Lunch with Local Author

The West Virginia Center for the Book will host Charleston author Jim Wallace on Friday, November 16th at Noon in the Library Commission's State Library in the State Culture Center. Wallace will be discussing and autographing his new book "A History of the West Virginia Capitol: The House of State." Bring a brown-bag lunch and we will provide drinks/dessert. Please join us!

Capitol Reads

September's Capitol Read is Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo

When his sister tricks him into taking her guru on a trip to their childhood home, Otto Ringling, a confirmed skeptic, is not amused. Six days on the road with an enigmatic holy man who answers every question with a riddle is not what he'd planned. But in an effort to westernize his passenger—and amuse himself—he decides to show the monk some "American fun" along the way. From a chocolate factory in Hershey to a bowling alley in South Bend, from a Cubs game at Wrigley field to his family farm near Bismarck, Otto is given the remarkable opportunity to see his world—and more important, his life—through someone else's eyes. Gradually, skepticism yields to amazement as he realizes that his companion might just be the real thing.

In Roland Merullo's masterful hands, Otto tells his story with all the wonder, bemusement, and wry humor of a man who unwittingly finds what he's missing in the most unexpected place.

New Library Updates Available to View

The newest episodes of Library Update are up on YouTube. This is part one of Episode 13. Make sure to watch all of the parts of Episode 12, Summer Reading Programs, and Episode 13, Assistive Technology.

The West Virginia Library Commission is committed to promoting, assisting, and supporting high quality library services and information resources to all West Virginia residents. This includes getting relevant information out to library directors, their staff, and patrons through various formats. Currently the Library Commission uses its website, Facebook, Twitter, Blog, e-bulletins and now YouTube to disseminate information. 

WVLC plans on bringing you current programs, topics, and trends. This broad spectrum includes partnerships, training, programming, and service. We want this program to be a useful, entertaining resource for you. If you ever have any questions or comments regarding topics on this show, please do not hesitate to call us at 1-800-642-9021. 

This program is not intended to act as a calendar of events, but as a vehicle of ideology and practical tips. Specific event information can always be found on our website www.librarycommission.wv.gov and at your local libraries.

The video in this post is the first segment of the episode. Check it out, then view parts 2 and 3. Make sure you subscribe to the West Virginia Library Commission YouTube channel so you don't miss the newest episodes!

September is Library Card Sign-up Month

Capitol Reads

August's Capitol Read was The Night of the Hunter by Davis Grubb

Inspired by serial killer Harry Powers, "The Bluebeard of Quiet Dell," who was hung in 1932 for his murders of two widows and three children. This best-selling novel, first published in 1953 to wide acclaim by author Grubb, (who like Powers lived in Clarksburg, West Virginia), served as the basis for Charles Laughton's noir classic .

Renamed "Harry Powell," the lead character in this book, with LOVE and HATE tattooed on his fingers, is remembered as one of the creepiest men in book and cinema history.


The Capitol Reads book discussion group not only talked about Grubbs' classic novel but also had an opportunity to view the classic film on the big screen at the Normal L. Fagan Theater at the Culture Center.

More information about Capitol Reads selections can be found on the WVLC website.