WORK IN PROGRESS — Workers with 3D Construction-USA continued their remodeling job on the Brooke County Public Library’s Follansbee Branch’s front foyer. -- Christopher Dacanay

WELLSBURG — The history of the Brooke County Public Libraries dates to the late 1890s, having grown out of public groups that wanted a “receptacle of knowledge,” according to Director Alexandra Schneider.

The system’s main library in Wellsburg was constructed in 1971 and dedicated a year later, Schneider said. In the early 1990s, the system added its Follansbee Branch — occupying a Main Street building owned by the city of Follansbee, where it’s been for nearly three decades.

Directed by a five-member, Brooke County-appointed board of trustees, the system employs 15 full-time and part-time staff members. The system is quasi-governmental; it’s not a county department, but it is subject to some state regulations and relies on public funding, such as Brooke County’s social services levy and state aid.

The “receptacle of knowledge” isn’t just a channel for books, according to Schneider. It offers audio e-books, DVDs, Wi-Fi hotspots, patron computers and free notary services. The system’s Library of Things offers materials one might use only once or twice during their lifetime. Individuals can check out items such as baking pans and then return them to the library. The system hosts various programs, including Geri-Fit, Tai Chi, craft classes and a growing kids’ Dungeons and Dragons group.

Schneider, who’s served as library director for the past 10 years, said of the system’s offerings: “I want to be seen as that I have something for everybody, that I’m not leaving somebody out, that I am there for the community and I’m servicing everybody the best I can with the limited resources that we have.”

DIRECTOR — Brooke County Public Libraries Director Alexandra Schneider sat at her desk in the system’s main library in Wellsburg. -- Christopher Dacanay

The libraries are always striving to improve, remain relevant and grow more inviting for patrons, Schneider said. Aiding in that mission are ongoing renovations at the Follansbee Branch. Made possible through several partnerships and funding awards, the renovations are ensuring that the branch is not forgotten and effectively serves the community.

Renovations have been needed at the branch for years, Schneider noted. Because it’s owned by the library itself, the main library has typically received the biggest renovation projects — including two expansions in the early 2000s and 2017, coupled with additional repairs.

Schneider said the city-owned Follansbee Branch building ended up with the shorter end of the stick.

That began to change around the summer of 2023, when the building’s HVAC system began failing.

Both between 25 and 30 years old, the branch’s two HVAC units were in “dire need” of replacing, following some temporary fixes in the past, Schneider said.

During the summer, one unit ceased cooling entirely.

The branch persevered, Schneider said, but relief was needed going forward.

That came in the form of West Virginia’s Library Facilities Improvement Fund, which offered a pot of money to library improvement projects in the form of matching grants.

Schneider spent the fall rushing to obtain bids for the HVAC project — the system’s biggest hindrance at the time — and a single bid came in from Follansbee-based Mark’s Heating and Cooling.

The city put its support behind the project, submitting a letter of intent to put up half the required funds, and the project got its state matching grant in January.

Mark’s Heating and Cooling got the new HVAC system installed, lifting materials up and down stairs and ladders in the absence of an elevator.

However, supply and demands issues raised costs by about $5,000, an amount that had yet to be covered.

Around that time, Schneider said the West Virginia Department of Education suggested school boards offer funding to their local libraries, as they support area youth.

Brooke County Schools heeded that suggestion and inquired of Schneider what projects needed funding. That partnership allowed the system to fully finance its HVAC repairs.

“It’s amazing because it’s very hard to lobby for funds from any of your local services,” Schneider said. “School boards are dealing with the same thing libraries are — you have multiple buildings, you have employees that you’re taking care of. So, being able to say that they can help support another entity that’s in their area because you support the youth that they also service, it’s hard to do. “They actually approached us, and they were able that fiscal year to give us some additional funds.”

Schneider recalled how that summer of 2023 was the dawn of the system’s partnership with Follansbee, as well as the library board’s own investment in the branch.

It began with outdoor, metal picnic tables that the board purchased for the branch’s courtyard. City employees installed the tables and gutted the space, giving it new mulch and clearing the Walk to Knowledge Path. The courtyard is much improved, Schneider said, adding that she intends to bolster the space with an outdoor, plastic caterpillar donated by family members of the late Library Director Dolores Antigo.

Since then, the board has put up its own funding for additional projects at the branch: Redoing the rear handicap-accessible ramp and installing a new railing, as well as adding new lighting for staff who use the back entrance.

“It was a space that was not cared for,” Schneider said, adding, “It was needing (work) so that you could walk into the front foyer of the building, and it’s clean, it looks nice, there’s nice paint on the wall. Lean and inviting — that’s what we’re doing right now with that project.”

On top of that, Schneider said an insurance inspection revealed the branch’s ceiling tiles needed an overhaul.

A private donor, who had noticed the library’s HVAC work, stepped forward and paid for new ceiling tiles. Another private donor paid for paint to spruce up the drop ceiling grid.

Individuals with the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley helped install some of the tiles during the agency’s Day of Caring, but certain sections have yet to be completed.

The system is a United Way agency, Schneider noted, expressing gratitude for the continued funding and support the United Way provides.

The branch is undergoing major cosmetic renovations to its front entrance foyer.

A leak issue left parts of the area damaged, and although necessary repairs were made, evidence of the damage could still be seen.

Now, Schneider said crews are working to repair the front entrance’s failing ramp, redoing the flooring and reconfiguring the space to suit more shelves. Work is anticipated to conclude within the next couple of months.

Schneider estimated that the board has invested more than $30,000 of its own funds in the improvements to the Follansbee Branch in the last year.

She said that demonstrates the board’s commitment to having a branch in Follansbee, in close proximity to residents who may not be able travel to the Wellsburg library.

Keeping the branch good and hospitable for patrons is a priority, and it will take continued cooperation with the building’s owner, the city of Follansbee, Schneider said.

The goal of that “symbiotic” relationship moving forward will be keeping on top of repairs so that projects never again pile up. It’s an “apple a day keeps the doctor away” strategy, Schneider added.

“We need the city to help us continue making sure that the branch is there. We’re showing the community that their city values, as well as us, the access to a public library.”

Just like with its programs, the system aspires to maintain the Follansbee Branch’s relevancy and longevity.

Efforts to that end have gone a long way, Schneider said, and they will hopefully go further if the state reintroduces the Library Facilities Improvement Fund.

“We’re hoping that these little projects and side things really bring (the branch) together to provide a welcoming segment for the families the area to approach and actually have fun at our facility,” Schneider said. “We’re welcoming, we’re open and we’re using public resources and public connections correctly enough that our community is going to see the positives in everything that’s been happening.”