One day, a large RV pulled into our small parking lot. A man hopped out and strode to the library entrance. He began by asking our librarian, Carla, about campgrounds and road conditions. She directed him to a public campground, located some distance away and described carefully how to get there.
Our visitor was lively and friendly, so I asked him where he was from. He replied, gesturing toward the RV in the parking lot, “That’s my home for the past 17 years. I retired in 2000 and have been on the road ever since. I have crossed the country ten times, and I live on the road. “
I know a lot of folks who dream of running away in an RV, but this guy had actually done it and was thriving. He purchased a couple of paperbacks from our shelf and merrily exited the building. I followed him out the door as he left and asked if I could take his picture. He posed in front of his home with his book, and yes, he did turn it around expertly to exit towards the campground.
During the summer, many exciting characters drop into the library. They know that a library has locals who are willing to help them, a public restroom and air conditioning for a cool break. They also know that resources can always be found in a library from maps and computers to charging stations for their cell phones.
Thanks to Barn Quilts for Books and artist, Martha Dillard, Craig is a growing destination for Barn Quilt tours. Maps available at the library are continually being updated as new quilts appear on the landscape. They are not only beautiful, but each one has a family story to tell.
Sometimes backpackers stop in and ask the librarian to store their backpacks under her desk for a while. Sometimes drivers stop in for directions. One day, a woman was following her GPS to Newport, Virginia, when she really wanted to go to Newport News. She needed a lot of help! Bicyclists welcome a place to take a refreshing break and have lunch.
On Sunday, May 27, the Mountains of Misery will attract bicyclists from all over the country for a race up and down our scenic byways. Each year, they use the library lot as a rest and first aid stop before riders continue their 125-mile ride around the county. We sometimes take our scenery for granted, but bicyclists and hikers can really absorb the beauty with a slower pace.
Come and stay a while and I promise you will meet an interesting character at the Craig County Public Library. Or it is possible that you are the interesting character that others will meet?
Library news:
●Board of Trustees meeting, June 11 at 6 p.m. at the library.
●Hill Studios Preliminary Plans for Library/Community center/Tourism center are available at the library. Tell us what you think!
●Bake sale at Memorial Day service in New Castle to benefit the library.
Library wish list:
●New Friends of the Library and Volunteers.
●Young readers to buy books at the library-Browse the book barns with your summer reading list.
●Volunteers to bake items for bake sale- contact craiglibrary@swva.net
-Dr. Marge Letter
