ELKINS – A $2.2 million federal grant will help officials renovate and expand the Elkins-Randolph County Public Library, a facility which has been closed for more than five years due to water damage.

The grant was announced this week by U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development West Virginia State Director John Reisenweber.

“This investment arrives at the perfect moment during National Library Week, underscoring the essential role libraries play in strengthening rural communities,” Reisenweber said in making the announcement. “Renovating and expanding the former Elkins‒Randolph County Public Library will restore a trusted gathering place, expand access to learning and resources, and support the long‒term vitality of the 28,000 residents who rely on it. This project helps ensure the library can continue serving as a cornerstone of connection, opportunity, and community pride for generations to come.”

The library was severely damaged by flooding during a roof replacement over the 2021 Christmas holidays, leaving the 3,000‒square‒foot building gutted, unusable and sitting empty.

“Libraries are at the heart of communities across West Virginia, providing access to education, technology, and opportunity for all ages,” said U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito. R-W.Va. “I’m proud to support this investment in the Elkins-Randolph County Public Library, which will help restore and expand a vital community resource for people in the area. This project ensures the library can continue to serve as a welcoming space for learning, connection, and growth for years to come.”

The library renovation and expansion project will “transform the building into a modern, accessible community hub with dedicated tutoring rooms, expanded technology access, larger programming spaces, and essential services for residents of all ages,” a USDA press release stated.

“By doubling the library’s footprint and adding features like a full classroom kitchen, meeting rooms, and a second floor, the project will significantly strengthen opportunities for learning, workforce readiness, and community connection. This investment ensures the library can meet the needs of the community for the next 50 years and continue serving as a vital resource for the entire region.”

“For years, our community has recognized the need for a library that can grow alongside Randolph County,” said Jennifer Morgan, president of the Elkins-Randolph County Public Library Board of Trustees. “This investment allows us to create a space that is more accessible, more functional, and more welcoming for everyone – from our youngest readers to lifelong learners. We are deeply grateful for the support of our federal and state partners in helping bring this vision to life.”

The Elkins-Randolph County Public Library is a public institution dedicated to providing equal, uncensored access to information in a variety of formats to serve the educational, recreational, cultural and informational needs of its citizens.

Temporarily located at 209 Randolph Ave. in Elkins, the library is open Mondays and Tuesdays from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. You can learn more about the library’s services and upcoming events at www.elkinslibrary.com.

USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Programs offer direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. These investments “strengthen critical community infrastructure, enhance quality of life, and help rural towns attract and retain businesses and services,” the release states. To learn more about these programs, contact USDA Rural Development Community Programs Director Steve Collins at steve.collins@usda.gov.