WEST VIRGINIA COLLECTION

WEST VIRGINIA COLLECTION

Do you want to learn more about West Virginia? Would you like to find books by West Virginia authors, but aren't sure where to start? Whether you are a longtime West Virginian or just moved into the area, the Martinsburg library's West Virginia Collection will help you to brush up on your knowledge about our state.

The West Virginia Collection is located on the second floor of the library near the reference section. It includes both nonfiction and fiction genres. The nonfiction section offers books on many facets of West Virginia. Books range from general works on West Virginia history to glances into the West Virginia educational system, to folktales written by West Virginia authors, and to biographies of famous West Virginians. The nonfiction section even includes books specifically about the plants that are native to West Virginia. If you want more information about any aspect of West Virginia, then the nonfiction section presents some wonderful resources.

The fiction section includes novels set in West Virginia and books by West Virginia authors. Some novels are written by more famous authors; we have a number of books written by Pearl S. Buck, a West Virginia author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature. Others are by newer writers such as John Michael Cummings, whose novel, The Night I Freed John Brown, won the Paterson Prize for Books for Young People. If you are interested in stories about West Virginia, the West Virginia fiction section is a great place to start reading.

Submitted by Elizabeth Johnston

YA-Ruckus at the Martinsburg Library

Fresh Ruckus for Teens at Martinsburg Public Library!

A ruckus at the library?  What is this?  Things are changing at libraries

all over; sometimes with change comes a ruckus (of sorts)!  Starting

with our literature collection here in Martinsburg, check out the Young

Adult section (or YA, to be acronymically hip):  we’ve weeded all the Fiction,

freeing up space next to the Graphic Novels for the NEW BOOKS we put

out on a regular basis.  When we weed, all those books removed do NOT

get thrown out – many of them are still in good shape, they simply haven’t

gotten checked out.  What, then, do we do with these books?  BOOK SALE!

Check out the fill-a-bag-for-$1 Book Sale in YA.  Heck, we even have some

for FREE in the Queen St entrance way.  Thinking of starting a book

exchange?  The Martinsburg Public Library is the place to get some fantastic books

that are looking for a good home.  Or perhaps you have a Home School Library.  

Either way, we’ve got books for you.

I mentioned Graphic Novels.  This is arguably our most-circulated

section of printed material.  And we’re regularly adding to it with

classic comics from DC, Marvel and their subsidiaries, graphic

novels of historical events, biographies, literature graphics (plays

from Shakespeare, Les Miserables, Maximum Ride, for example),

Manga, and stand-alone novels written in graphic format.  If you

haven’t already, visit the Graphic Novels and check one out. 

Graphic Novels: so much more than comics! 

Find your Graphic Novel Niche.

Hey, it’s mid-April.  Summer is on the horizon and we’ve got programs in the works just for teens, a fresh offering here in Berkeley County Libraries.  Yes, I said libraries, plural.  All four libraries in Berkeley County will offer a series of programs for teens this summer – as our theme this summer is Heroes, look for the “Unmask” series in upcoming Summer Reading Program fliers.  Here’s a smattering of what’s to be:  MakerSpace with crafting, creative writing, 3D Printers, and Green Screen technology; improvisational dance; author workshop; outdoor training day; exploration trailer from James Rumsey Technical Institute; free movies; more more more and the Reading Credit Book Sale at the end.  Stop by your library with a friend, alone, with family, and see that, though we’ve built our reputation on free books to borrow, we are SO MUCH MORE THAN BOOKS!

MONEY SMART WEEK with Bibliography

MONEY SMART WEEK

Money Smart Week, held during the week of April 18-25 in 2015, is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. This is achieved through the collaboration and coordinated effort of hundreds of organizations across the country including businesses, financial institutions, schools, libraries, not-for-profits, government agencies and the media. Started in 2002 in Chicago with just 40 programs, it has expanded significantly to become the only national educational program for people at all stages of life.

As a public library system, the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Libraries participates by offering a variety of resources including books, databases, print subscriptions, and classes and workshops presented at different times throughout the year. The main library offers the Morningstar Investment Research Center online, and Value Line Investment subscriptions, as well as Standard and Poor’s Outlook, Barron’s Weekly, Consumer Reports, Investor’s Business Daily, and The Wall Street Journal in print.

