Library
We hope you use and enjoy the various services we offer, which include access to: books, eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, magazines, online databases, and more! Informative and social programs are available for children, teens, and adults. Please see the monthly calendar for upcoming events!
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Bridgeport Public Library to provide materials, resources and services which help patrons meet their personal, educational, cultural and professional information needs.
Vision Statement
We embrace the rich heritage and vibrant future of our growing community and aspire to be the best possible public library for Bridgeport. We create opportunities to participate, connect, and discover. We encourage lifelong learning, respond to the needs of our diverse community, offer space for people and ideas to come together, and provide materials and programs that entertain, inform, and inspire. We are committed to excellent customer service and stewardship of the physical and financial assets entrusted to the library.
History
Michael Benedum founded the library in 1956 and supported by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. The City of Bridgeport began providing financial support for the library in the mid-1970s. The library was located on the top floor of the Benedum Civic Center on Main Street. In 1994 the citizens and businesses of Bridgeport raised over 1.3 million dollars in order to purchase and renovate the Allstate Insurance building on Johnson Avenue. It then became the Bridgeport Public Library.
The Bridgeport Public Library, a department of the City of Bridgeport, is administered by a five member Library Board appointed by City Council. The library receives the bulk of its financing from the City of Bridgeport. Additional funding is provided by the State of West Virginia, the Harrison County Commission and the Harrison County School Board.
For more information and services visit BPLWV.org
Email the library at [email protected] or call 304-842-8248.
Adult Library
There are over 58,000 books in the adult fiction, science fiction, mystery fiction, non-fiction, reference, and biography sections in the library! Materials are available for nearly every reading interest. To narrow your search for your next reading experience, the library recommends reviews found on NoveList Plus, as well as featured reviews by the New York Times, LA Times, Kirkus, and BookPage.
The library offers more than books! There are over 15,000 audio and video materials in the library including DVDs, Blu-Rays, CDs, and more. We also offer hundreds of puzzles, games, and introductory hobby kits that are available for you to checkout and enjoy at home! The library is your neighborhood gateway to the world of entertainment and knowledge! For digital content, please refer to the library’s list of online databases.
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Programs are offered throughout the week. Events feature discussion groups, gaming competitions, educational lectures, book signings, writing workshops, and more! All are welcome. Please visit our calendar to explore and register for all our upcoming programs
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Reading Programs and Challenges
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The library offers various reading programs and challenges throughout the year for all age groups! These programs and challenges include specially themed programs, reading lists, and prizes!
To learn more about our adult materials, services, and programs, please email [email protected] or call 304-842-8248.
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Teen Library
Our young adult collection has nearly 4,000 books available for readers of all interests! Books included in the young adult section at the library are generally marketed to readers between the ages of 13 and 19, but the collection covers a broad range of reading and maturity levels. The library encourages parents, guardians, and mentors to take an active role in helping individual teens choose books that are the best fit for them and their families. But the library has so much more than just books! 15,000 audio and video materials in the library including DVDs, Blu-Rays, CDs, and more. We also offer hundreds of puzzles, and games that are available for you to checkout and enjoy at home! The library is your neighborhood gateway to the world of entertainment and knowledge! In addition to our materials within the library, the library offers age-appropriate ebooks, streaming video and audio, and other great digital resources that can be accessed from anywhere.
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The library offers many engaging and educational programs for teens from ages 13-18! Our events serve as a safe space for teens to freely think, express their creativity, and learn! All are welcome. Please visit our calendar to explore and register for all our upcoming programs.
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Reading Programs and Challenges
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The library offers various reading programs and challenges throughout the year for all age groups, including our annual Summer Reading Program! These programs and challenges include specially themed programs, reading lists, and prizes!
If you have questions about materials or programs for teens, please email [email protected] or call 304-842-8248.
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Children's Library
Our children’s department has over 26,000 books available for all reading levels and interests! But the library has so much more than just books! We have over 1,000 DVDs and Blu-Rays available for checkout, as well as magazines, board games, STEM kits, puzzles, CDs, and Playaways. The library encourages parents, guardians, and mentors to take an active role helping individual children choose books and other materials that are the best fit for them and their families. In addition to our materials within the library, the library offers age-appropriate ebooks, streaming video and audio, and other great digital resources that can be accessed from anywhere!
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The library offers many engaging and educational programs for children from ages 0-12! Our events serve as a safe space for children to freely think, express their creativity, and learn. We offer weekly storytimes, as well as crafts, STEM learning, games, movie viewings, and so much more! All are welcome. Please visit our calendar to explore and register for all our upcoming programs.
