Hi Friends and Neighbors,
Hoping you have wonderful plans for this Fourth of July. The library is closed today, but that does not mean we can’t still go over updates for the Friends group of Martinsburg Public Library.
First off, we are still looking for board members. If this sounds like you or a friend, reply to this newsletter or click the button below. We will contact you as soon as possible. Without a full board, we can’t start fundraising!
Last week, the library system held their monthly board meeting. There, the library board of directors and staff members went over their current financial troubles and planning for the next months. Utility and library materials are close to reaching their budget limit. And, building issues continue to place a strain on finances.
On a happier note, each branch of the Berkeley county library system saw an increased in participation for the month of June. For example, the Martinsburg branch has 1 program/activity everyday and Hedgesville branch had 200 people show up to the NASA’s StarLab program. The Summer Reading Challenge has hundreds of children and teens registered.
Upcoming Meetings
Friends come to Michele Atha: Fish and Wildlife
Info: Learn about the Fish and Wildlife with Michele Atha.
Date/Time: Thursday, July 6, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Friends come to Adult Craft Night
Info: We want to take over the adult craft night as our informal meeting! Friends and crafters be prepaid to decorate some journals, and talk about minute daily activities.
Date/Time: Thursday, July 6, 5:30pm-7:00pm
Book Recommendations
We have three book recommendation for this week. And as always, if you would like to recommend a book to the newsletter, reply or comment.
#1) “Slaves in The Family” by Edward Ball
This nonfiction book follows Edward Ball on his personal mission to investigate and meet the descendants of his family's slaves. Our friend, PE explained to me that this book is important for those interested in tracing their genealogies, but also for celebrating American history. The impact that slavery has had on the Fourth of July and even past is something that we must consider. This award-winning biographical history book is definitely for an adult audience.
#2) “Homeland” by R. A. Salvatore
“Homeland” is the first book in the Dark Elf Trilogy and also the first book in the The Legend of Drizzt series. The book follows Drizzt, a dark elf, who attempts to keep to his morals and principles despite everyone and everything around him.
#3) “The First Men in The Moon” by HG Wells
The last book is a science fiction classic by HG Wells. “The First Men on The Moon” follows Bedford and Cavor on their tumultuous adventure to the moon and back. This is one of the first books ever to have bug like aliens, gravity defying materials, and envisioning how our planet’s biology could make humans vastly stronger on outer planets, given certain circumstances.
Upcoming Events + Activities at the Library
Michele Atha: Fish and Wildlife
Info: Michele Atha from Fish and Wildlife visits the library to talk about the local biology of the Eastern Panhandle WV and her job at the Fish and Wildlife services.
Date/Time: Thursday, July 6, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Adult Craft Night
Info: Crafting with Journals.
Date/Time: Thursday, July 6, 5:30pm-7:00pm
MBCPL’s Summer Reading Challenge
Info: The purpose of the program is to foster and retain children’s reading skills over the summer break. Top readers can win toys and prizes.
Date/Time: June 2nd 2023 to August 1st 2023