Congratulations are in order for the city of Princeton and the many volunteers and supporters who have helped make the long-awaited new Princeton Public Library a stunning reality.
An impressive crowd of hundreds crowded Mercer Street last Saturday to be a part of the historic opening. The new and improved library is now located in the building that once housed the city’s post office.
The new library has been a dream several years in the making for the city of Princeton. Its opening represents a culmination of the personal drive of Dink Stafford and the late Emilie Holroyd, the financial support of the H.P. Hunnicutt Foundation, the H.I. Shott Jr. Foundation, the Stafford family, Kendrick family, Bowling family, Carper family, city of Princeton, the West Virginia USDA Rural Development and John Q. Public, according to Robert Holroyd, who addressed the large crowd during Saturday’s official opening.
The new library itself is now located in a building that is almost 80 years old.
Boggess Architects of Princeton, the architects who directed the transformation of the historic structure, have called it “a blessing” to be able to work with contractors, suppliers and firms in Mercer County to bring the long-awaited renovation to fruition. “This was all local people on this project,” Todd Boggess said. “I think everybody stepped up and did a great job.”
In terms of the adaptive reuse of a historic building, Boggess said the historic structure met all the requirements of achieving designation on the National Register of Historic Buildings. “I think it represents a great combination of the old and the new,” Boggess said during Saturday’s grand opening celebration.
In terms of the new, there is plenty to be excited about, including wireless Internet on site with a computer lab and 20 computers for public use; and in-library cafe; a nursery as well as a place especially designed for teenagers complete with booth-style seating; a local history room called the “West Virginia Room” featuring materials relating to genealogy, local history, and works from authors native to West Virginia; and an overall environment that is open and supportive of children.
All those who played a role — big or small — in helping to make this new library a reality is to be applauded for their efforts. This includes Connie Shumate, the library director who oversaw the seemingly impossible task of the library relocation project in just a few short years.
According to Princeton City Manager Wayne Shumate, the library relocation has been a “team effort” since day one. With the help of a benevolent community, and support from other state, local and community foundations, the new library is now a welcomed reality for Princeton.
There are few things more important in life than a love of reading. A public library is a treasure trove of inscribes — including books, magazines and even newspapers — that can enrich the lives of both young and old alike.
It is our hope that all of Princeton, and Mercer County, will take advantage of the new and improved Princeton Public Library.
Editorials
September 2, 2010
Dream realized — New library a welcome addition
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