Durbin Public Library is proud to welcome Meghan Knapp, a VISTA member who has come to help us get prepared for the library transition to the new building in Fall 2013 or Spring 2014.  Meghan is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, and is originally from the central farmland of Illinois. Her love and care of horses and other farm animal led to her rise in the Future Farmers of America organization in high school and eventually to work for her regional board.   She likes outdoor sports and is looking forward to tackling the mountains.   Meghan spent a semester in Romania and visited Ireland recently.  She has agreed to spend a year with us developing a local volunteer structure for the Durbin Public Library and Community Center.

 Libraries need a body to advise the library staff consisting of members of the local public who have a concern for the mission and services of the library and the use of its benefits in space and equipment.  This body is usually in the form of a “Friends of the Library” group.

Meghan will be canvassing the area to seek the input of residents regarding the increased possibilities for the new building and looking for those who would be “Friends” to the library and community center and help set its course.  She will be looking further afield for grant funding for completion of the construction and helping to develop library partnerships with agencies and services within the county who wish to reach the communities of Durbin, Frank and Bartow or its visitors through the library.  If you have suggestions for her in her work as a VISTA - or just want to introduce yourself - contact Meghan at the Durbin Public Library.   Her hours will overlap with the library hours until 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday for March, but will be subject to change in the next few months as she moves into different phases of her work.  

The construction of the new building is at the stage where the signs of progress will be inside the roughed-in walls; and the systems of the building are about to take shape.  The plans, ever modifying, are taking final form under the local Building Committee and the eye of the Pocahontas County Free Libraries Board.  

Volunteer crew members have continued to make the incremental changes to the structure on weekends and after work and the decision on an application for a Supplemental Grant from the West Virginia Library Commission is expected in the beginning of March, and fingers are crossed.  The funds would help us reach the goals in Phase Two.
 
As we begin to thaw in spring there will be more news on a celebratory anniversary event of last year’s “Barn Raising in May” where the building will be open to the view to the public.  We would like the curious to see what has been accomplished as well as thank those who have supported the project along the way.

The libraries of Pocahontas County are a testament to the spirit of the people of this county.