Need help setting up that new phone? Having trouble with a laptop? Or just want to learn some new skills? Make an appointment for one-on-once technology help with one of our specialists. Call 540-984-8200 or email countylib@gmail.com for more information.

COMING SOON - August 30 through October 9

To commemorate the centennial of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U. S. Constitution granting women the right to vote, the traveling exhibition, We Demand: Women’s Suffrage in Virginia uses text and images to trace the history of the woman suffrage movement in Virginia from 1909 until 1920.

This traveling exhibition will be on loan from the Library of Virginia from August 30 through October 9. Stop by the County Library in Edinburg to see the exhibit and learn more about Virginia history.

New collection alert!!! What happens when you combine a print book with an audiobook? You get a Wonderbook! Wonderbooks have a self-contained audio player attached to the front cover of each book. Kids can listen through the built-in speaker, plug in headphones, or even listen in the car through an audio jack. No more CDs to keep track of! Browse our full collection by searching the word 'Wonderbook' in our catalog or by visiting the audiobook alcove in the children's area of our Edinburg location.

Heading back to school? Or planning to travel? Mango Languages is a one-stop language learning resource. Study and learn over twenty foreign languages with both basic and complete courses. Learn phrases for your next trip abroad, or study for fluency all from any computer with internet access. Log in and use your library barcode for access.

Distillery Tax, 1861, Shenandoah County, General Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia.

Highlights from the Truban Archives

On November 25, 1861 Joseph Walton Jr., Commissioner of the Revenue for Shenandoah County, issued this tax assessment form for the distillery operated by Paul “Rosenburg” (actual Rosenberger). The document was sent to Deputy Sheriff Benjamin F. Murray to notify him he needed to collect $30 in taxes for the distillery to be operated between November 1861 and May 1862. 

At the time, Paul Rosenberger (1799-1875) was a prosperous 62 year old farmer living with his wife Catherine and three of their children in the north-west portion of Shenandoah County near St. Stephens Lutheran Church. Paul was listed as owning $2000 in real estate and $600 worth of personal property, among which would have been his still, in the 1860 census. 

Distilling grain to make alcohol would have a popular, and profitable, enterprise for many local farmers during this period. All of them, or at least those that were legal, were taxed and had to operate under a license from the local court. 

For more information on these individuals, the history of local taxes, or of alcohol production, consumption, and sale, visit the Shenandoah County Library’s Truban Archives. 
 
 

The first week of August is National Clown Week. This was created to call public attention to the charitable activities and wholesome entertainment they provide. They bring laughter in to our lives and laughter is the best medicine. You can find laughter in our library through our comedy movies and television DVD’s, our books if humor and jokes, or even biographies of some our great comedic actors. Please continue to support our Library Foundation so we can continue to bring laughter during these uncertain times.

You can support what we do throughout the year with a donation in any amount to Shenandoah County Library foundation. Your contribution to the Library Foundation online or through the fund drive is greatly appreciated!

Just because the Summer program has wrapped up, doesn't mean you can't keep reading! Where will reading take you in 2021? Try one of our reading challenges to earn badges, track your progress, and share book reviews with fellow readers. Sign up now at countylib.beanstack.org.

The August Bestsellers are starting to come in! Get in line early and be the first to check out books by your favorite author. Log in to your account online, or give us a call at 540-984-8200.