Off the Shelf: City Public Library Cardholder Benefits
By Savanna Draper on February 15, 2023 from Off the Shelf via Connect-Bridgeport.com
As National Library Lovers’ Month keeps going all February long, let’s talk about all the benefits available to you as a Bridgeport Public Library cardholder. As a reminder, all you need to get a card at our library is a West Virginia ID or proof of West Virginia residency. There is no minimum age limit to sign up for a library card, but we do require a parent’s signature for those under the age of 18. As a patron of the Bridgeport Public Library, you are able to…
- Access our eResources! Currently, we have over thirty databases and other electronic resources. We offer resources covering a variety of broad topics such as education, job search, research and reference, health, history, and others. We also provide very specific resources, such as Chilton Library for automotive repair. We have a plethora of eResources for children such as Just for Kids Video Collection and Scholastic Go! If you visit our website at bplwv.org/eResources, you will have access to our entire catalog of eResources. Need help accessing one or want to learn more about it? Contact us and we will be happy to walk you through it.
- Attend our programs! Just about every day we have at least one program going on at the library. Many days, we have nearly five programs happening throughout the day. We offer targeted programs for our youngest patrons (ages 0-2,) older adults (ages 65+,) and everything in between. We have several recurring programs that you can attend once a week or once a month, but we are also always offering new, fun programs to try. To see a full list, visit bplwv.org/events.
- Borrow materials from six different libraries! We are in a resource-sharing consortium, West Virginia LibShare, with Marion County Public Library, Mannington Public Library, Fairview Public Library, Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library, and Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library’s branch in Salem. Your Bridgeport Public Library card gives you access to borrow materials at any of these libraries. You can also request materials from these libraries to be delivered here every Tuesday and Friday.
- Visit our Makerspace! We frequently hold programs in our Makerspace, which includes a 3D printer, 3D pens, Oculus Quest 2, Legos, STEM kits, and much more. Our Makerspace is relatively new, but we are adding new things all the time. We have big plans for this space, so keep an eye out for new additions!
- See us at outreach events! We presently travel to Bridgeport Farmer’s Market, Simpson Elementary School, Johnson Elementary School, Bridgeport High School, Meadowbrook Mall, Manchin Assisted Living, Stonerise Bridgeport, the CityNet Center, and various other “pop-up” events and festivals on a regular basis to provide community outreach, library materials, and programs. You have probably seen us around town! We also offer a Homebound Delivery Service for patrons in the city of Bridgeport. We love getting out into our community.
These are just a few of the benefits that come with being a Bridgeport Public Library patron. We hope to see you and your family here to sign up for a card soon!
