SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 27
(By Senators Cann, Facemire, Stollings, Kessler (Mr. President), Unger, D. Hall and Plymale)
Recognizing the Southern Area Public Library, recipient of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s 2013 Best Small Library in America.
Whereas, The Southern Area Public Library, located in Lost Creek, West Virginia, is under the direction of Mary Beth Stenger; and
Whereas, Of the 175 public libraries in West Virginia, the Southern Area Public Library is the smallest with a service population of 498; and
Whereas, Since 1984, the Southern Area Public Library has been located in a former bank building facing Main Street, and has seen technology updates, new books and movies, renovations and a flow of nearly eight thousand people through its doors; and
Whereas, The Southern Area Public Library holds 10,706 books and videos, houses eight computers, serves as a meeting place for a book club, knitting group and children’s art classes and offers programs that the entire community can participate in, all of which make it a central gathering place for the citizens of Lost Creek; and
Whereas, Because of its activity, energy, growth and community engagement, the Southern Area Public Library was chosen as the 2013 Best Small Library in America by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and was awarded a prize of $20,000; and
Whereas, With the recognition afforded to it by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Southern Area Public Library, which has already been transformed from a good, traditional public library into a modern, bustling center of community activity, information and learning, will now be able to further its progression and its community initiatives; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the Southern Area Public Library, recipient of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s 2013 Best Small Library in America; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate acknowledges the dedication and commitment of Mary Beth Stenger in making the Southern Area Public Library the heart of Lost Creek and something that all West Virginians should be proud of; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Mary Beth Stenger, Director of the Southern Area Public Library.