Some recent book titles, dealing with finances and consumer education, include:

Happy Money--The Science of Smarter Spending;

Saving for Retirement--Without Living like a Pauper or Winning the Lottery;

J.K. Lasser’s New Rules for Estate, Retirement, and Tax Planning;

Social Security for Dummies;

The Age of Cryptocurrency--How Bitcoin and Digital Money are challenging the Global Economic Order;

The Opposite of Spoiled--Raising Kids who are Grounded, Generous, and Smart about Money;

20 Retirement Decisions You Need to Make Right Now;

Millennial Money--How Young Investors Can Build a Fortune;

Money--Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom; and

The Cold Hard Truth on Men, Women & Money--50 Common Money Mistakes and How to Fix Them. 

The Tale of 2 Events, “Sing Dance and Travel the World with Lulu Delacre”

      It was the worst of times; it was the best of times.  I admit it.  It was my fault.  Who would schedule an author visit the day before Easter?  Me.  When I contacted author/illustrator Lulu Delacre and she mentioned that she had a Saturday free, I jumped at the opportunity to host her in our library as part of our El Dia grant.  Realizing my pre-Easter mistake, we spared no opportunity to promote the event.  

 
 We had advertisements and the FREE book provided by the grant displayed at the circulation desk (including one that literally hit the patrons in the head when checking out), we also used radio, newsletters, FACEBOOK, websites (ours and Lulu’s), personal contacts (ours and Lulu’s again), etc. Still when the program started, it was ill attended.  Lulu, undaunted presented an engaging session filled with fun, dance, travel and music.  She signed books and the young participants had their pictures taken with their dream worldwide locations via green screen technology.

     Then it happened, we looked out the window and there they were-- kids in the plaza across the street greeting the Easter Bunny and a few other costumed critters. Lulu launched a full-on musical parade with staff and patrons and serenaded the Bunny and his young friends with Latin instruments.       She introduced herself, her FREE books and a surprise encore presentation.  Leading the group back to the library, she sang, danced and traveled the world again for a packed audience.  

   
She did not leave until every child received a signed book and posed with her in front of the green screen.  Her favorite background was her native Puerto Rico. The hour program stretched on to four hours. An ill-fated program was now a success. 

   
We even issued some cards to new members of our community who were coaxed into the library with the promise of diversity and fun.

The moral of the story, check the calendar.  Second moral, invite Lulu she will deliver the best program possible, sometimes twice, including rounding up her own audience.  Did I mention that she wanted the El Dia pin to wear proudly throughout the month?  Third moral, DO NOT compete with the Easter Bunny!

   
Note to our patrons, if you did not know that this program was occurring at the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Library, please let a staff member know.  We are always interested in finding new and creative ways to inform our public.

Spring Break Boredom? Visit your public library!

Spring Break Boredom?  Visit your Public Library!

Spending time relaxing around the house during break can get boring fast.  Let your public libraries help!  Each of your four Berkeley County Public Libraries offer activities, computers with internet access, free movies showing, unlimited learning, a space to relax with a book in good company.  The library is great for all ages.  And remember, if you have a library card from any Berkeley County public library, or one in Morgan or Jefferson Counties, you can use it tri-county wide!   This Spring Break week may be just the time to check out a library you’ve never been to before, but are more than welcome to use.  See below for names and phone numbers to Berkeley County, Jefferson County, and Morgan County public libraries.  Give them a call to see what they offer this week and beyond!

BERKELEY COUNTY

Martinsburg Public Library

304-267-8933

Musselman-South Berkeley

Community Library

304-229-2220

Hedgesville Public Library

304-754-3949

North Berkeley Library

304-274-3443

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library

304-535-2301

Shepherdstown Public Library

304-876-2783

South Jefferson Public Library

304-725-6227

MORGAN COUNTY

Morgan County Public Library

304-258-3350

Paw Paw Public Library

304-947-7013

Looking for something to read?

