Category Archive: Uncategorized
-
We’re Hiring! (Morgantown)
Leave a CommentWe are hiring! Join our team at the Morgantown Public Library as an evening-shift part-time Library Assistant! We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and team-oriented individual to join our Public Services team. Library Assistants provide direct customer service at both the circulation and reference desks by completing basic circulation functions, assisting patrons in the use of library materials and services, and providing general reference services. Other duties include shelving, shifting, helping with special projects, and light housekeeping. Successful candidates will be passionate, creative team players with excellent communication, interpersonal, computer, and customer service skills and strong attention to detail.
Part-time Library Assistants are eligible for paid time off, sick leave, holidays, and parking.
This position would be scheduled for approximately 19 hours per week at $12.00 per hour (38.5 hours maximum per pay period). The schedule for this position will resemble the following:
Monday: 4pm – 8pm
Tuesday: 4pm – 8pm
Wednesday: 4pm – 8pm
Thursday: 4pm – 8pm
Alternating Saturdays: 9am – 4pm
Help foster a love of reading at the Morgantown Public Library as a Library Assistant! Email an updated resume and employment application via assistantdirector@mympls.org to apply. -
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
-
Take Your Child to the Library Day – 2/1/25
Leave a CommentCome Explore! Take Your Child to the Library Day
The library is more than just books – it’s a place full of adventure waiting to be discovered around every corner!
Join us for Take Your Child to the Library Day on Saturday, February 1st during open hours at any Morgantown Public Library System (MPLS) location! Reading Dragons & Friends participants can also pick up the special edition “Snowdrift” card family during this event.
What’s the Plan?
- Pick up your explorer’s map and embark on an exciting library adventure
- Explore and discover stops on your map
- Return with your completed map to claim a cool adventure-themed prize from our treasure chest!
This is a day of adventure you won’t want to miss!
Event Details:
Saturday, February 1st
Arnettsville Public Library: 10:00am-2:00pm
Cheat Area Public Library: 9:00am-2:00pm
Clay-Battelle Public Library: 9:00am-12:00pm
Clinton District Public Library: 10:00am-1:00pm
Morgantown Public Library: 9:00am-4:00pm
We can’t wait to see you there, adventurers!
-
Reading Dragons & Friends – Pick Up Special Edition Card Family in January!
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.
Don’t forget to pick up the exclusive “Iris” Special Edition Card Family during the month of January at any Morgantown Public Library System location! Stop by Take Your Child to the Library Day at any Morgantown Public Library System location on Saturday, February 1st to pick up the special edition “Snowdrift” card family too!
This is a collaborative national reading program created by the Dover Public Library in Ohio that encourages children in grades K-8 to read for fun. Participants can track their reading, collect dragon trading cards, and play card games, all while learning good reading habits and gaining a lifelong love of reading!
- Program Highlights
- Registration Information
- Dragon Day
- Dragon Coloring Contest
- Collect the Cards
- Card Games
- Frequently Asked Questions
Program Highlights:
- For children in Grades K-8
- Season 2 of Reading Dragons & Friends will run from October 1st, 2024 – March 29th, 2025
- For every 30 minutes read, you will earn a trading card (up to 16 cards a month)
- Collect different Reading Dragons & Friends card families
- Use these cards to play fun card games with your friends
Registration Information:
Participants (children in grades K-8) can register for the program through our online form or in-person at any of our locations. After you register, you can pick up your registration kit at your home library starting on October 1st. The registration kit includes:
- 3 Starter Cards
- Season 2 Reading Tracker (with exciting new card options including unicorns!)
- Dragon Coin
Did you participate in Season 1? You’re already registered! Just stop by to pick up your Season 2 registration kit.
Dragon Coloring Contest
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.
-
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:
-
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!
-
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.
-
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??
-
Fiction 101: Exploring Dystopian Worlds
Leave a CommentA Journey Through Dystopian Fiction
by Shelby D., Evening Supervisor
Hi all and welcome back to Fiction 101! If you haven’t joined us before, Fiction 101 is where we talk about various genres and subgenres of Fiction (and sometimes non-fiction). I talk a little bit about the genre, and then end with some reading suggestions to go along with it. Check out some of our past Fiction 101 posts like last month’s horror post or September’s discussion of graphic novels. This month, we are going to talk about dystopian fiction!
To understand dystopian fiction, we should first talk about speculative fiction and science fiction. Though they are sometimes used interchangeably, speculative fiction is kind of what it sounds like — it imagines a world different from reality. This can include science fiction but it can also include fantasy. Science fiction can often fall under the umbrella of speculative fiction, but generally science fiction involves the introduction of new technologies or sciences. Dystopian fiction is a subgenre of speculative fiction and can be considered science fiction as well — it explores a world where society has deteriorated. Often this is due to government control, sometimes it’s an environmental catastrophe. Climate dystopia is a specific subcategory of dystopian fiction that looks at a world ravaged by climate change. A cornerstone of dystopian fiction is The Giver by Lois Lowry, which a lot of us read in school. George Orwell and Margret Atwood are both very prominent dystopian authors. Fahrenheit 451 and Brave New World are two more titles a lot of people are familiar with in this genre.
