HISTORY OF THE

                                                      HANNAN PUBLIC LIBRARY

          The Hannan Public Library was dedicated in April of 1986.  It is situated on land leased from the Mason County School Board and it is adjacent to Hannan High School on Ashton-Upland Road, which is eight miles south of Ashton, West Virginia off of Route #2.  Its cost of $35,000 was shared by an anonymous donor and the West Virginia Library Commission.

         It was originally 16' x 40' which severely restricted its use. An addition was added in 1989.  This addition was funded with $13,895 raised by the Friends of the Hannan Public Library.  Matching funds from the West Virginia Library Commission helped to make the project a reality.

         The library was originally used by the students of the former Hannan Elementary which did not have a library.   Consolidation of Hannan Elementary and Sunnyside Elementary into the current Ashton Elementary curtailed the daily class visits, however, the library is used by the students of Hannan High School.  Special arrangements are made with the librarian for classes to visit the library and do research on various topics. This has worked out quite well for all involved. The library is not only used by students of all ages.  Adult participation has steadily grown over the years and now the adult circulation is outstanding.

          Story Hour is provided by the librarian each Wednesday between the months of September and May.  A successful summer reading program is offered each year from the beginning of June until the end of July.

          The library recently received (4) computer stations from the Gates Foundation.  Many computer programs and internet use are now available to members of the Hannan community.

            In the fall of 2000 construction began on the addition of a meeting room to the library. It was completed in April of 2001.  This is a very large room and will be used for Story Hour and Summer Reading Program activities.  It may be used by clubs and organizations.   Individuals may make arrangements to use the room for private functions such as baby showers, wedding showers, etc.  This is the first and only facility of this kind that has been available to residents of the Hannan area.  This was made possible by the funding, work and time of the following:  Mason County Commission, Mason County Library Board, Library Director: Mary Horn, Library Board President and Mason County Clerk: Diana Cromley, Mason County Financial Director: John Gerlach and Mason County Maintenance Men: Rick Blazer and Don Johnson.  Special thanks to the Mason County Board of Education.  Funding for the furnishings for the new room was obtained by West Virginia House of Delegates members: Mike Hall and Lisa Smith.  Funding for two special Story Hour rugs was provided by Mr. Jack Wilson of Putnam County Bank and Lonnie and Garnet Gribble. Community member Nancy Glenn also provided much time and effort in obtaining funding for the library project.           

          As you can see, the library has made great strides since it first opened its doors in 1986.  We now have almost 10,000 books.  We keep all the current bestsellers and the children's shelves are overflowing with wonderful books to help them grow and improve their reading skills.   Please come in and support the Hannan Public Library. Remember, this library belongs to you!                   

                          THIS PAGE IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF HENRIETTA FOARD WHO WAS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE CONCEPTION AND REALITY OF THE HANNAN PUBLIC LIBRARY.   WITH  DEDICATED MEMBERS OF THE FRIENDS OF THE HANNAN PUBLIC LIBRARY, HENRIETTA LEFT A LASTING LEGACY TO THIS COMMUNITY.  

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                                                            This site maintained by the librarian,  Hannan Public Library