Staff at the Craig County Public Library said that 2024 seemed to rapidly fly by. The library’s 2024 event calendar overflowed with an abundance of free activities for the community and as the library staff reflected on 2024 in preparation for 2025 they described being overwhelmed with gratitude and believed the multitudes of genuine kindness, support, and generosity from our tremendous community should be recognized! “Without the outpouring of donations, volunteers, and support numerous library events, programs, and activities would have been impossible. We hope to continue the library’s positive growth and momentum throughout 2025 with new and innovative events and programs that remain free or low-cost for our community,” explained Michaela Crawford, Craig County Public Library’s program coordinator.
The Craig County Public Library takes time annually and as needed to evaluate the needs of the community and how they can best serve those needs. “One of our primary goals for 2024 was community outreach and involvement. We recognized many families and individuals were feeling the pinch with their finances. Finding affordable and even more rarely, free activities for you and your family has become nearly impossible, however, the public library system has always been and will remain a free and affordable resource for all of Craig County as well as those just passing through,” stated Library Director Letha Hibbitts.
The library started two new programs in 2024 that were both met with appreciation, immediate voluntary contributions, and unprecedented program participation. “Letha and I began training last year in February through Feeding Southwest Virginia to participate in the Summer Feeding Program. The program’s goal is to provide children with free meals when they are not receiving meals during the school year.” The summer feeding program provided 10 breakfasts and lunches, as well as 20 milks per eligible child in each registered household every two weeks. “We met our challenges as you do when you start a new program, working out the kinks, but the program overall was a huge success and it allowed us to tie in our Summer Reading Program resulting in the highest participation in all age groups since the Craig County Public Library opened its doors in 2004,” said Crawford.
The library’s second and most recently successful new program was the Community Essentials Market held in December. “The library discussed a gap we recognized in holiday assistance. Many programs require families to fall within a certain income guideline meaning many were unable to receive assistance and we wanted a program for everyone, but particularly those who fell in that gap,” explained Hibbitts. Because of local donors and volunteers, the Craig County Public Library’s first Community Essentials Market was a huge success! 35 “essentials baskets,” filled to the brim with toiletries, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, and paper products were given to families as well as 75 food bags and other additional food and toiletry items. In total, 207 community members were able to “shop,” our new and gently used items for FREE which included clothing, shoes, home/holiday décor, toys, books as well as movies all while they enjoyed a complimentary cup of hot cocoa (with marshmallows too!).
“Letha and I can’t wait to see what 2025 brings in the ways we continue to grow and learn from our community. We hope we are headed in the right direction to ensure our little library is described by everyone as a definite pillar of our community,” said Crawford. The library staff described how moved they were by the number of local businesses, private donors, and community members who immediately supported and contributed to the Community Essentials Market. “There were so many local businesses and individuals that without hesitation asked how they could help, what we needed, etc. The number of people we were able to help over the holiday season as well as throughout the year is due to their generosity,” said Hibbitts.
The Craig County Public Library staff described a journey of growth with community involvement and enrichment. “I truly believe the more shared experiences a community has the stronger the community becomes. We are beyond thankful for those who put their trust in us and for those who have allowed our mission to become theirs as well. We are certain we will continue the same momentum while fostering our continued commitment to our community,” said Crawford.
The Craig County Public Library would again like to thank the following businesses, private donors, and community members for their support, donations, time, generosity and kindness:
Dawn Perkey (Lemon and Vale Cakery), Pete French (Mountain Masonic Lodge Members), Maiya Ashby (Craig-Botetourt Electric Company), Carol Owens (Pine Top Restaurant), Gary Longer (Food Country, USA), Angie Guthrie (Erie Insurance), Stacey Fisher (Market Street Pharmacy), Anonymous local business owner, Caitlyn Reynolds (Family Dollar), Joanna Hutchison (Farmer’s and Merchant’s Bank), Vickie Moore (Helems True Value), Rural Health Board (Craig County Health and Dental Center), April Hall (Paint Bank General Store), Alyssa Carper (MKB Realtors), John Crawford and Pat Crawford (Crawford Oil Company), Ben and Josie Flinchum (Cold Creek Sawmill and Forestry), Olivia Slusher (Liv Alive Photography) Julie Huffman (Paitsel Funeral Home), Adam and Sandy Sowder (Highclere Hall), Jennifer Wiseman (All About You Hair Salon), Tiffany Dennis (CHIP of the Roanoke Valley), Firehouse Skate and Play (Vinton), Red Robin (Valley View), Cindy and Roger Martin (Community Christmas Store of the Roanoke Valley), Leslie and Lanelle Fisher, Tiffany Fuller, Lynn Elmore, Amber Blake, Ellen Frank, Morghan Beller, Jaden Hibbitts, Ashlynn Arthurs, Braxton Hibbitts, Gage Watkins, Christopher, Langley, Rylen, Baryn, and Jemisyn Crawford, Jeremy Stanley, Craig County Public Library FOL members, Craig County Public Library Board, Kiva the puppy, and last but definitely not least all of our supportive library patrons and community members.
-The New Castle Record
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