WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., July 2, 2019 — Elbin Library Director Cheryl Harshman of Wheeling retired from West Liberty University at the end of June. The library was her professional home since August 1997 when she joined the campus, then known as West Liberty State College.
“We are grateful to Cheryl for her many years of fine work in leading the library and assisting our students, faculty and staff at research and academic endeavors. We wish her well,” said Provost Brian Crawford, who acted as her supervisor for the past six years.
Harshman formerly worked at both the City-County Library in Moundsville and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
She earned a master degree in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s in English from Bethany College. She was a member of the West Virginia Library Association and a Children’s Literature Consultant.
She published several children’s pictures books, including “Sally Arnold,” “Red are the Apples,” and “Christmas Morning.” For her efforts she received the West Virginia Library Association’s prestigious Literary Merit Award, given to West Virginia residents who make outstanding literary contributions.
Most recently, she was commissioned by Wheeling 250 committee to write a children’s book, “Once There Was a Mouse.” Harshman is co-working with another former WLU employee, art professor Bob Villamagna, who is the illustrator of the book.
Harshman also is well known in the region as an artist and has won awards for her clay monoprints and is married to Marc Harshman, West Virginia poet laureate.
Named after a former West Liberty president, the Paul N. Elbin Library is a prominent building located near the entrance of the school. Hundreds of students use the library on a daily basis and make use of its technology, research and reference tools.
Housing over 200,000 volumes, e-books, e-journals, as well as many other resources, the Elbin Library supports the curriculum of West Liberty University.
Located on the main floor is the Information Commons which includes wired PC’s and Mac computers, wireless access, printing, photocopying, and digital imaging. The top floor is designated for quiet study and contains most of the print collection.
The Henry Lash Sheet Music Collection, and the Nelle M. Krise Rare Books Collection also are housed there. The library staff assists students and visitors with research, reference, course work and other informational needs.
For more information, please call 304-336-8261 or visit westliberty.edu/library.