Join Us Saturday, May 19 at 2 PM to Help Us Celebrate Our Grand Re-Opening!

The Ohio County Public Library officially opened the doors at our 16th Street location, 45 years ago, Saturday, May 19, 1973. Please join us as we celebrate the completion of our recent renovations and officially re-welcome the public to our updated facilities, recreating the ceremonies from our 1973 formal grand opening. Activities for the afternoon start at 2 pm at the 16th Street entrance with a flag raising, a singing of the National Anthem, and a ribbon-cutting, followed by a reception in the auditorium. WV Poet Laureate Marc Harshman will share a poem and memories, Dr. Charles Julian, associate university librarian at Potomac State College of West Virginia University, will deliver a brief history of the library — now celebrating its 135th year — and “Library Legend” awards will be presented!

All are welcome to attend. Cake and light refreshments will be served.

The Grand “Re-Opening” on Saturday, May 19^th will mark the beginning of the Library’s annual OCPL week, a week in which the Library aims to increase public awareness of all the great resources available to the public at the Ohio County Public Library. During OCPL Week, which runs May 19^th through the 26^th, the library will offer “fine free week” in which overdue items may be returned free of charge. In addition to special displays, daily prizes and giveaways will be awarded throughout the week, and a Family Story Time will be offered Monday night, May 21 at 6:00 pm.

On the final day of OCPL Week, Saturday, May 26, the Library invites the public to join us to celebrate the arrival of the Heinz History Center of Pittsburgh’s “We Can Do It! WWII” Traveling Exhibit. The day’s festivities will start in the library auditorium at 1 pm where cake will be served and photo ops will be available with "Rosie the Riveter." Starting at 1:30 pm, “Rosie” will sing the National Anthem, Mayor Glenn Elliot will offer introductory remarks, Heinz History Center and OCPL staff will speak about the display, and an interfaith prayer of remembrance will be offered, Post 1 American Legion Color Guard will give a presentation, and bagpiper Betsy Bethel McFarland will play Taps.

The Ohio County Public Library was one of fifteen affiliate organizations selected by the Heinz History Center to host the exhibit over a three year period, the only site in West Virginia to receive the traveling display. The exhibit, which includes artifacts, previously unseen photographs, lifelike museum figures, and large museum panels highlighting Western Pa.’s contributions to WWII, also will highlight local Wheeling-area artifacts, on loan from community members and organizations. Tours of the exhibit, which will be at the OCPL from May 26 through July 24, will be given following the program that Saturday. Learn more about the exhibit.