Community, Connection & Celebration: Fall Highlights with the Friends
From the President’s Desk
This season brought a special surprise, a generous $500 gift from an anonymous donor! With membership now over 100 strong, we’re heading into 2026 ready to grow our fundraising efforts, support MPL’s 100th birthday, and welcome the community back when the library reopens. If you’d like to help with upcoming events, grant writing, or the new fundraising committee, we’d love to hear from you.
👉Read the full letter, to learn what’s ahead for 2026 and how you can get involved.
Holiday Cheer from Your Library
From festive events at North Berkeley to community fun at Christmas on Main, MBCPL is full of seasonal spirit! Even while the main branch is under construction, the library team is out and about bringing joy, and creative programs to families across Martinsburg.
🎄Read the full update from MBCPL to see what’s happening, and how you can join the fun!
FOMPL in the Community: Fall Highlights & Service
This fall, the Friends of the Martinsburg Public Library have been active throughout the community, connecting with neighbors, welcoming new members, and supporting the library through events and hands-on service. We kicked things off with our Membership Meeting on September 17. If you didn’t receive the meeting notes and would like a copy, just email us at [email protected], and we’ll be happy to send them your way.
🌈 On September 27, we joined the celebration at Pride in the Park, where we connected with new faces and shared the joy of library community.
🍂 At the Fall Food Festival on October 4, we welcomed visitors to our table, talked about the Friends’ work, and invited many to become new members.
🌿 And on October 25, we wrapped up the season with our Fall Library Plaza Clean-Up, raking leaves, pulling weeds, and refreshing the garden beds to keep our shared space welcoming.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered, visited, or supported our work this season. These events remind us how much community matters, and how vital our library is to Martinsburg life.
What’s Next: Upcoming Events with the Friends
As we close out the year, the Friends of the Martinsburg Public Library are staying active with festive outreach and preparations for exciting changes at the library.
🎄 On Saturday, December 6 from 11 AM to 3 PM, we’ll be spreading holiday cheer at Christmas on Main in the MPL Plaza! The Friends will be tabling with info about how to get involved, and we’re looking for members to help greet visitors and possibly serve hot cocoa. Interested?
Members, sign up to volunteer via the Member Signup Form
📚 Looking ahead, we’re getting ready to support the Martinsburg Public Library’s reopening and help celebrate with a festive “We’re Back!” reception once renovations are complete. Stay tuned for event updates and more ways to get involved in 2026!
👉 Visit our Events Page to stay up to date on what’s coming next and how you can get involved.
Building Partnerships for a Stronger Library Community
As of November, the Friends of the Martinsburg Public Library is proud to be a member of the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce. We’re excited to connect with local partners and strengthen support for our library community!
Giving Tuesday: Let’s Write the Next Chapter Together
This Giving Tuesday, December 2, help us keep the Martinsburg Public Library a vibrant hub for readers of all ages. Your support fuels 2026 programs for adults and children, including the beloved Comic Con, and ensures our library remains a welcoming space for learning, creativity, and connection.
Every act of generosity counts, whether you donate, volunteer, or simply share our campaign with a friend. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected Martinsburg.
👉 Donate to the Campaign
Mr. FoMPL’s Corner: Holiday Cheer & Big Things Ahead!
The holidays are upon us and my little gnome heart is glowing with joy! Whether you’re lighting candles for Chanukah, decorating trees for Christmas, celebrating Kwanzaa, or simply cozying up with a good book, I hope this season brings warmth, wonder, and a sprinkle of magic.
And speaking of magic, can you believe our beloved Martinsburg Library is turning 100 years old in 2026? That’s a whole century of stories, study sessions, laughter, and learning. I’m absolutely buzzing with excitement for the grand reopening and all the festivities to come. You can bet I’ll be first in line for the “We’re Back!” celebration, party hat and all!
Until then, let’s keep the spirit of the library alive in our hearts and homes. If you’re feeling festive, why not give someone a FoMPL Membership for only $10, or share your favorite holiday read with a friend?
See you in the stacks (or maybe sipping cocoa at Christmas on Main)!
Mr. FoMPL
Your Friendly Local Library Gnome 🎄📚✨
PS: Got a favorite holiday tradition or a question for yours truly? Email me at [email protected], I just might feature it in the next newsletter!
Join the Story: Help Our Library Community Grow
We’re rebuilding a vibrant network of neighbors, volunteers, and book lovers who believe in the power of libraries to connect and inspire.
📚 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
💬 Like and share our posts
🤝 Invite friends to become members
Together, we can help MBCPL thrive and keep our library at the heart of the Martinsburg community.
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