100 Years of Your Library: A Short History of the Martinsburg Public Library

For one hundred years, the Martinsburg Public Library has been more than a place to borrow books. It has been a gathering place, a learning center, and a cornerstone of community life for generations of Berkeley County residents. From a single room on South Maple Avenue in 1926 to the landmark building on the public square today, the library's story is the story of Martinsburg itself. As we celebrate 100 years of library service in 2026, we invite you to explore the history that brought us here.

Start with the intro. & overview documents, then work your way through the Library's history by decade:

MBCPL History Intro

Overview of the History of the Libraries in Martinsburg

The 1920's: A Community Comes Together

In May of 1926, the Woman's Club of Martinsburg launched a campaign to establish a public library for the community. In just a few months, the support of neighbors, businesses, and civic organizations turned that vision into reality. On October 15, 1926, the library opened its doors at 205 South Maple Avenue with 1,750 catalogued books. In its first year alone, more than 54,000 books were borrowed by a community hungry for stories and knowledge.

The 1930's: Surviving the Great Depression

The library moved to a new home on the second floor of City Hall at 224 West King Street in 1932. Despite deep financial pressure and the very real threat of closure during the Great Depression, the generosity of Martinsburg's civic organizations and residents kept the library's doors open. By the end of the decade, the collection had doubled from 5,000 to 10,000 volumes.

The 1940's: A People's Library

Through the challenges of World War II and the years that followed, the Martinsburg Public Library continued to earn its reputation as one of the most successful community libraries in the region. Under the steady leadership of librarian Mary Stribling, the library grew its collection and its list of registered borrowers, serving neighbors across the city and county with warmth and dedication.

The 1950's: A Community Comes Together

The 1950's brought new leadership, a new library commission, and a renewed conversation about the future of library services in Martinsburg. A community needs survey helped lay the groundwork for expansion, and the Friends of the Library group was established during this period, enrolling more than 300 members in its first six months.

The 1960's: A Decade of Expansion

The 1960's transformed the library. Branch libraries opened across Berkeley County, extending services to neighbors throughout the region. A successful fundraising campaign led to the construction of a brand new $640,000 library facility on the public square, dedicated on July 6, 1968, opening an exciting new chapter in the library's history.

The 1970's: Building on a Strong Foundation

State legislation passed in 1970 guaranteed local government financial support for the library, setting the stage for a decade of remarkable growth. Within three years of opening the new building, book circulation had nearly tripled. By the end of the decade, the collection had grown to nearly 100,000 volumes, and the library ranked among the top in West Virginia.

The 1980's: A New Wing and New Technology

A major addition opened in February of 1981, expanding the building by more than 8,500 square feet. The decade also brought the dawn of library computing, with books circulating by computer checkout beginning in 1985. The beloved card catalog was retired by the end of the decade as the library embraced the future while continuing to serve its community beautifully.

The 1990's: Into the Digital Age

The Internet arrived at the Martinsburg Public Library in 1996, opening a new world of information to the community. The Musselman-South Berkeley Community Library, a groundbreaking partnership between the public library and Musselman High School, opened in 1998. By the end of the decade, the library system was circulating more than 314,000 materials per year.

The 2000's: Renovation, Recognition, and Looking Ahead

The 2000's brought major renovations to the Martinsburg Public Library, including a new elevator, improved accessibility, and reconfigured service areas throughout the building. The library hosted nationally recognized traveling exhibits, supported growing digital collections, and stepped into its 80th anniversary with branch upgrades planned across Berkeley County and a second century of service on the horizon.

The 2010s: Expanding Services and Strengthening Community

The 2010s brought continued growth and innovation to the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Libraries. The library system expanded its digital offerings, strengthened community programming across all branches, and deepened its partnerships with local schools, civic organizations, and community groups. From new technology resources to expanded children's and teen programming, the library continued to evolve as a vital hub for learning and connection across Berkeley County.

The 2020s: Resilience, Renovation, and a New Chapter

The 2020s tested the library's resilience in extraordinary ways. After navigating the challenges of the pandemic years, the Martinsburg Public Library faced an unexpected closure when asbestos was discovered during a long-overdue HVAC renovation. The community rallied, volunteers stepped up, and the Friends of the Martinsburg Public Library were reestablished to help carry the library forward. The library reopened its doors in February 2026, freshly renovated and ready to serve its community for the next 100 years.

2026: 100 Years and Still Going Strong

From a single room on South Maple Avenue in 1926 to a thriving multi-branch system celebrating its centennial in 2026, the library's story is one of determination, community, and an unwavering belief in the power of access to knowledge. One hundred years in, and the next chapter is just beginning.

The Friends of the Martinsburg Public Library are proud to help carry this legacy forward, and we need your help to do it!

Join us as we celebrate 100 extraordinary years, the next chapter is just beginning!

Become a Friend of the Library

Learn more about the Centennial Celebration & Fundraiser

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