Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
The Craig County Library staff have had their hopes elevated, only to have their dreams squashed later in recent years as their goals for their facility had to change drastically due to lack of funding and support.
Ned Savage, the President of Craig County Public Library and on Board of Trustees, encourages citizens to help them set their goals that would meet the needs of the community.
Savage noted in a Facebook letter to the community, reflecting on 2020, “that has been unlike any memory.”
“In spite of a global pandemic, our little library has persevered and continued to serve our community with technology, information, education and connection,” he added. “These resources have become even more critical and even essential for many patrons, as our county’s students learn to navigate remote schooling, and the rest of us find ourselves spending more time at home, with reduced access to culture and social interaction that we may have once taken for granted.”
He mentioned that many other libraries were forced to shut down, but the CC Library was able to “pivot and adapt.”
“We’re proud that we’ve been able to continue to offer and even expand our services,” he said. “This year, we grappled with the difficult decision not to continue to pursue an expanded Resource Center. While community support for many aspects of the project was strong, some residents and local leaders justifiably questioned the project’s expansive scope, vision and sustainability.”
The Library has always been committed to “listening and responding to the community above all else.”
Therefore, they view this not as a setback, but as an opportunity to better ensure that the Library aligns with Craig County’s wants, needs and capacity.
A continued concern is that their space limitations have always been a major constraint to the ability of the Library to serve their mission.
“As our future plans continue to shift to best reflect the community’s shared vision, we need your voice to be included in this important conversation, as we collectively determine the best course forward for our community’s library,” Savage continued. “Reach out to us and let us know your wishes and dreams for a library that effectively serves our County.”
They ask that everyone consider joining one of their committees, volunteering behind the desk or help to put on a program or educational event.
They acknowledge that time is precious to everyone.
“Support can take many forms,” he added. “Your continued patronage itself shows that you value the resources we work to provide, and that support is invaluable to us.”
The Library also participates in the Kroger Community Rewards Program which costs people nothing. When one signs up, the Library will receive a small donation every time they make a purchase.
Or one can sign up for Amazon Smile which is also a program that donates a small percentage of every purchase one makes to the CC library.
The library can help connect people with either or both.
Also, as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, all monetary donations are tax-deductible.
Savage reiterated their mission: “We are committed to empowering individuals and building our community by bringing people, information and resources together. We aim to provide the essential tools for building the community’s prosperity through education, information and social interaction.”
The Craig County Public Library is located on 303 Main Street in New Castle and can be reached by phone at 540-864-8978 or via email at craiglibrary@swva.net. Because of COVID-19 mandates, the Library remains under strict limitations.
Savage added, “We can’t do it without you. We thank you for your continued support and patronage, and your dedication to helping us build a stronger library and community in 2021 and beyond.”
