MORGANTOWN — As someone in charge of six old buildings crammed full of paper, Morgantown Public Library System Executive Director Sarah Cranstoun doesn’t love the phrase ‘putting out fires’ to describe the regular plot twists that come with her job.
“We try not to say ‘fire’ out loud, because that’s about the only thing we haven’t had to deal with,” she told The Dominion Post.
Fair enough.
However you want to phrase it, more and more of the Morgantown Public Library System’s time and resources are being consumed of late keeping the system’s six facilities up to the task of housing a community asset that’s grown far beyond books on a shelf.
In 2024 alone, the system passed out more than 2,800 new library cards, provided more than 10,000 computer sessions and loaned out just over 171,000 physical items (that’s not to mention 178,500 digital borrows).
Further, some 11,326 people of all ages spent time in a library participating in 650 programs systemwide.
“We’ve definitely been in building crisis management mode for a number of years now. Most of the significant renovations to the library buildings happened in the mid-90s, so we’re 30 years out from any of those changes,” Cranstoun said. “We’ve had to deal with some big crisis type needs, like replacing the elevator, the sewage issues that we’ve had. We know we’re going to need a new roof at the Cheat Library. So, we want to be able to prioritize a good balance between the maintenance projects and improvement projects. Recently, it’s been maintenance and repairs and not a lot of improvement.”
So, the MPLS has engaged Margaret Sullivan Studios and libraryIQ to come in and take a good look around.
The consultants will conduct a deep dive into all things MPLS – from data collection to site visits to finances before issuing a final report, likely in late summer.
“We’re all really excited about the process. Our first visit will be focused on the future of library programming and what kind of spaces do we envision to hold the types of programs that our community wants to take part in,” Cranstoun said. “There will be stakeholder and community engagement. There will be lots of opportunities for all of Mon County to participate in both in-person workshops and activities as well as online surveys and things like that. We want as much input as we can get because our goal, if we do any major renovations to any building, is about drawing in more people.”
Along with the main Morgantown branch and neighboring Aull Center, on Spruce Street, the library system also includes the Arnettsville, Cheat Area, Clay-Battelle and Clinton District branches.
The main branch building was originally constructed in the 1950s. A second floor was added in the 90s. The Clay-Battelle branch was designed to be a temporary solution in 1974. It remains in use.
“Even the simple things. Trying to find an outlet in most of our buildings is an issue. When we have to add one more piece of technology, the first question is always ‘Can we plug it in?’” Cranstoun said. “The way people use libraries has changed drastically over the years and the buildings need to reflect that … None of our spaces are very flexible. What we’re looking for is ways to make more adaptable spaces, so that as we change the programs we offer, the space can accommodate that. The more formal, quiet, large-table study spaces are less and less in demand.”
The Morgantown Public Library System has an operating budget of roughly $2.3 million this year. Of that, about $1 million is coming from the city of Morgantown. Another $600,000 will be generated through the countywide library levy. The state will contribute $600,000 and $80,000 is provided by the Monongalia County Board of Education. The rest is a combination of grants, donations/fundraising and fees.
