Off the Shelf: See What's Coming in August
By Angela Spatafore on July 29, 2026
Summer reading might be over, but the fun never stops at the Bridgeport Public Library.
We have a packed event calendar and a new reading challenge for August. Keep reading to get a small sampling of what is to come for all age groups this month!
First, let's talk about our new challenge.
Join us on Beanstack (bplwv.beanstack.org) for our 2026 Back to School reading challenge!
The goal of this challenge is to read 300 minutes (or more) in August.
Reading more will help start the school year off strong, but even if your school days are behind you, you can still join the challenge.
You can even compete with your friends, family, classmates, and teachers to see who can complete the challenge first!
For the littles 5 years and younger, we have Creativity Corner on Monday, August 3 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m..
We do a different craft every month.
In this class, we will be making collages out of paper.
Register for your spot today on our website: https://www.bplwv.org/event/16880026
Children between the ages of 6 and 11 get their own craft class, Creation Station, on Wednesday, August 12 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
We will be making our own stress fidget toys.
Registration is open our website: https://www.bplwv.org/event/16881787
Teens 15 and older as well as adults are welcome to join us for a fan favorite class brought back for its second run.
On Wednesday, August 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., we will be pinning insects for our monthly Craft Collective event.
Yes, we will be pinning real insects!
This workshop is for fans of insects, oddities, and taxidermy.
Each participant will leave with their own pinned insect. All materials are provided, but you must register: https://www.bplwv.org/event/16802026
Everyone is invited to these next two events.
Join us in welcoming Thomas Ingles (1751–1809) to the library!
We are hosting a History Alive! event on Friday, August 7 from 3:30-5:00 p.m..
History Alive! is a series by the WV Humanities Council that brings history to life by scholars portraying the lives of historical figures.
If you have never been to one of these events, I highly recommend them!
Catch Doug Wood of Hurricane as Thomas Ingles at the Bridgeport Public Library!
Please note that real 18th century weapons including a musket, knife and tomahawk will be present at this event.
Register now at: https://www.bplwv.org/event/16879839
Come and meet local author, Diana Pishner Walker, at Cultural Connections on Monday, August 17 from 4:00-5:00 PM.
This month we will be talking about Italian American Heritage.
Diana Pishner Walker will be reading her books Spaghetti & Meatballs: Growing up Italian and Hopping to America: A Rabbit's Tale of Immigration.
We will also be learning some beginner Italian!
Registration is now open: https://www.bplwv.org/event/16971302
