Wellman library asks volunteers to help with move

WELLMAN — The Wellman Public Library will spend this week moving back into its new and improved original building next to city hall, after months of renovations expanded the space to more than double its previous size.

Library Director Cary Geno said it was a long-anticipated date for the building’s staff and patrons.

“We’re excited,” she said. “The new remodel space is gorgeous and we just are really excited to finally be getting back in there, setting everything back up, and reopening it for our community.”

The library has asked volunteers to help carry book boxes, shelves and other materials from its temporary location at the Driscoll Building about a block and a half away. Moving dates are Feb. 12-14 from noon to 8 p.m., and Feb. 15-16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Geno asked those interested to call ahead for planning purposes, but welcomed anyone to show up for any amount of time, with or without an RSVP.

“There’s a fair amount of heavy lifting involved,” she said. “It is open for anyone to come and join us during those times, there is no need to reserve a spot.”

The library will be closed from Feb. 12-22, according to Geno, who said it would take longer than just the moving days to prepare the building for the public. The $830,000 project got a huge boost from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation in November of 2022, which financed about three quarters of the work. Construction started shortly after the grant was announced, and ran slightly behind schedule due to material delivery delays, according to library staff.

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