FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions for Members

How much of my membership fee benefits the library?

After operational expenses such as online services and printing, all monies raised by FOMPL go to Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Libraries to be used at the library’s discretion.

The membership fee is more than I want to pay, can I still be involved?

You may volunteer with the library directly. To do so simply visit one of the branch libraries and fill out a volunteer application. Or, if you wish to be involved with the Friends of the MPL you can exchange 10 volunteer hours for one year of membership. No one is excluded and all are welcome.

Does this provide me with membership in Hedgesville Friends? or North Berkeley Friends?

No. Friends groups are specific to each branch of the Martinsburg-Berkeley County library system. However, funds raised by Friends of MPL are given to the library with no conditions and benefit the entire system at the library’s discretion.

What do I get for my membership?

• A quarterly newsletter detailing activities and volunteer opportunities. 

• The satisfaction of supporting our community through our public library.

• The chance to decide ways to raise funds and support the library through your member vote.

• Attendance at membership events such as meetings and occasional social activities.

 
General Library Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the library closed?

In 2024 the Library’s ORIGINAL heating and air conditioning system ceased working. The system is over 50 years old. Repairs to the system were deemed impossible. A new system was required. After work began on the new system asbestos was discovered requiring safe remediation according to EPA regulations. This has delayed the project and added to the overall expense.

When will the library reopen?

Anticipated reopening of the Martinsburg branch library is fall of 2025. We are sorry that a more specific date is unavailable. Multiple unforeseen construction issues have delayed the opening multiple times. We, the Friends of Martinsburg Public Library, and the library staff are unhappy about this as well. In fact! This is part of the reason we are coming together to support our library! Join us and together let’s make our county’s library system better!

Can I still check out books while the library is closed?

Yes! If you have a library borrower’s card, you can search the Library’s online catalog system at www. Mbcpl.org and check out books online! You can then pick them up at one of the three branches that are open:

Hedgesville Public Library

207 North Mary Street, Hedgesville, WV 25427

North Berkeley Public Library

1255 TJ Jackson Drive, Falling Waters, WV 25419

Musselman-South Berkeley Community Library

(Located at Musselman High School)

126 Excellence Way, Inwood, WV 25428