Meet the Staff

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Mission Statement

The mission of Capon Bridge Public Library is to provide the community with multiple collections of books, media resources, and educational materials, as well as a conference room for cultural and approved organization events, to promote and enlighten citizenry and enrich personal lives.

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Dedication

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Our History

The birth of the Capon Bridge Library began in a very humble and unique fashion. Under the leadership of Mrs. Susan Duff and volunteers in the community, a shelf located in the Wolford family grocery store was designated as the first library – checking in and out books using the honor system. Barabra Sirbaugh volunteered to pick up and drop off books borrowed from the Romney Library which was located at that time in a room in the old courthouse.

From there, the search was on for a larger location as demand for more books increased. The Doctor Gardner dental office, now the Town Museum, was available and weclomed the facility to become the first official library. The library opened in 1969 with the support of the Ruritan Club, who took the library on as their community project and has continued as a supporter. Volunteers kept the library stocked with donated books and kept library hours.

As the library continued to grow it became apparent that a librarian was needed. Under the supervision of Mrs. Duff, Mrs. Jean Lange became the first paid librarian. A library board was established with names such as Simmons, Ward, Wolford, Oates, McKeown, Sirbaugh and Duff. Mrs. Duff became the first president and remained so for many years.

The Town of Capon Bridge adopted an ordinance June 13, 1972 declaring the library an official facility, establishing a Board of Directors with powers and duties. After Mrs. Lange, Patricia Lee became the second librarian. The local Homemakers Clubs organized with other volunteers to sponsor many fundraising activities. Through these efforts and private donations the library was able to move forward. From the little dental office, the next move was to East End Tavern, formerly owned by Pete and Johnnie Giffin and provided a much larger space, allowing more books. Again with the continued support of the Ruritan Club the move across town was made much easier.

At this time the library began receiving financial support from the State Library Commission and the County Commission. The Hampshire County Commission purchased the Giffin property that also housed Capon Bridge Rescue Squad in a separate building next door. After resignation due to move, the third librarian was hired, Dorothy Kendall. After Mrs. Kendall, Kathy Davis Haines became the fourth librarian until her retirement in 2006.

After several years operating out of the East End tavern expansion continued and along with that came a devastating announcement from the Fire Marshal that the building had been condemned. The library was not in a position to rent and did not want to close. A dire situation was apparent. The Capon Bridge Rescue Squad offered their support and gave up one bay of the building to house the library until another place was located. Once again, the Ruritan members and other volunteers made the move less stressful.

Through the years of the growth and development of the library, the board and volunteers continued to raise and save monies for a new building, if property ever became available. Many years of looking ahead, saving and planning proved to be worth the many efforts. The land belonging to the Gardner family and ironically the land where the first official library began was available. Through the generous donation of Mrs. Susan Duff, the land became the property of the Capon Bridge Public Library under the Town of Capon Bridge. Money became available through the state for library projects with many conditions attached, one being a modern modular library and stipulations as to equipment, books and etc. The board felt that architecture was not appropriate for the area and with their own resources could get a building that was designed to match the structure of the dental office.

In 1995 the library opened its doors. Board members that worked diligently toward this goal were Susan Duff, Barbara Sirbaugh, Shirley Davy, Virginia Lovett and Rosalie Kefaulver along with Kathy Haines as the librarian. A large active group of the Friends of the Library volunteered daily to make this new facility possible. Unfortunately in 1996 a flood that compared to a 100 year flood captured the basement with all of its belongings – books, maps, furniture, pictures, and equipment. Once again with the help of Ruritan members, volunteers and the National Guard, the library was back in operation. Two years later a modular unit was added on for a conference room.

Today, Nancy Meade is the Library Director, with assistant, Elizabeth Riley-Linaburg, along with the original board members including Barbara Sirbaugh, Shirley Davy and Virginia Lovett. The current Board of Directors is made up of the following: Barbara Sirbaugh, Shirley Davy, Virgina Lovett and Shannon Hott.

The Capon Bridge Public Library serves the town and surrounding areas and has issued 1,216 library cards. The library consists of 27,838 items to date and continues to grow. Circulation for 2010 was 27,864. The library offers copy, scanning, and fax services, as well as Wi-Fi internet access for patrons with their own devices and eight internet computer work stations that include state wide library data and word processing. The conference room is kept very busy by local artists & musicians, school tutors and various organizations, as well as special events.

The Capon Bridge Library has come a long way since the 1960’s and stands today as a symbol of a dream, hard work, determination, and the commitment of so many that never gave up pushing forward to make the Capon Bridge Public Library a place for learning and pleasure.

Revised December 2022