Here we are, being tested again! 

Another storm, and yet more examples of how our community works in Pocahontas County.  I feel very lucky to live in a place where the sense of caring is so strong.  And while we hear a lot about people helping one another during these times of emergency, I would like to point out that the sense of community in Pocahontas County is always strong, even when there is no emergency, and no spotlight upon us. 
Let me give you some examples.

The libraries receive help from various groups, businesses and agencies within the county, quite often without public fanfare.  This generosity comes about because it is understood how important a public library is, and how greatly a library can benefit a community.  The county commission helps with funding the libraries; we are a line item in the commission’s budget, plus we receive a portion of the Hotel/Motel tax. 

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory has a history of helping build and strengthen our libraries; over the years, they have contributed to our building projects in Marlinton and Green Bank, and have very recently helped with the new building in Durbin.  We also received a $1,000 donation from NRAO for the libraries in general, “just because.”  

We also have strong partners in the Board of Education, and Snowshoe Mountain.  The Linwood Library at Snowshoe is leased from Snowshoe Mountain, Inc. while the Hillsboro Library is leased from the BOE.  We are very close to signing new leases on both libraries.  Knowing how tight our financial situation is, and how important libraries are to their communities, we’re getting a great deal on the rent.  Snowshoe charges us $1 a year.  The BOE is charging $1 a year, plus they pay all utility costs for Hillsboro Library.  We couldn’t ask for more supportive partnerships. 

“A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.” - Andrew Carnegie 

I’ve always liked this quote.  It points out that a public library is truly a community effort, a fact that can sometimes be forgotten.  It follows that the more a community cares about having a strong, vibrant public library, the stronger their library will become.  I want to sincerely thank our community partners, the ones I’ve mentioned here, and the many, many other partners that space will not permit me to include.  We can accomplish great things for Pocahontas County, with your generosity.  We are very grateful for your support.