Linwood —

“A good time was had by all,” as the local saying goes.  Dozens of folks milled around, danced, ate, and simply enjoyed being together.  Linwood Community Library celebrated its First Annual Porch Party Saturday August 14. A band from Beckley, “Lady D and the Mission,” provided outstanding soulful music. 

Thirteen months before, a group of about 30 local people had gathered at Shakey Jake’s restaurant to explore the concept of a library for their local community.  Everyone spoke in favor.  People, businesses, and local government pitched in.  Snowshoe Mountain Resort offered the use of its Welcome Center for three years.  Pocahontas County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau offered half the utility expenses for shared space.  Parks and Recreation offered programs.  Numerous businesses donated carpet, furnishings, and support.  People donated time, books, supplies, and money.  Pocahontas Woods, Interstate Lumber, and Pocahontas High School Building Trades class all were involved in shelving.  The County Commission provided helpful startup capital. We opened for library services in April, an amazing feat to accomplish in nine months.

Two significant challenges face the Linwood Community Library Association (LCLA). One is to garner a steady financial operating base.  The association is contacting homeowners’ associations for steady support.  A suggested contribution is $36 per unit per year, basically equivalent to a dime a day. A strong library/community center improves property resale value, strengthens guest satisfaction, and provides continual services for employees and their families. The LCLA is also receiving contributions from long-term residents, businesses, and other supporters, as well as holding fundraising activities.

The other challenge is to construct a new library center in the vicinity. This will require locating suitable land, developing the building plan, and raising the financial capacity for construction.  The community has the leadership and funding capacity for this major endeavor.  A committee is now formed.

Linwood Community Library has a Facebook page. Please signup as a friend.  Just do a search on Linwood Library.  There is also a blog at www.linwoodlibrary.blogspot.com, which carries current information.

In other news, the Durbin Library Building Committee received the good news that $30,000 is in the pipeline for funds through the efforts of our local legislators.  Senator Walt Helmick and Delegate Bill Hartman recently delivered the good news to PCFL board president Sue Ann Heatherly and me.  With these funds added to existing raised money, we should be able to break ground.  We have awarded a contract for the foundation work.  We anticipate a barn raising with the help of Habitat For Humanity and local folks.  If all goes well, we would like to be under roof before winter.  Interior work to complete construction and open for services will be the next and final stage and will require further fundraising..

Stay tuned as these projects develop.  And better yet, get involved.  The welcome mat has a place for you.