September 2013: From the Director's Chair

As fall begins, opportunities for taking classes to learn new skills abound. Institutions like Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, University of Charleston, Shepherd University, Valley College, and adult classes offered by the Berkeley County Schools provide hundreds if not thousands of classes to select from. Local organizations and businesses also offer classes in specific areas, such as Art Berkeley and The Arts Center to the Chamber of Commerce which offers the Leadercast, or the Women's network programs, as well as many other venues. Most of these organizations also have online classes as do thousands of universities and colleges throughout the world. All you need is time and money.

But there is another option.

The library supports your need and desires for lifelong learning!

If you wish to learn a new skill, you can use the resources available at your local library for FREE. 

Take sewing as an example. If you want to learn to mend or alter clothes so that you can save money, we have books to show you how to do that. If you want to make a Halloween costume for you or your child, there are resources available for that as well. Want to become a fashion designer? First learn the basics of sewing and clothing structure with a basic sewing book, then check out a book on your favorite designers. You can also look into related subjects such as quilting, crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, etc. 

You might also want to check out our online magazines through the new program Zinio, our non-credit continuing education courses through Universal class, and the many other online resources available at martinsburg.lib.wv.us. All of this is available FREE at the library (or at home online) so that you can learn as quickly or as slowly as your time and determination allow.

Knit together the fabric of your life by learning new skills. Your reasons can be as simple as making or saving more money, or as complex as putting more meaning in in your life by stretching your skill set, or just for the joy of learning. The options are limitless. From computers to collage, construction to cooking, the library supports your need and desires for lifelong learning!