Those are some great places to start reading dystopian fiction, but I’ll list a few more here!
- Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler is a powerful dystopian novel set in a near-future America plagued by social chaos, climate disasters, and economic collapse. Through the eyes of Lauren Olamina, a young woman with a vision for a new belief system called Earthseed, Butler explores themes of resilience, community, and the human drive for survival. Gripping and thought-provoking, this novel challenges readers to confront the fragility of society and imagine paths to a better future.
- The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa
The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa is a haunting tale set on an isolated island where everyday objects—and the memories tied to them—mysteriously vanish under the control of a shadowy force. As residents lose more parts of their world, one woman fights to preserve her memories and resist the erasure of her identity. With a quiet, surreal atmosphere, Ogawa’s novel explores the fragility of memory and the profound impact of loss.
- The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings
The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings: In a world where women who don’t conform risk being accused of witchcraft, Jo is faced with the haunting disappearance of her mother, who left under mysterious circumstances. As Jo navigates societal expectations and her own desires, she uncovers secrets that challenge her understanding of freedom and identity. Giddings weaves a poignant story of resistance, magic, and the complexities of womanhood.
- Never Let Me Go by Kazua Ishigiro
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro: Set in a hauntingly familiar world, this novel follows three friends from their idyllic childhood at a secluded boarding school to their unsettling fate as they uncover the purpose of their existence. Ishiguro’s elegant, poignant writing explores themes of memory, mortality, and the nature of love. Heartbreaking and thought-provoking, Never Let Me Go challenges readers to reflect on what it means to truly live.
- The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin: In a world plagued by cataclysmic seismic events, Essun is a woman on a desperate mission to find her daughter while society crumbles around her. Jemisin crafts a unique fantasy where the power to control the earth itself comes with both devastating costs and intense prejudices. With intricate world-building and rich characters, this Hugo Award-winning novel kicks off a groundbreaking trilogy about survival, power, and resilience.
Thank you for joining us for this Fiction 101 about dystopian fiction! In December I’ll be talking about the genre: bildungsroman. Don’t know what that is? Tune in next month!
-
Jan Brett’s Alice in a Winter Wonderland Tour
Leave a CommentPlease join the Morgantown Public Library System & Barnes & Noble for Jan Brett’s Alice in a Winter Wonderland tour at South Middle School (500 E Parkway Dr., Morgantown, WV 26505) on Tuesday, December 3rd at 6:00pm.
Open to Everyone – Registration is Required!
Before the book signing Jan Brett will do a free 20 minute drawing illustration and presentation. Everyone is invited to come and listen to the presentation and receive as many signed bookplates as they request. Since seating at the venue is limited, please let us know you are coming by registering here.
Signing Line:
Customers must have purchased a copy of Alice in a Winter Wonderland to join the signing line — copies will be available to buy from Barnes & Noble during the event or you can bring your own copy. Arrive early! The first 100 families to check-in will receive a free signed Jan Brett poster. Jan will do her very best to sign all of the books that time permits. The number of books that Jan can sign per family depends on how many people come to the signing. If time does not permit Jan to sign every book, Barnes & Noble will have special signed bookplates featuring Jan’s artwork for all of the extra books.
Tour Bus:
Jan’s tour bus will be parked in South Middle School’s parking lot at 5:00pm. It is wrapped in artwork from Alice in a Winter Wonderland. Your family is welcome to take a photograph next to the bus.
Meet Hedgie:
Hedgie, Jan’s favorite friend from The Mitten and The Hat, will be visiting as well. Please bring the kids to have a photo taken with Hedgie.
FAQs:
Can I bring books from home for Jan Brett to sign?
Usually the expected attendance at events does not allow for books from home to be signed. However, we are happy to provide as many signed bookplates as you need.
Can I have multiple copies of Alice in a Winter Wonderland signed at my turn in line?
Crowd size dictates how many books can be signed. Often this only allows one book per wrist band, however, we encourage you to make strategic signing line plans with your friends. Of course, we have signed bookplates for the rest of your purchases.
How can I get a good spot in the signing line?
When you check in, the first 100 families will receive a wrist band to get a free poster. The Morgantown Public Library System has crafts & activities planned to keep families busy while they wait their turn in the signing line!
I can’t wait for two hours! What do I do?
We have beautifully designed signed Jan Brett bookplates for anyone not able to join the line.
Thanks for joining us!
