Tom Gainer honored for service
WV Library Commission representatives Karen Goff, Karen Hiser (front) Delegate Bill Stemple, Board President Grace
Richards (rear)
"A place where the lofty spirits of all nations and generations meet." - Samuel
Nige
By Bob Weaver
Yesterday was open house at the Calhoun's only public library, celebrating a history
of 35 years at the current location. "A wonderful library it is," said library board
member Tom Gainer, a former Calhoun Commissioner, who was the honored person at
the celebration.
Gainer, who has been suffering health problems, has been a dedicated friend of the
library, not only as a board member, but has also contributed time and labor to many
different projects over the years.
President of the Library Board Grace Richards said "Tom Gainer has been a great
asset to this library and this community."
Gainer praised Delegate Bill Stemple for obtaining $60,000 for the library from the
Budget Digest and other sources over the past six years. He spoke generously about
the "dedicated efforts" of the staff and community toward improving the facility and
keeping the doors open.
Guests enjoyed anniversary cake
Community recognizes library anniversary
The Calhoun County Public Library is a far stretch from the small shelf of books found
in rural schools, or the large library that was maintained at the old Calhoun County
High School in Grantsville.
Fifty years ago the Mount Zion post office and a half dozen other rural locations in the
county had an assortment of books to loan, rotated by the bookmobile every few
weeks, many remember climbing the long stairs to the third floor of the courthouse
to the first official public library started and supported by the Grantsville Woman's
Club, operated by volunteer librarian Tib Mollohan.
From a wide assortment of audio visual to computer access, historical and
genealogical books to hundreds of books for children and adults, the library offers
resources for every person to enjoy, learn and succeed.
Lights On! coordinator Tony Russell told those attending "The local library was a
place of fascination when I was only three years old, my mother and sister would
walk and carry home a pile of books. My education started there." Russell says
libraries are open to everyone, no matter their station or status.
Karen Goff, a representative of the West Virginia Library Commission, said "Libraries
change lives and build communities." She said Americans spend three times as much
each year on salty snacks as they do on public libraries. "We hope the people of
Calhoun will vote yes on the small levy, which will help to keep it going for three more
years," she said.
Dora Starcher greets guests
Dorcas Cain (L) and Sandy Marshall (R)
"It is a place that helps guarantee open information, freedom and liberty," said Goff.
She said it is place for the not so rich and famous, who have gone into the world and
done wonderful things for the human race.
President Richards ask those attending to help spread the word about the small
library levy on the November 5 ballot. "For most taxpayers in the county it will be the
cost of a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread, each year," she concluded.
The levy has been defeated in the past by a small percentage. "It has almost carried,"
said Librarian Glada Stump. "But almost has not been enough."
Stump said the passage of the levy is crucial to continued operation.
Members of the board in attendance, Grace Richards, Dorcas Cain, Helen Morris, Dora Starcher and Tom Gainer.
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