Craft Memorial Library
🏢 Mercer County Public Library · Bluefield, West Virginia
Craft Memorial Library
Craft Memorial Library anchors downtown Bluefield as Mercer County's main public library — and uniquely home to the Eastern Regional Coal Archives, one of Appalachia's most comprehensive repositories of coalfield history.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9:30am–7pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30am–7pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am–7pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am–7pm |
| Friday | 9:30am–5pm |
| Saturday | 9:30am–5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 600 COMMERCE STREET, BLUEFIELD, WV 24701
Phone: +1304-325-3943
Website: craftmemorial.lib.wv.us
Plus Code: 869W7Q9H+GG (BLUEFIELD, WV)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Craft Memorial Library
Serving Mercer County and surrounding communities from its address at 600 Commerce Street, Craft Memorial Library offers a full range of borrowing, computing, and research services to residents of southern West Virginia. The library is the headquarters institution for the Eastern Regional Coal Archives (ERCA), established after the 1983 Pocahontas Coalfield Centennial, which preserves artifacts, photographs, company records, maps, oral history tapes, and railroad memorabilia documenting the region's coal heritage. Beyond the archives, patrons enjoy a seed lending program, 3D printing access, public computers, copying and faxing, and a free meeting room available to non-profit groups. The library's collection spans books, large-print titles, DVDs, and local newspapers, and cardholders can borrow eBooks and audiobooks at no cost through WV Reads on Libby.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Eastern Regional Coal Archives (ERCA) — Appalachian coalfield history: photographs, company records, blueprints, oral histories, and railroad memorabilia dating to the 1983 Pocahontas Centennial
- Seed lending program — borrow and donate seeds as part of the library's community garden initiative
- 3D printer available for public use — book a session at the reference desk
- Free public meeting room for non-profit groups and community organizations, available by advance application
- WV Reads eBook & audiobook library (OverDrive/Libby) — borrow digital titles 24/7 with your free Mercer County card
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Your free Craft Memorial card unlocks WV Reads — West Virginia's statewide digital library — plus the ERCA online catalog.
📚 Services
- Book, large-print, DVD, and newspaper lending
- 3D printing
- Seed lending program
- Free public computers & Wi-Fi
- Photocopying, faxing, and scanning
- Meeting room (non-profit groups, advance application)
- WV Reads digital lending (eBooks & audiobooks via Libby)
- Eastern Regional Coal Archives research access (by appointment)
🎸 Programs
- Garden Series — free gardening and seed-saving classes for community members
- ERCA research sessions — schedule an appointment to access coal-country archival materials
- Children's and adult reading and enrichment programs throughout the year
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southern West Virginia
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in BLUEFIELD · Browse all West Virginia libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Eastern Regional Coal Archives and how do I use it?
The ERCA at Craft Memorial Library is Southern West Virginia's research facility dedicated to the history of the coalfields. Its holdings include books, company records, diaries, blueprints, photographs, oral history tapes, maps, and railroad memorabilia. Researchers, genealogists, and students are welcome — search the online accession list at craftmemorial.lib.wv.us, then call (304) 325-3943 to schedule an appointment with archivist Becky Kauffman.
Does Craft Memorial Library have a 3D printer?
Yes. The library offers 3D printing access to the public. Ask at the reference desk for session availability and project guidelines.
How does the seed lending program work?
Craft Memorial runs a free seed lending program where community members can check out vegetable, herb, and flower seeds at the beginning of the growing season. You can also donate seeds from your own harvest. Free gardening classes through the Garden Series complement the program.
Can I get a library card if I live outside Mercer County?
The library's primary service area is Mercer County and the surrounding area. Contact the library at (304) 325-3943 or visit craftmemorial.lib.wv.us to ask about non-resident card options.
🔨 This library has a makerspace / 3D printing. See how library makerspaces and 3D printing work and find other libraries with a makerspace makerspaces by state.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
📅 This library has meeting & community rooms. See how library meeting rooms work — booking, policies and fees — and find other libraries with meeting or community rooms meeting rooms by state.
🌱 This library has a seed library. See how library seed libraries work — borrow free seeds, grow them, and save some to return — and find other libraries with a seed library seed libraries by state.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.
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