Ronda Wertman Special to the News Tribune KEYSER - With opportunities and activities for all ages making the libraries in Keyser, Burlington and Fort Ashby vital parts of the local communities, the library system is once again having to reach out to those communities for financial support. The board of directors for the Mineral County Public Library system recently explained that, in 2020, the library was given a waiver from its required match for state funding due to COVID-19 limitations. “This waiver from the state made it possible for the system of libraries to continue offering as many services as possible during a national pandemic,” said the library board in a letter to local businesses.
Libraries open back up, offer more than books Ronda Wertman Special to the News Tribune It’s an exciting time for Mineral County’s libraries as hours are expanding and new programs are opening up. After a year of reduced hours and modified services due to COVID-19 safety restrictions, the libraries are opening their doors more and more while still maintaining social distancing and taking extra precautions. In Keyser, the new hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Tuesday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. “The Children’s librarian/programmer at Keyser has been working hard putting together a thrilling “May Mystery Program!” said Heather Haynes, library director. “The kids are going to solve the mystery of a missing cartoon character. The premise for the program is that the librarians need the children’s help with a mystery that’s occurred at the library.”