By Tabitha Johnston, The Shepherdstown Chronicle
SHEPHERDSTOWN — Long before federal funding began to be threatened at libraries across the nation, as has become the case over the past few months, a group of five determined community members had recognized the need for increased support for their library, at the local level. They joined forces together to form the Nourishing Literacy Giving Circle in 2017 and, since then, have welcomed many other community members into their organization.
“We’re a support group for the library,” said founding member and Nourishing Literacy Giving Circle Coordinator Linda Spatig. “The idea is, we each have to make a pledge, like you do with public broadcasting, to contribute so much per month. That has really worked out well over time.”
Collectively, they have raised a substantial amount of money for the Shepherdstown Public Library, according to library director Christy Hagerty.
“Last year, the giving circle contributed $25,820 — that’s actually eight percent of our total budget. Without the giving circle, we would not be able to operate, but with their help we have been able to not only operate, but also thrive,” Hagerty said. “We’re always adding new materials and new opportunities for our community — which is really what it is about. We’re not just here to be here. We’re trying to engage the community and give us new opportunities.”