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A few passing clouds. Low 72F. Winds light and variable..
A few passing clouds. Low 72F. Winds light and variable.
Updated: June 10, 2026 @ 10:37 pm
A boy visits the Shepherdstown Public Library on Wednesday.
A boy visits the Shepherdstown Public Library on Wednesday.
SHEPHERDSTOWN — When the design for the Shepherdstown Public Library’s (SPL) now four-year-old building was being developed, it included plans to install a solar panel array on the roof. The architects and electricians, consequently, set up the building’s wiring for the purpose of being connected with the array. Unfortunately, any further efforts in that vein had to then be put on an indefinite hold, due to funding limitations.
“When I came to this position in 2023, we met with three different, local solar companies, to understand what would all be involved with the project and to get a basic proposal — not a formal one — so we could understand what the costs were,” Hagerty said. “After looking at that, we did not feel like we could move forward — the cost always felt really daunting.”
But then, at the end of 2025, a $50,000 bequest was given to the library, to help complete the unfinished project. This bequest, along with the nearing July 3 deadline for them to receive a 30% tax refund on solar power installations, led the library’s board to quickly begin fundraising to cover the remaining cost of the $200,000 project.
“The bequest got us a quarter of the way there, but we want to get the rest of the funds raised, it at all possible, by the Fourth of July,” said SPL Director Christy Hagerty. “Some folks, when the building was being fundraised for, had invested into it because of the promise that it would run on solar energy. We are so glad to now have the opportunity to keep some promises that were made and finish the plans that were made.”
Currently, fundraising for the Solar Power Project is at 54%, thanks to the giving of local residents and the Corporation of Shepherdstown. Hagerty is hopeful that more community members and organizations will get behind the project by July 4, to help raise the remaining $96,000 that are needed.
Donations can be made to the library directly, by visiting www.sheplibrary.org/here-comes-the-sun/? or by dropping off or mailing a check to the library, at 145 Higbee Lane, Shepherdstown, WV 25443. Those wanting to give, but needing the donation to be tax-deductible, can do so by designating their donation to be for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Shepherdstown Public Library Foundation, whose tax identification number is 61-1741255. Donations of $1,000 come with a naming opportunity for a solar panel, if desired.
A fundraising event — the Schools Out! Trivia Night — is being planned for June 17, from 6-8 p.m., by the Friends of the Shepherdstown Library. The entire cost of the tickets, which will be $20 per-person, will go toward the Solar Power Project. Participants will receive a complimentary glass of wine or nonalcoholic beverage, to enjoy throughout the four rounds of trivia. Registration may be made through emailing foslwvinfo@gmail.com or by calling the library at 304-876-6213.
“Having solar power to run on would save us 20-50% off of our monthly electric bill, which is substantial — around $2,500,” Hagerty said, noting the percentage would be dependent on the quality of sunlight and type of solar panels the library board selects. “Being more environmentally conscious is always great, but this project is also wonderful for another reason — it will allow us to save the money we would have spent on our electric bill, and use it in other ways to benefit our community.”
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