Progress!

Over the past few years, we have been gradually making improvements to our building to reach a goal of better accessibility to meet the needs of all of our patrons. Several years ago we had automatic doors installed to make it easier to get into the building. Then we had the circulation desk redesigned to allow our staff to interact with seated patrons and children more easily. (The old desk was too high for a seated person to look over or put a book on.) Our latest project has been renovating the rest rooms on both levels to improve their accessibility. On the lower level, that meant tearing out doors and moving fixtures for a better design. On the main floor we will be making improvements to the doors, lighting and ventilation of existing rest rooms, but we will also be creating a whole new restroom that will be entirely handicapped accessible, and more accommodating to families with young children that need assistance.

 This is how the old Internet Theater looked last Thursday.

 This is how it looked Monday morning. The box is the new handicapped accessible restroom that is being installed. Size limitations prevented our old main floor restrooms from being totally accessible. We have seen people leave their walkers outside the old restrooms because it was such a tight fit. This new one will allow those using walkers or wheelchairs much more room to maneuver.  
The renovation on the restrooms on the lower level has already been completed. Here are some of the improvements that were made:

 A baby changing station was added to both rest rooms.

 The sinks in both restrooms were moved to the other wall to allow the stalls to be enlarged. This greatly improved accessibility. The sinks have no faucets; they sense movement and turn the water on and off automatically. In addition, the lighting, drainage, and ventilation were all upgraded.

 The narrow doors on each end of the hall leading to the women's rest room were removed and replaced with one much wider door. The doors now open and close more easily so that they meet the standards for accessibility. Emergency lighting was installed, so that in case of power failure, people could see to exit.

The old water fountain (which leaked) was replaced with a bi-level unit which allows easy use from either a standing or sitting position. This new unit comes with a bottle filler so that people can refill their water bottles with cold water. The main floor fountain will also be replaced with one of these units. 

Looking for Scrabble Players!

We have been approached by a library patron who would like to see if there is enough interest to form a group to play Scrabble at the library. If you're interested, email mhpwl.library@weirton.lib.wv.us or stop in. We will leave a signup sheet at the front desk. We'll need your contact information (email and/or phone) and times you are available.

Building Weirton in the Early Days

There are so many reasons to read for fun. Hear about some of them from #kidlit creator Dav Pilkey! https://t.co/pVwfb7DUFx

— CBC Book (@CBCBook) August 31, 2016

New Opportunity!

We are so excited about being awarded this chance to help revitalize our downtown area!

Obama Administration to Help Appalachian Communities Revitalize Downtowns through Broadband Service

08/24/2016

Contact Information: 

Robert Daguillard (daguillard.robert@epa.gov)

(202) 564-6618

WASHINGTON –Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced the selection of 10 communities in six states that will participate in the Cool & Connected planning assistance program, an innovative initiative to help people use broadband service for downtown revitalization and economic development.

“Cool & Connected will help create vibrant, thriving places to live, work, and play,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “We’re excited to be working with these local leaders and use broadband service as a creative strategy to improve the environment and public health in Appalachian communities.”

Through Cool & Connected, partner communities will receive direct technical assistance from a team of experts to develop strategies and an action plan for using expected or existing broadband service to create connected, economically vibrant main streets and small-town neighborhoods. By combining broadband service with other local assets, such as cultural and recreational amenities, communities can attract and retain investment and people, revitalize downtowns and diversify local economies. Cool & Connected also protects the environment by encouraging the reuse of existing infrastructure and by improving walkability. For example, strategies that help communities reinvest in established areas can help preserve open spaces and farmlands and protect air and water quality.

EPA support for Cool & Connected is provided through the Office of Sustainable Communities, which helps communities develop in ways that protect public health and the natural environment by creating walkable, livable, economically vibrant communities, and supporting reinvestment in existing neighborhoods.

USDA support is provided by the Rural Utilities Service, which provides funding for critical infrastructure including electricity generation and transmission, water and waste water facilities and telecommunications for rural America.

The Appalachian Regional Commission support is through the Obama Administration’s Partnership for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization initiative (POWER), a multi-agency effort to invest federal resources in communities and regions that have relied on the coal industry and are impacted by the changing energy landscape.

Cool & Connected Partner Communities:

•           Haleyville, Ala: To pursue a downtown broadband strategy that promotes business recruitment and development, diversifies the economy, and connects the library and City Hall to people through digital archives and e-government initiatives.

•           Portsmouth, Ohio: To help the Southern Ohio Port Authority use their historic and commercial districts’ broadband and public Wi-Fi capabilities to increase the number of people who walk and open businesses. The plan will also connect downtown amenities to recreation areas by using information kiosks and QR Code/smart phone technology.

•           Zanesville, Ohio: To increase new employment opportunities, support an emerging arts scene, and develop an app for visitors to explore their walkable downtown.

•           Clarion, Penn.: To increase their local communications capacity to market nature-based tourism, motivate people to invest along the historic Main Street, and create an incentive for students at Clarion University to stay in the community.

•           Curwensville, Penn.: To support the Curwensville Regional Development Corporation in creating a downtown co-working space for professionals, students, or entrepreneurs to use as an alternative to working from home or commuting long distances.

•           Erwin, Tenn.: To help the city and Erwin Utilities develop a comprehensive marketing plan for their downtown broadband connection, with the goal of attracting young professionals, visitors, and investors.

•           Jonesville and Pennington Gap, Va.: To market and develop Wi-Fi zones, extend broadband service, and promote main street development by attracting potential anchor tenants.

