By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
DAVIS – Supporters and friends of the Mountaintop Public Library gathered again this year for a Garden Party to raise fund for the library and its building fund. Those at the event not only enjoyed the party, but had the opportunity to bid on some wonderful art and items.
“This is an amazing event and everything here is donated. Blackwater, Canaan, White Grass and Sirianni’s donate all the food. The incredible artists in the area give us art for a silent auction. Everything we make at the Garden Party is profit and goes toward our new building fund,” said Karen Peterson.
Katie Morvay said the Friends not only work to help with everyday expenses of the library, but also for the business center and for the building fund.
“We are hoping to expand on the summer reading programs and the business center,” Morvay said. “The Friends are very intent on helping the library. You could not ask for a better group of trustees. We are located next to the school and we plan to stay next to the school (Davis Thomas Elementary Middle School.) Yesterday the Grant County Bank gave us $5,000 toward our new building fund.”
Library Director Yvonne Martinez said libraries are much different now.
“Libraries have computers, ebooks and Kindles,” Martinez said. “We have a book club and even thought we are tiny and do not offer as much as some libraries, we do great things. I am working with the DTEMS staff and have been visiting the classrooms asking the teachers when they will bring the students to the library. It is important for me that kids not just read the books they need for school, but learn to read for fun.”
Martinez said she feels it is an honor to help people when they need to do something important.
“About 30 percent of the people in Tucker County are part time residents and they are eligible for a library card,” she said. “I allow people who come and visit here to have a library card. It’s all about service. We have a business center and a copy machine that does a lot of stuff.”
Martinez said the Mountaintop Library is just amazing.
The Mountaintop Public Library is located at 384 2nd St. in Thomas near the Davis Thomas Elementary Middle School. Additional information is available by calling 304-463-4582 or online at mountaintop.lib.wv.us/.