New chapter begins at Mary H. Weir Public Library with new director

WEIRTON - A new chapter got under way Wednesday among the shelves of books and other materials at the Mary H. Weir Public Library.

It was Philip Neilson’s first day as the library’s new executive director, officially taking over following the retirement of Rik Rekowski earlier this year.

Neilson spent part of his Wednesday morning touring the library and meeting with members of the staff as works his way into his new role.

"It’s a beautiful building and a beautiful space," Neilson said of the Mary H. Weir Public Library. "It feels inviting and welcoming."

He said the staff and members of the library’s board of directors have made him and his family feel welcome after recently moving to the area.

Neilson, his wife, Erin, and their two children arrived in the Ohio Valley on Friday after moving from Gallup, New Mexico, where he had been the youth services librarian at the Octavia Fellin Public Library.

He explained his wife grew up in the Pittsburgh area, and her parents still reside in the region, providing an opportunity to consider relocating here. He learned the library was seeking a new director and reached out with the hope of being considered.

Neilson began his career in education, teaching middle school English for approximately 10 years before moving into the world of libraries.

"It felt like a natural transition," he said.

Leading the children and youth library programs in Gallup, Neilson implemented a teen advisory board, coordinated the New Mexico Battle of the books for the northwest region of the state, and established a Maker Space at the library.

While preparing for the move, Neilson said he has been studying the library’s calendar and programs to become more familiar with its operations and services, and sees an opportunity to potentially bring some of those efforts to Weirton, including a Maker Space program.

"There’s a movement happening in libraries across the country," he said, noting it would provide area youth with an opportunity to express their creativity while also learning about product development and aspects of business. "A Maker Space seems like it could be a good fit."

Such a program could include 3-D printing, screen printing, making buttons, and other projects, he said, adding it’s still something to look at in the future.

He said there is an adjustment in changing from New Mexico to West Virginia, but he is looking forward to learning more about the region.

"I’m excited to get to know Weirton," he said.

The Mary H. Weir Public Library traces its history to the 1920s, when members of the Weirton Woman’s Club, a year after its formation, decided to work on the establishment of a public library as its first project.

After moving through a series of locations over the next few decades, the library would be moved into the Weirton Community Center in the spring of 1952, through the assistance of Mary H. Weir, the wife of E.T. Weir. The current building would open in 1958.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)