Pam Dudding-Burch
Contributing writer
For many in Craig, the library has become a place synonymous with information, computers, videos, friendship and much more. Trustees and new staff changes always bring in “new blood and idea” for the establishment.
Much has been done over the last several years to get it up as well as keep it going. Ideas have been suggested, and the staff jumped on everyone they could to make improvements for area citizens.
Now, it’s time for a change again. While it has been an exciting time to serve as a trustee for Craig’s library, the two-year terms for Marge Lewter, Jay Polen and Martha Dillard come to an end next month.
They all have worked hard to bring interesting programs to locals and steer the library in new directions. Norma Frango (Vice-president) and Anita Martindell (Treasurer) expressed how grateful they are for all the community support over the past year.
President Dr. Marge Lewter is a local veterinarian whose solo practice and other responsibilities at home and in the community keep her plenty busy. Since the library was first established in the little building on Main Street in 2004, Marge has volunteered her time to make a difference. She has served two terms on the board of trustees.
Jay Polen, a former teacher, has been in charge of reaching out to school children with opportunities for writing and reading. Prizes are available to be won as well.
In recent summers, he has arranged to give books away at the Salem baseball games and get tickets so that families can attend for free. There have also been some autographed baseballs given to summer readers at the library the past few years. This program will continue through the summer of 2018.
Martha Dillard has been raising money for the library by painting barn quilts. So far, the project has brought in $10,600 to the library over almost four years. She will continue with the barn quilts after she retires from the board in June. While a trustee, she has been the secretary and filled in on other projects as well.
“Library trustees are powerful advocates for libraries,” Lewter shared. “Through the coordination, hard work and determination of trustees, a competent staff serves the community.”
Lewter added: “They coordinate the ‘Friends of the Library’ which raises funds to supplement the annual budget. Trustees develop the library mission and plan for the future. New respect has been generated for the powerful role our library plays through our mission to connect resources with individuals to build a stronger community.”
The Craig County Public Library has an annual meeting each May for the election of new board members, and it is considered an honor to be nominated for election to the Board of Trustees by the Friends of the Library.
It will be held on May 22 at the Old Brick Hotel at 6:30 p.m. The speaker is Dr. Mary McDonald, author of The Magnet, and a veterinarian, international aid worker, mentor, spiritual director, deacon, speaker, wife, and mother of two children. She and her husband Jack live on a historic farm in Catawba, Virginia.
“Come join us as everyone is invited to hear a brief summary of the library’s year and see what it’s all about while enjoying some refreshments,” various locals said.
