It is a “station” and not a “branch” because it has a smaller collection, is supported financially in part by the community in which it is located, is staffed by volunteer or non-library funded employees, and has limited hours of operation.  Library Stations operate as part of the Augusta County Library system and follow their basic policies.

     Through grants from the Gates Foundation, two new Internet computers were added in 2000 to Craigsville and one in Deerfield.

     The two communities continue to support their library stations with generous donations of time, money, books, and services.  The gifts that keep the stations alive, however, are enthusiasm, pride, and community spirit.

     If you are interested in donating materials or becoming a volunteer, please let us know!

History of Craigsville Library Station

     Located more than 25 miles distant from a library, the residents of Deerfield and later Craigsville recognized the need for more library service than the bookmobile could provide and approached the Augusta County Library for help.  When a new bookmobile was purchased in 1981, the retired vehicle was parked next to the Deerfield Elementary School as an experiment to serve the Deerfield community as a library. 

     In 1983 the old bookmobile  was moved across North Mountain from Deerfield to serve as a “station” for the Town of Craigsville.  Learning from the Deerfield experience, the vehicle was provided with a reliable source of electricity, was parked next to the Craigsville Fire Department, and served the community for ten years, staffed entirely by local volunteers. 

      When the Craigsville Fire Department planned to expand their building and needed the ground the station sat upon, a new home was sought.  We first moved the vehicle next to the Craigsville Ruritan building but not only was the location fairly remote, but the old vehicle had sprouted a leaking roof and the community usage had outgrown the small collection and limited services it could provide. 

      After lengthy searching, an old stone building was rented by the Town of Craigsville.  With the help of local residents Fontaine Stone and Joyce Overton, the empty space was converted into a cozy library. 44 N. Craig St. has been the station’s home since July 30, 1994.

      Using the successful Deerfield Library Station as a model, a similar collection was established in Craigsville.  Once again, the Friends of the Library provided the photocopier and other needed monies.  The spirit of giving is alive and well in the Craigsville community; Craigsville locals have donated needed goods and services. Several fund raisers have been successful and helped provide new rugs and furniture.

     Volunteers Nell Nicholas and Lottie Revis kept the Station open at least 20 hours a week since the station's move to 44 N. Craig Street. Nell Nicholas passed away on February 25, 2005. She is sorely missed by her community and by Augusta County Library staff, patrons, and volunteers.

      The Station is currently manned by one staff member, Ed Furrow, and two volunteers, Buck Kent and Linda Ellinger. They coordinate their schedules to keep it open at least 20 hours a week. Children’s programming is so important to the community that the Town also rents the adjacent store for the library’s use for special programs.