WREATHS AND MORE — Alex Schneider, left, director of Brooke County Public Libraries; and Linda Amos, treasurer of the Friends of Brooke County Public Libraries, prepare for the volunteer group’s second-annual Festival of Wreaths, set to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday in the Wellsburg Library’s River Room. In addition to a silent auction for assorted wreaths, the event will include the sale of a variety of baked goods. Working with Amos on the event are Susie Mullenbach, Patty Elcessor, Margaret Jean Sheperd and Heather Dunn. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — Area residents will have an opportunity to bid on a variety of festive wreaths or purchase a wide assortment of baked goods during the Friends of Brooke County Public Libraries’ second-annual Festival of Wreaths, set to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the River Room of the Wellsburg Library.

More than 30 wreaths will be on display.

Linda Amos, treasurer for the Friends group, said the selection of wreaths will be expanded this year to include seasonal wreaths in addition to Christmas wreaths.

Visitors will be invited to enter silent bids for each, with a minimum bid determined by the size and materials used.

In addition, there will be a baked goods sale, a feature that was equally popular last year when the event debuted.

Among the many treats sold were banana nut bread, pecan scones, pizzelles and nut rolls.

Amos said there will be hot foods for sale, including hot dogs and chili dogs, while a local crafter will sell hand-made greeting cards to benefit the libraries.

The Friends of Brooke County Public Libraries welcomes donations of wreaths and baked goods, which should be brought to the library before 5 p.m. on Friday.

The wreaths, which should be no more than 18 inches wide, can be picked up. Arrangements can be made by calling (304) 527-7277.

Alex Schneider, the libraries’ director, said last year’s event was a huge success, raising more than $900 for special programs held at the Wellsburg and Follansbee libraries to address various interests of youth and adults.

Library programs and services supported by the volunteer group have included screenings of a variety of films, which require a licensing fee; and hot spots, mobile internet access devices that may be checked out by anyone with a library card.

Schneider said the group has helped with various needs throughout the year.

Following Christmas, members will prepare for their annual meeting, which includes a presentation by a guest speaker that is open to the public.

Tapped to speak for the April 23 program is Becky Park of the West Virginia Humanities Council’s History Alive! program, who will portray Army Col. Ruby Bradley.

A West Virginia native, Bradley was a military nurse captured by the Japanese during World War II who continued to aid her fellow troops in a Prisoner of War camp.

History Alive! programs involve the speaker sharing the story of a historic figure as that person, then answering questions from the audience “in character” and as him- or herself.

Amos said the Friends of Brooke County Public Libraries welcomes new members, with yearly dues ranging from $5 to $25. Applications can be obtained at the libraries’ circulation desks.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)