NEW MORGAN PUBLIC LIBRARY OPENS TODAY

BERKELEY SPRINGS - Although work still needs to be done on the new Morgan County Public Library, officials opened the building's doors for the first time this morning. Transition to the new library was begun during the month of November. Volunteers moved umpteen boxes of books to their new home at 204 North Washington St. in Berkeley Springs.

"We have almost five times the floor space as we did before," said Scott Valentine, librarian for the Morgan County Public Library for the past three years. He added, however, "...that doesn't mean that we have five times the collection of books." Valentine estimates the county's library offers about 35,000 publications for the perusal of patrons, with an average of 50 people visiting the library on a daily basis. Currently, there are about 5,000 registered library cardholders.

The Morgan County Public Library comprises the old as well as the new. The Johnson House, previously used as a town hall years ago, is in the midst of being restored and a new two-story addition has been built to house the main library collection. Valentine noted the old library, previously located at 210 Fairfax St., "provided no real space for patrons." The building has reportedly been tapped to house Morgan County Prosecuting Attorney David Savasten's office, which will be expanded. "With the new building we now have two reading rooms and a separate reference room," said Valentine. Three computers have been installed to look up''the available publications.” In addition, a computer linked to the Internet is also expected to be in operation in the near future.

Connie Perry, a library trustee and a previous chairman of the fund-raising committee for construction of a new library, said Bob Douglas, who envisioned a new library in the county, was instrumental in starting the project. Unfortunately, Douglas passed away before seeing the dream of a new library realized, Perry said. In 1987, the Morgan County Commission purchased the Johnson House for $187,000.

The new addition to the library plus restoration of the Johnson House cost $836,000. Restoration included a complete new heating and cooling system, the replastering and installation of new lighting in all walls. Restoration of the Johnson House proves that one doesn't have to tear down every older, historical house, Perry said. "It can be used for a modern day need with a good architect," Perry said, "We saved a historical house and were able to use it for a modem day need."

Grove & Dall'Olio, Architects of Martinsburg, was selected as architect for the project. Building Systems Inc., of Hagerstown was enlisted as the general contractor. "You have to have an architect that is willing to work with a structure and add onto it," said Perry. She said the historical Johnson House and the new addition "flow together nicely." She said an official grand opening has been scheduled for the first part of January and Congressman Bob Wise, D-WV, will be invited to attend. She said about $25,000 is still needed to complete the exterior restoration. Included among this restoration is a new roof and scraping and painting of the woodwork. Perry estimated if funding can be obtained, the exterior restoration should be completed by the turn of the century.

An elevator was installed in the library for $30,000, Perry said, with money raised by Nina Swartz through fund-raisers and matching funds. Funding was obtained through private donations as well as a $500,000 loan awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture in August 1997. Construction of the new addition began at that time as well. Stan Ehlenbeck, president of the library board of trustees, said $35,000 was received from the state. Secondhand hardwood shelving was purchased from the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. for about $17,000, Ehlenbeck pointed out.

Perry said a number of local businesses and residents have donated time and money for the project. Among the number of generous contributors was Seely Pine Furniture Inc. of Berkeley Springs. Perry said Gat Caperton, owner of Seely and son of former West Virginia governor, Gaston Caperton, personally delivered nine solid cherry wood tables and 34 chairs for donation to the library. Both the inside and outside are being taken care of. The Master Gardners of Morgan County are donating time to landscape the grounds around the building.

"There are lots of volunteers who have given of their time and skills in the restoration of the Johnson House," said Perry. "It's such a community project. It's been very heartwarming to see this in the community.” Perry said anyone who donates $500 or more becomes a library angel and their name is permanently fixed to a plaque to be displayed at the library. "Many people have donated in memory of loved ones," she said. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the library's building fund can send donations to Library Angels Building Fund, c/o Citizens National Bank, 212 S. Washington St., Berkeley Springs, WV 25411. "Our goal is to have enough money in the endowment fund to have perpetual care of the library," said Perry. She noted that currently there is about $400,000 in the library's endowment fund.

The library will be open Monday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Wednesday and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. The library will be closed on Sunday.

218 West King Street • Martinsburg, West Virginia 25401
304-267-2120 • Fax 304-267-2884 • office@gdaaia.com