Kanawha County Public Library to close Marmet branch after nearly 50 years

Officials at the Kanawha County Public Library, which manages the Marmet branch, said the building’s impending closure on May 2 is because of the physical deterioration of the modular building that opened in November 1978.

“We do OK for what we have,� said Eastern Region Library Manager Gabby Cochran. “But space-wise, it just doesn’t really facilitate great comfort and service either. The staff space is really cramped ... our restroom is almost unusable. It is truly like a closet, a bare-minimum-space situation.

Library assistant Andy Blessing compared the library building to portable classrooms like those used at Herbert Hoover High School after the 2016 floods.

Cochran said maintenance and repairs have been an ongoing issue at the Marmet KCPL branch for several years. She and Blessing said there are accessibility problems with the outdoor ramp, there’s a soft spot in the floor and other issues that have library staff concerned about safety.

“It’s just come to the point where the necessary repairs to make us feel comfortable having patrons and staff in the building are just too costly for what the building itself is worth,� Cochran said.

Sarah Mitchell, assistant director of the KCPL, said there had been no incidents and that this closure is a preventative measure.

Where will Marmet library patrons go now?

Library staff emphasized that, while the building in Marmet will be gone, people will still be able to access library services.

Starting May 8, the KCPL Bookmobile will make regular Thursday stops at the current library site — from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2:30-4 p.m. Hours could change in the summer. In addition to weekly Bookmobile stops, Marmet residents may visit nearby KCPL branch locations at Riverside High School, 1 Warrior Way, Belle; and the Glasgow Municipal Building, 129 Fourth Ave., Glasgow.

KCPL officials also will keep a book drop at the former library site to be used by patrons who wish to return items.

Cochran said there are no firm plans for the Marmet library building. However, residents can expect ongoing KCPL programming at the Marmet Recreation Center, 8515 MacCorkle Ave., throughout the year.

What will happen to the books?

Cochran said other KCPL branches and the Bookmobile will take Marmet’s 2,600 books and other library materials.

“I know that a concern for some people is that we would just be losing these materials,� Mitchell said. “They’re still going to exist in the library system. They’re not going to go to waste, and they’ll still be available via our hold system, or at other branches.�

What’s the Bookmobile experience like?

Zachary Dobson, who operates the Bookmobile, said he’s looking forward to serving Marmet residents, but he hopes the town gets a dedicated library again soon.

He stressed that the Bookmobile process is similar to getting books from a branch. Except, instead of a building, patrons approach a large vehicle.

“The Bookmobile has dedicated patrons,� Dobson said. “We know everyone we’re going to see in a day. Everyone’s great.�

In his time there, he’s learned that the Bookmobile is like a whole other branch of the library, but smaller. As such, he strives to treat every person as well as he can.

“When they come onto the Bookmobile, I want them to get the same experience they get when they walk into the main library at ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä,â€� he said. “Even though we only have a fraction of the selection, they still deserve to be talked to just as much, shown around, be told about the services.â€�

What’s next?

Mitchell said the KCPL board is interested in the Upper Kanawha Valley’s potential, and it’s considering more library options for the region. However, she added that a new library branch comes with its own challenges, even if they were donated a space.

“To move into a location takes a lot of resources,� she said. “We don’t have the shelving. There’s a lot more things that go into a library than just the items themselves.�

But she added that she’ll remain positive about the future of library services.

“I’m hopeful,� Mitchell said. “We care, and we want to ensure we’re providing services to the best of our ability.