Reader’s Advisory Databases & Websites

Are you looking for something to read? Do you have a favorite genre?  Do you need help finding a title?  The following databases and websites have links on the library’s website under “e-Resources” and then under the database categories of “Reader’s Advisory” and “Literature Review”:

NoveList Plus has both fiction and nonfiction reading lists separated by subject or genre for different age levels and also lists read-alikes for popular titles;

eSequels.com: The  Online Guide to Series Fiction lists the most popular series, and it indexes character, location and subject, as well as author and title, so that you can identify a series that you may recall only vaguely;

What’s Next?  Books in Series allows one to search fiction by series or title and by the reader’s age category for a variety of popular fiction genre;

\Books and Authors has genre title lists, best-selling and award-winning titles, and title recommendations by experts;

Reader’s Advice.com lets one browse fiction books by big-name authors and also offers reader’s advisory tips and sources.

So, the next time you are at a loss for something to read, take a quick look at some of these database and website links to help you to make a decision.  Happy Reading!!

Historical Treasures at the Library, part 1

HISTORICAL TREASURES

The Martinsburg Public Library is proud to possess many historical treasures in its collections including an original oil painting by N.C. Wyeth entitled “Christmas in Old Virginia.”   The artwork, painted approximately 1926-27, depicts a wintertime gathering of persons outside of Mount Vernon, the plantation house of George and Martha Washington, with the figures, some holding holly branches, hailing the arrival of a large Christmas tree carried on a sled by oxen.  The painting was originally used as an advertising illustration on packaging for men’s stockings made at the Interwoven Stocking Company of Martinsburg at Christmas in 1928, and the painting was later enlarged by the artist.

 For about 75 years, Interwoven was the largest employer in Martinsburg, and for many years the plant held the distinction of being the world’s largest men’s hosiery mill. Because of the painting’s creation by a noted artist and its connection to the Interwoven Company in Martinsburg, the library is doubly blessed to have this masterpiece of art. It was acquired by the library through a donation in the early 1970s, and in 2001, the painting was restored by art experts with grant money received through the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.

--submitted by Keith Hammesla

Cinderella Picture Book Adaptations

 Does your family have Cinderella fever? Between the release of Into the Woods in December and a new Cinderella movie earlier this month, the work-weary princess is enjoying renewed popularity! If you want more Cinderella, check out some of these picture book adaptations available in our system.

Adelita: A Mexican Cinderella Story by Tomie dePaolo.
Adelita's stepmother forces her to work day and night and forbids her to attend Javier's wonderful party. Is it possible that her dreams will come true, anyway? The story is in English with Spanish phrases throughout.

Ella Bella Ballerina and Cinderella by James Mayhew.
Ella Bella loves ballet and is enchanted by the story of Cinderella, but she didn't know she might end up in the story! This picture book ends with the Cinderella ballet.

Domitila : a Cinderella tale from the Mexican tradition by Jewell Reinhart Coburn.
In this Mexican version of the story, Domitila has no fairy godmother or glass slipper; instead, her own excellent qualities are all the magic she needs to make her dreams come true.

Cinderelephant by Emma Dodd.
Cinderelephant's warthog cousins are as cruel to her as the stepsisters are to the original Cinderella. But with the help of a fairy godmouse, Cinderelephant might just be the belle of the ball!

Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella by Jan Brett.
All the other chickens in the flock pick on Cinders mercilessly, until her fate changes the night of the ball. This enchanting story is made even more magical by Brett's beloved illustration style.

The Way Meat Loves Salt: A Cinderella Story from the Jewish Tradition by Nina Jaffe.
In this version of the story, a rabbi's daughter is sent away from home. No fairy godmother here--instead, the Prophet Elijah comes to her aid. Will the rabbi's daughter have a happy ending?

Cinder Edna by Ellen B. Jacks.
We all know about Cinderella, but what about her neighbor, Cinder Edna? Her life is a lot like Cinderella's, but she feels much differently about it--which Cindy will end up happier? Kevin O'Malley's illustrations make this delightful book even funnier.

Rufferella by Vanessa Gill-Brown.
The little girl in this story isn't interested in being a princess—she idolizes the Fairy Godmother. Her dog plays the role of Cinderella, but things don't go exactly as she intended!

Cinder-Elly by Frances Minters.
This is a rap adaptation. Instead of yearning to go to the ball, Cinder-Elly wants to go to a basketball game. Will she get to meet the famous player Prince Charming?