fun event is perfect for any kiddos who love being silly and telling stories!Puppet Palooza
Date: Tuesday, July 15th | 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
From googly eyes, to felt, to pipe cleaners, and more — we will supply you with everything you need to design your very own, one-of-a-kind, puppet masterpiece! After your creation is done, use it to tell stories in a whole new way. This fun event is perfect for any kiddos who love being silly and telling stories!Puppet Palooza
Date: Wednesday, July 16th | 2:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
From googly eyes, to felt, to pipe cleaners, and more — we will supply you with everything you need to design your very own, one-of-a-kind, puppet masterpiece! After your creation is done, use it to tell stories in a whole new way. This fun event is perfect for any kiddos who love being silly and telling stories!Puppet Palooza
Date: Friday, July 18th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
From googly eyes, to felt, to pipe cleaners, and more — we will supply you with everything you need to design your very own, one-of-a-kind, puppet masterpiece! After your creation is done, use it to tell stories in a whole new way. This fun event is perfect for any kiddos who love being silly and telling stories!Dance Party
Date: Friday, July 18th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
CDPL is having a dance party and you’re invited! Join us at the Clinton District Volunteer Firehall and we dance the from morning into afternoon!Week 7: The Artist is You
The Artist is You: Workshop
Date: Tuesday, July 22nd | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public Library
We hope you’ve been having fun exploring your artistic abilities this summer because now is your time to shine during our workshop hour! Bring any artistic creations that you are proud of from this summer and add finishing touches to them — or create something new using all of our supplies! We will provide tons of crafting materials and upbeat music to rock out to while you perfect your super cool art work.The Artist is You: Workshop
Date: Tuesday, July 22nd | 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Cheat Area Public Library
We hope you’ve been having fun exploring your artistic abilities this summer because now is your time to shine during our workshop hour! Bring any artistic creations that you are proud of from this summer and add finishing touches to them — or create something new using all of our supplies! We will provide tons of crafting materials and upbeat music to rock out to while you perfect your super cool art work.Nostalgic Art Stations
Date: Wednesday, July 23rd | 2:00pm
Location: Arnettsville Public Library
Visit one of the many nostalgic art stations. Play with an Etch-A-Sketch. Make Spirograph Art. Make Silly Putty Art. Make Dot Art masterpieces and more.The Artist is You: Workshop
Date: Friday, July 25th | 10:30-11:30am
Location: Clay-Battelle Public Library
We hope you’ve been having fun exploring your artistic abilities this summer because now is your time to shine during our workshop hour! Bring any artistic creations that you are proud of from this summer and add finishing touches to them — or create something new using all of our supplies! We will provide tons of crafting materials and upbeat music to rock out to while you perfect your super cool art work.The Artist is You: Workshop
Date: Friday, July 25th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Clinton District Public Library
We hope you’ve been having fun exploring your artistic abilities this summer because now is your time to shine during our workshop hour! Bring any artistic creations that you are proud of from this summer and add finishing touches to them — or create something new using all of our supplies! We will provide tons of crafting materials and upbeat music to rock out to while you perfect your super cool art work.End of Program Party: Community Art Show
Community Art Show
Date: Friday, August 1st | 6:00-9:00pm
Location: Morgantown Public LibraryWelcome to our community art show featuring the fabulous artwork made by — YOU! Dress up fancy and join us at this one-of-a-kind gallery evening complete with sparkling juice, cheese, and, of course, your art! We will have everything from sculptures, to self portraits, to paintings, and more on display here at the Morgantown Public Library. After an evening of being admired, take home your amazing creation to display forever. Bring your friends and family to this artistic evening filled with art, inspiration, and community spirit!
This event is for all ages and you can submit your work at any of our Morgantown Public Library System locations from July 21st-28th. Any large or potentially breakable art pieces should be brought directly to the Morgantown Public Library. One submission per artist please!
