The History of the Shepherdstown Public Library

1922 – Today

The Shepherdstown Public Library had its first home in the bottom level of the Market House at 100 E. German St, starting in 1922.  Before it was a library, the Market House building had many different purposes over the years. The Market House structure was first a true market for residents. In 1845 the Independent Order of Odd fellows built a second story above the market for their meetings, and held a lease for 999 years.  Over the years the building was used also as a makeshift hospital during the Civil war; also a jail, town office, fire hall, school and courthouse.

In 1922 the Women’s Club of Shepherdstown founded a library for the community. The library was operated by the club, funded by donations, and staffed by dedicated volunteers for about fifty years. Despite limited and unpredictable funding, the library thrived and gathered a reasonably balanced collection of books. In 1948, the town was finally persuaded to remove the jail cells. The Women’s Club bought the building lease from the Order of Odd Fellows in 1962 and took possession of the upstairs for a children’s department. In 1971, the Women’s Club turned the library over to the state. It became a locally and state funded public library.

For many years the library provided service, books and programs for children in the Market House. In the 1990’s it became obvious that the Market house building was not going to be able to accommodate the growing community, nor would it be able to continue to provide quality resources, programming and service. Planning and fundraising began in 2012 for a new library facility under the direction of then library director, Hali Taylor, and many dedicated Board Members. In 2022 a new library was completed.

The current Shepherdstown Public Library, which is located at 145 Higbee Lane, is a one-level ADA compliant building of 8,900 square feet. The building includes a Commons room for programs, art shows, events and meetings.  The Children’s area includes a STEAM lab, storytime and craft area, and a separate teen room.  The Adult area includes a Media Lab, Local History research room and a quiet reading area.  Patrons are invited to explore, learn and become a part of the community in our beautiful facility.