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Reading Programs and Challenges
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The library offers various reading programs and challenges throughout the year for all age groups, including our annual Summer Reading Program! These programs and challenges include specially themed programs, reading lists, and prizes!
If you have questions about materials or programs for children, please email [email protected] or call 304-842-8248.
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Electronic Resources
In addition to the thousands of physical items in the library, your card grants you access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming video, digital music, online newspapers and magazines, and so much more! For a full list of our electronic resources please visit our database list.
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Allows you access a collection of eBooks, Audiobooks, and magazines on your browser, or on your device using the Libby app. You can access the WVDeli here.
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Allows you to instantly stream (or download via the hoopla app) eBooks, eAudiobooks, comic books, movies, television shows, and music. You can access Hoopla here.
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Freegal is a music database consisting of over seven million songs from over 28,000 labels! Bridgeport Public Library patrons are permitted three FREE permanent downloads per week! You can access Freegal here.
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My Account
Library patrons have self-service options by visiting our online catalog. Here you can:
- The library’s catalog is integrated. Digital items will appear in general searches.
- For best search results, use the author’s name or the exact title. Check your spelling!
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Manage your library account
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- View borrowed items
- Check due dates
- Renew borrowed items
- Place holds
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To access your library account:
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- Click “Log In” in the top right-hand corner.
- “Library Card Number” is your ten digit library card barcode number.
- “PIN” is the last four digits of your library card barcode number.
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FAQ
Basic Library Information:
The Bridgeport Public Library hours are: Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Closed Holiday hours vary
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Where is the library located?
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1200 Johnson Avenue, Bridgeport, WV 26330
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How many items can I check out and for how long?
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Patrons may check out up to 35 items and 10 of those may be DVDs or Blu-Rays for patrons over the age of 18. New patrons are permitted to borrow 5 items initially, 1 of which can be a DVD or Blu-Ray for those over the age of 18. Once those items are returned, the limit will bump up to 35. Items may be borrowed for two weeks and may be renewed twice, resulting in six weeks of possession. Items on hold for other patrons may not be renewed.
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The library has some tax forms beginning in January. State forms are generally available. Federal form quantities and availability is determined by the IRS.
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Do you have computers for public use?
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Computers with internet access are available for personal use only for one hour of use per day. Computer use requires a library card or valid form of identification on file at the library. Printing is available for only $0.05 for black and white and $0.10 for color pages. You may also bring your own computer or other device and access the library's Wi-Fi. City of Bridgeport provided firewalls prevent access to unsuitable websites.
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Do you have any job openings at the library?
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The library is a department of the City of Bridgeport. Employment opportunities are listed under the career tab. The City of Bridgeport is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
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How do I search the catalog from home?
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Click here to search the library's catalog.
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How do I find out what my library PIN number is?
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Your library PIN number, necessary for accessing your library account online, is the last four digits of your library card barcode number.
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How do I renew my materials?
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Access your library account by clicking here. Click the "log in" button located in the upper right hand corner of the page. You may use your library card barcode number and PIN number (last four digits of the barcode number) OR create a personalized username and password. Once logged in, click on your account button located in the upper right hand corner of the page, example: "John's Account." Click on "View Loans" in the middle of the page. Individual items, if eligible, may be renewed by clicking the "Renew Loan" button. You may also call the library at 304-842-8248 to renew your loans.
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How do I find out what DVDs, CDs, or books on CD the library has?
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Your library has more than books! Search the collection by clicking here and enter authors, artists, and titles in the search bar.
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How do I connect to Wi-Fi at the library?
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Free Wi-Fi is available at the library and may be accessed with a wireless capable device.
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How do I print to the printer?
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The library has a professional grade BizHub printer available to the public. Patrons may use a public computer to send jobs to the printer. Printing charges: $0.05 for black and white and $0.10 for color pages.
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How do I get a book not included in the library's collection?
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Interlibrary loan services are available to obtain items not included in the collection. Due to cost efficiency and item availability, the library may also purchase requested items. To request items for consideration, forms are available at the library's circulation desks.
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How do I donate materials to the library?
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The library has limited storage space and therefore limits its donation intake to one bag or box per person at a time. The library never accepts textbooks, dictionaries, or encyclopedias.
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How do I volunteer at the library?
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The library offers several volunteer opportunities depending on your interests and level of time commitment. If interested in volunteering, please email us at [email protected]. Additionally, the library has a Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library group that is accepting applications. For more information about this, please visit bplwv.org/friends.
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Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Library Director: Savanna Draper
1200 Johnson Avenue
Bridgeport, WV 26330
Phone: 304-842-8248
Fax: 304-842-9387
The cost of sending faxes to or those received by the Bridgeport Public Library is $1.00 per page.