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 3rd & 4th and June 10th & 11th | 10:00-10:30am | Meeting Room A
Let’s have fun at the Morgantown Public Library with story times! During our time together, the children will listen to two delightful stories, enjoy a variety of activities and explore a different theme each week. The story times are for children ages 2-5 year old.Tuesday Evening Preschool Story Time Summer Session
Dates: June 17th, June 24th, July 22nd, July 29th, August 19th and August 26th | 6:30-7:15pm | Meeting Room A
Children ages 2-6 are invited to join us at the Morgantown Public Library for our free and fun Tuesday Evening Pre-School Story Time Summer Session. This summer session will celebrate the library’s Summer Reading Program “Color Your World” and read books about colors this summer. Join us for stories, songs, games, and visit the many activity stations. Story times begin at 6:30pm and last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. For more information, contact the library at 304-291-7425.Cheat Area Public Library
Wednesday Morning Story Time
Come to the Cheat Area Public Library every Wednesday at 10:30am to listen to engaging stories, do themed crafts, and play with new friends! Ages 3-6 recommended.Toddler Playgroup
Toddlers ages 1-5 and their parents can meet up in the library space to play and socialize every Friday at 10:30am at the Cheat Area Public Library! 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 12th & 26th and July 10th & 24th | 10:00am
It is time again for you and your child to join us at Krepp’s Park for Krepps Kritters! The program will be moved to Pavilion 2 located in the upper part of the park. Each session you and your child will hear two delightful stories, enjoy a variety of activities, make crafts, have refreshments, and explore a different theme each week. All sessions start at 10:00am and are for children ages 3-6 years old. The sessions are limited to the first 24 children and we will not take advance registration.Virtual Author Talks
Virtual Author Talk with Katherine Applegate
Date: Tuesday, June 24th | 4:00pm
Join us as award-winning author and summer reading champion Katherine Applegate talks to viewers about her enthusiastically heartwarming novel in verse, Odder.Everyone wants to meet Odder, the Queen of Play. Odder spends her days off the coast of central California, practicing her underwater acrobatics and spinning the quirky stories for which she’s known. She’s a fearless daredevil, curious to a fault. But when Odder comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn, one that will challenge everything she believes about herself―and about the humans who hope to save her.
Katherine Applegate’s Odder, is inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers. This poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming animals.
Register here!
Virtual Author Talk with Raúl The Third
Date: Tuesday, July 8th | 4:00pm
Join author and illustrator Raúl The Third as he discusses his book ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read!. Meet Little Lobo and friends as they explore their library’s Libro Love Book Festival! From cookbook demonstrations and comics workshops to mask making and language classes, this library has something for everyone and Little Lobo can’t wait to show you.Raúl the Third uses his culture and his experience growing up on the US and Mexico border to inspire his art and his storytelling. Students will be encouraged to explore their world through a creative lens. A draw along is planned, drawing supplies and paper are recommended.
Please note that we will be hosting Raúl the Third twice on this date, once in Spanish and in English. Be sure that you are registering for your preferred format.
Register here!
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The Big Family Book Club 2025
Leave a CommentThis summer, the book that you and your whole family can enjoy is The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo! In the book club, you’ll read the book with your family and complete activities. All families receive a FREE copy of the book and, if you register soon, postcards in the mail with activities and discussion questions. Books are available for pick up on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. Please note that you must pick up the book in person at your home library — we do not mail out the books.
Registration is now open! You can register in person, over the phone, or through our online form until we reach capacity. (You can register for the children’s Summer Reading Program on the same form!) The program runs June 1st to July 31st.
StoryFest bonus! If you register at StoryFest on Saturday, June 7th, you get a special edition Spelhorst trunk to go along with your copy of the book! If you registered already, you can still pick up the trunk at the event. Keep in mind that quantities are limited and exclusive to StoryFest.
You must be registered to receive a FREE copy of the book. You must pick up your book in-person at any of our locations while supplies last. (Books are available for pick up on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.)
Copies of The Puppets of Spelhorst are also available through our digital library on Libby as an e-book and an audiobook.
*To receive postcards in the mail, you must register for the Big Family Book Club by June 15*
The Book — The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo
Shut up in a trunk by a taciturn old sea captain with a secret, five friends—a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy, and an owl—bicker, boast, and comfort one another in the dark. Individually, they dream of song and light, freedom and flight, purpose and glory, but they all agree they are part of a larger story, bound each to each by chance, bonded by the heart’s mysteries. When at last their shared fate arrives, landing them on a mantel in a blue room in the home of two little girls, the truth is more astonishing than any of them could have imagined.
A beloved author of modern classics draws on her most moving themes with humor, heart, and wisdom in the first of the Norendy Tales, a projected trio of novellas linked by place and mood, each illustrated in black and white by a different virtuoso illustrator. A magical and beautifully packaged gift volume designed to be read aloud and shared, The Puppets of Spelhorst is a tale that soothes and strengthens us on our journey, leading us through whatever dark forest we find ourselves in.
About the Author
Kate DiCamillo is the author of Because of Winn-Dixie (a Newbery Honor book), The Tiger Rising (a National Book Award finalist), and The Tale of Despereaux (a Newbery Medal Winner).
She recently completed a series of early chapter books about a pig named Mercy Watson. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane was the winner of the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award.
Kate lives and writes in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but she spent much of her childhood in Florida.
Find her online at katedicamillo.com or on Facebook.
The Big Family Book Club is supported by the Shelley A. Marshall Foundation Fund.