Letters to the Editor

Local Library Is Alive and Well

Editor, News-Register: For decades, many bibliographic pessimists have declared that “Libraries are dead” or more tongue-in-cheekily observed that libraries and librarians are experiencing “Death by a thousand paper cuts!” However, in January of this year, Beth Prindle, the director of research and special collections at the Boston Public Library, emphatically stated, “All (those) who said books are dead or libraries are dead have not stepped foot in a public library in a very long time.” Indeed, it’s easy to see by visiting our local Ohio County Public Library (OCPL) ...

Library Serves Local Community

Editor, News-Register: The annual book sale sponsored by the Ohio County Public Library was held last weekend. What a treasure of books, DVDs, CDs, and other items! I walked away with four bags full, all for a total of about $20. This event is just another example of the many offerings that our library offers — from the popular Tuesday Lunch with Books series, to rooms for crochet or chess classes or lectures on the Civil War, to short-term evening courses, and engaging programs for young children. The Wheeling Room has an amazing collection of materials that are a real asset ...

Local Library an Asset to All Ages

Editor, News-Register: The Ohio County Public Library is a valuable community asset that provides a multivariate array of programs, resources, and services to all local citizens. Did you know that these advantages are potentially provided to every citizen in Ohio County from cradle to grave including: - Preschool Children — Mother Goose on the Loose, Toddler Tuesdays, Music and Movement, Fun Labs (STEAM), Preschool Story Time, and Saturday Story Time; - School Children — Visits to individual classrooms in local schools for in-person story times, facilitating school book ...

More Facts About the Library Levy

Editor, News-Register: Ohio County voters have an important role to play in the upcoming West Virginia Primary Election on May 14. For the first time in its existence, the Ohio County Public Library’s funding depends on the approval of citizens who recognize its value in our community. The levies for both the Ohio County Board of Education and the library are a component of an existing levy — the election is asking voters for a renewal of that levy. A vote in favor of either levy is not a new tax! It’s important to remember that funds generated by the levy allow the library ...

Ketchum Won the Mayoral Debate

Editor, News-Register: Rosemary Ketchum won the mayoral debate last week. Several people in the audience — interested local voters, onlooking state party reps, and most telling even some more engaged voters not in her camp or wearing other candidates’ pins and hats — all said it about the winner of Wheeling’s 2024 Mayoral debate held April 18. She was most positively engaged with the audience, by both applause and laughter (on multiple occasions). She was upbeat and likable, delivered her remarks clearly and consistently, and conveyed both experience and leadership — even to ...

Things To Know About the Library

Editor, News-Register: The Friends of the Ohio County Public Library have been recently reorganized and are proud to serve as enthusiastic ambassadors for our incredible local community resource! Historically, the library has been considered to be a place chock full of books, where everyone was expected to be quiet with librarians who often seemed a bit strict and fearsome. Indeed, the old Ohio County Public Library in Center Wheeling greeted visitors with a looming Ethan Allen statue, sword in hand. But today’s library is vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming! However, our local ...