THE PETERSBURG Community Library was tucked away in the back corner of a treasure shop, Junk and Stuff, on the south side of Petersburg’s square. The small library with a big heart recently got a big boost when Warren Gill offered a historical space for relocation—the old Morgan School’s library! It was an offer that was too good for volunteer librarian Carol Lee to refuse.
From August through November 2022, Lee and area volunteers worked tirelessly to restore the room’s functionality. A sneak peek in October, and an open house in December revealed the renovations to the public and showcased the growing collections and services offered.
The atmosphere is inviting and ageless— a home to serendipity. The children’s section includes a cozy storytime platform, a lighted waterfall, and a tree filled with surprises. Across the room, a seating area by a fireplace heater creates the perfect spot for reading or conversation.
The attention to detail causes you to linger, looking closely to avoid missing anything.
Presently open Friday and Saturday only, Lee is recruiting volunteers, and the library will eventually be open more days during the week.
A table in the history section offers a rotating project, so you’ll want to check it each time you visit. While today it holds a coloring sheet where all ages can add their creative touch, on another day, it might be a jigsaw puzzle to work on or a game of dominoes waiting.
“Sometimes it’ll just be left empty because it’s right next to our local history section. As soon as I find someone who loves history and likes to organize, it’ll be a nice place to sit down and flip through the photo or newspaper-clipping albums. A lot of people come in looking for information about their family, so it will be a great resource,” Lee said.
She continued, “The idea is always to have something different going on so that it’s not always the same old thing because you get bored. It’s the same thing with the kids. The kids have two activity tables. On one of them, as we start building up our Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) resources, I want to have a weekly STEM challenge. So fundamentally, I want them to read, but I also want them to have fun while doing it.”
There are plans for outdoor STEM activities, too.
“We’re going to have a seed library, and I’ve put together a grant request for a kid’s garden inside the little fenced-in area. I want to have raised beds where they can garden at the library if they can’t do it at home. They can also learn about a plant’s life cycle there,” Lee said.
“I’m constantly trying to get new and updated books into our library. We’re slow going because we’re dependent upon donations for everything. We have wish lists on Amazon and Thrift Books. Our teen section must be updated the most because we only have about 30 books for our teens.”
Classes for all ages are also in the planning stages, such as homesteading-related classes like identifying wild, edible herbs and preparing bread starters.
The library is the first of many good things to come in the old Morgan School. Visit soon and find your treasureat the small library with a big heart. GN