•           Bluefield, W. Va.: To develop a plan for their downtown area to take advantage of the available broadband and market their businesses through the best outlets.

•           Weirton, W. Va: To help the Mary H. Weir Public Library and community partners develop a plan to increase and expand broadband services and Wi-Fi zones, in order to bring visitors, new families, and businesses to the downtown area.

•           Williamson, W. Va.: To support the Williamson Health and Wellness Center in leveraging broadband access and Wi-Fi zones downtown and at educational institutions to cultivate a skilled workforce, help people open businesses, and enhance the use of heath care technology.

For more information on Cool & Connected: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/cool-connected

For information on EPA’s Office of Sustainable Communities: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth

For more information on the Appalachian Regional Commission: http://www.arc.gov

For information on USDA Rural Utilities Service: http://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/agencies/rural-utilities-service

For more information on the POWER initiative: https://www.eda.gov/power/files/2016/funds-announcement.pdf

Children's Services Specialist Needed

The Mary H. Weir Public Library is seeking a Children’s Services Specialist. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing library services for children and teens under the supervision of the library director. Duties also include supervision of staff and volunteers, assisting in collection development, promoting the library and library services to schools and the community, conducting children’s programs, and assisting the public with reference, reader’s advisory and other library services.

Requirements include a four-year college degree with demonstrated interest in and knowledge of children’s literature, child development, and children’s programs.  The position requires strong oral and written communication skills,  good interpersonal skills, a strong service oriented philosophy, ability to work with current media and digital technology, and the ability to handle diverse tasks and detail oriented work. Previous supervisory experience is a plus. Some evening and weekend work will be required. The position is full time, $10.00/hr with benefits. Send resume, cover letter, official college transcripts, and references to:

Richard Rekowski, Director

Mary H. Weir Public Library

3442 Main Street

Weirton, WV  26062

What Happens Downstairs?

One of the services we provide for the community is space for other nonprofits and governmental agencies to do meetings, programs, or training. Some of the agencies we have hosted in the past year include: ASAP, ASAP RAZE Youth, BHJ Brownfields Taskforce, Blues Society of Northern West Virginia, Brooke Hancock Partners in Prevention, Catholic Charities of West Virginia, CHANGE First Time Home Buyers, Child Care Resource Center , Christian Home School Educators Fellowship, Community Foundation of the Upper Ohio Valley, Festival of Nations Committee, Goodwill, Hancock County Health Department, Hancock County Medical Society Drug Task Force, Youth Services System, Inc, Homebase, Lions Club, NCOA Senior Employment Program, Office of Personnel Management, Our Children, Our Future, Rails to Trails, Social Media Advisory Council, Weir High All School Reunion Committee, Weirton Police Department, Weirton Transit, Weirton Woman’s Club, Weirton Woman’s Club Literary Department, WV Department of Taxation

Summer Reading!

Wetzel by Richard Fleming

Richard Fleming will be at the library June 21st at 1 p.m. to discuss and sign his new book about Lewis Wetzel, a famous frontiersman of the Ohio Valley. If you aren't available on the 21st, he will also be speaking at the Moundsville Library Monday evening, June 20th.

Summer Hours!

Summer Hours begin Monday, June 13th. We will be closing at 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday until Labor Day.  Hours for Friday and Saturday remain 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library will be closed June 20th for West Virginia Day and July 4th for Independence Day.

Author Visit

We will be hosting Richard Fleming, the author of the new book "Wetzel," on the afternoon of June 21st. Lewis Wetzel grew up near Wheeling in the late 1700s and roamed over the Northern Panhandle and Western Pennsylvania as a frontiersman. The book is historical fiction, however it is footnoted, and the author, a retired college professor, has done his research well. It should be an interesting presentation for anyone interested in the early history of the Upper Ohio Valley!

Minecraft Contest for WV Students

The West Virginia Department of Education had announced a West Virginia Capitol Building Design/Build Minecraft Contest for students in K-12. Over $6000 worth of prizes will be available. Students are required to register by June 20th and submit their entry by July 31st. For more information see details at: http://wvde.state.wv.us/forms/2016/technology/minecraft-contest/

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the Amazing Raise last week despite the technical issues! Readers are wonderful people!

A small donation can mean a great deal to our local nonprofits!

2nd Annual Author Event - April 16th

Back Row Left to Right: Jacob Huntzinger, John Please, Jeremie Guy, Jim Knights, Kerry George, David A. George and Daniel Boyd

Front Row Left to Right: Judy Huntzinger, Susan Guy, Angel Waggoner, Cindy McDonald, Ellen Fritz and Susan Jones

Library Bathroom Renovations

A notice to bidders was printed in yesterdays newspaper seeking proposals from qualified contractors for renovations of the existing facility's four restrooms and the construction of a new accessible restroom. A pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the Library. This project is subject to WV Davis Bacon wage rates and minority participation. Drawings and specifications are may be obtained by contacting PMV Architect at 412-921-5487. There will be a $50 non-refundable deposit per set of drawings and specifications. Bids will be due on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 12:00 noon local time at eh Mary Weir Library to the attention of Mr. Rik Rekowski. Public bid opening will occur at 12:30 p.m. on the same day. Bids will be awarded within 30 days of the bid opening. The Mary Weir Library hereby reserves the right to reject any and all proposals as deemed appropriate. 

Spring Story Hour sessions will begin the last week of February for ages 3-5. Both day and evening sessions are available. Join us for books, music, movement, and art!