Wreath auction to benefit libraries

WELLSBURG -- A variety of Christmas wreaths will go up for bid in a Dec. 7 auction that will help a volunteer group support free programs and services offered by local libraries. The Friends of the Brooke County Public Libraries will hold their first Festival of Wreaths event, which will include a bake sale, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the River Room of the Wellsburg library.

Linda Amos, who is co-chairing the event with Susie Mullenbach, said silent bids will be accepted for the assorted wreaths, with a minimum bid set for each, depending on its size and materials. More than 20 wreaths are expected to go up for bid. The women said they hope the event can become a Christmas tradition, while raising funds to help the libraries in Wellsburg and Follansbee provide a variety of special presentations and services of interest to residents of all ages.

Amos said the group's support has ranged from paying the licensing fee required for the assortment of recently-released films screened by the libraries each month, to providing funds for hot spots -- mobile internet access devices -- that may be checked out by anyone with a library card.

Alex Schneider, the libraries' director, said the hot spots have been especially helpful to residents with limited or no internet access to their homes.

Through the years, the group has provided local funds for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, which provides a free book each month to Brooke County children between the ages of birth to 5 years of age.

Schneider noted the program helps to prepare children for school by encouraging adults to read to them at an early age and sparking an interest in books among the youth. Amos added the group has aided with "anything else that comes up that the libraries need extra money for." She noted the group currently is comprised of 67 members, but welcomes others interested in playing an active role in its activities.

After Christmas, the group will turn its attention to their annual spring meeting, which usually coincides with a special guest speaker and is open to the public. Set for April 24, the free program will feature a historian and actor appearing as legendary author Mark Twain. The guest is part of the West Virginia Humanities Council's History Alive! program. Through it, knowledgeable actors deliver a monologue as a historic figure, then answer questions from the audience, first as that figure and later as themselves. Yearly membership dues in the Friends of the Brooke County Public Libraries is $5 for a supporting member, $10 for a sustaining member, $25 for a patron member, member family or corporate member.

Amos said space is still available for anyone interested in donating a wreath. Wreaths should have a base no larger than 18 inches and be brought to the Wellsburg library by 5 p.m. Dec. 6. Arrangements can be made for wreaths to be picked up by calling (304) 527-7277.